Thunderbolt 3 Setup guide

LENOVO THINKSTATION P520c, P520, P720, P920
Thunderbolt 3 Setup and Configuration

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Contents
Thunderbolt 3 overview
Front Thunderbolt 3 solution
oParts list
oInstallation instructions
Rear Thunderbolt 3 solution
oParts list
oInstallation instructions
BIOS configuration

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Thunderbolt 3 overview
Thunderbolt 3 is one of the fastest input/output (I/O) protocols for connecting peripheral devices to
your workstation. Your ThinkStation supports two different solutions for adding Thunderbolt 3
ports: a two port front panel accessible solution and a rear single port solution. This document
contains a brief description of Thunderbolt 3 features, followed by detailed instructions for installing
the Thunderbolt 3 solutions in your computer.
Thunderbolt 3 is an I/O interface that provides high speed data transfer between your workstation
and peripheral devices. Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data, monitor signals, and networking traffic
through a simple, industry standard port. Thunderbolt 3 employs the mechanically symmetrical
USB Type-C connector, allowing for easy insertion regardless of plug orientation.
Through the use of the USB Type-C port, a Thunderbolt 3 connection functions similar to a typical
USB port. Like previous versions of USB, Thunderbolt ports can be used to connect memory keys,
external hard drives, and other devices for the portable transfer of data. Unlike previous versions
of USB, however, Thunderbolt 3 supports multiple protocols for transferring data and connecting
peripheral devices, including: USB (all versions), Firewire, Thunderbolt 2, Ethernet, and Display
Port (with HDMI, DVI, and VGA support by extension).
Brief snapshot of supported Thunderbolt 3 features
Data Transfer
Up to 40Gbps transfer speed
Ethernet
10 Gbps peer-to-peer support
DisplayPort
DP 1.2 support
Device Charging
100W bi-directional power capacity
Device Interconnection
Daisy Chain up to 6 devices

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Front Thunderbolt 3 solution
The front Thunderbolt 3 solution provides two ports on the front of your ThinkStation.
Parts list
The following parts are needed for the installation of the front Thunderbolt 3 solution:
5.25” FLEX Module (FRU 01EF759)
Front Thunderbolt bezel (FRU 01EF100)
Circuit board bracket (FRU 01EF160)
Thunderbolt 3 PCIe x4 card kit (FRU 01YW003)
PCIe x4 adapter card
External DP to DP cable
Front Panel IO board and cable kit (FRU 01YW016)
Front panel IO circuit board
General purpose input/output (GPIO) cable
Mini-SAS cable
Internal DP to DP cable
FLEX module
PCIe x4 adapter card
External DP to DP cable (200mm)

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Front panel IO circuit board, bracket, and bezel
Cable connector details (total cable length)
GPIO (600mm)
Mini-SAS (650mm)
Internal DP to DP (650mm)

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Installation instructions (front port solution)
Note: Due to differences in chassis design, portions of this installation procedure will vary
depending on the type of workstation you have (P520c, P520, P720, or P920). Where
necessary, the installation procedure differences are noted below.
FLEX module preparation
1. The FLEX module is designed with the removable access cover on the bottom. Invert the
FLEX module so that the removable cover is facing up and then place it on a flat work
surface. Lift the metal tab on the rear of the module and slide the cover back and up to
remove it from the module.
2. When viewed from the front, the FLEX module faceplate has slots for 4 devices or ports.
The Thunderbolt 3 ports will be installed in the top right slot (with the module oriented as
shown below), which is currently filled by a blank bezel. Remove the blank bezel by
pressing the two internal retaining tabs and popping the bezel out the front of the
faceplate.
3. Install the Thunderbolt 3 bezel in the empty faceplate slot. The bezel should be oriented
so that the Thunderbolt 3 icons are below the port openings in its current orientation. The
module will be flipped over before it is inserted into the workstation, so these icons will be
above the ports in the final orientation. Press the bezel from the front until the retaining
tabs snap into place.
4. Remove the card retaining bracket from the FLEX module by lifting the retention clip
slightly and sliding the bracket toward the rear of the module.

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5. Install the Thunderbolt I/O adapter card onto the retaining bracket by aligning the four
locator holes with the corresponding mounting posts on the bracket. Press down on the
card until the four retaining clips snap into place, securely mating the two parts into a
single assembly.
6. Install the retaining bracket/adapter card assembly into the FLEX module by reversing the
procedure performed in step 4. Slide the assembly forward until the retention clip snaps
into place.
7. Plug four cables into the rear of the adapter card. The power cable is already part of the
FLEX module and the remaining 3 cables were supplied with the Thunderbolt 3 kit. Use
the following connector layout diagram as a guide for cable connections:
a–Power cable connector
b–GPIO cable connector
c–Internal DP to DP cable connector
d–mini-SAS cable connector
Note: The power cable is integrated into the FLEX module, originating from the rear
power connector. The other 3 cables are supplied as part of the Thunderbolt 3 kit.

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8. Route the three cables through the cutout on the rear of the FLEX module and replace the
cover. Starting from the rear of the module, engage the cover and slide it forward until it
clicks into place.
FLEX module and adapter card installation
Prepare the workstation for FLEX module installation by removing the side access cover.
Though not necessary, the rest of the installation will be easiest if the workstation is laid on its
side at this point.
1. Remove the plastic filler blank and the EMI shield from the 5.25” FLEX bay you intend to
use.
P520c
Remove the front bezel by releasing the three plastic tabs and rotating the bezel away
from the chassis.
Use the finger cutouts to pull the EMI shield out of the bay.

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There is an optical drive retainer on the side of the ODD/FLEX bay cage –remove this
retainer and install it on the left side of the FLEX module as shown here:
P520, P720, P920
Press the release button to remove the plastic cover from the front of the FLEX bay, and
then remove the EMI shield.
2. Insert the FLEX module, cover down, into the 5.25” FLEX bay that you have just prepared.
Feed the GPIO, internal DP to DP, and mini-SAS cables through the bay as you insert the
module and help to guide them around any obstacles from the inside of the workstation.
Insert the module into the FLEX bay until it latches into place. The FLEX bay latching
mechanisms vary across the various workstations, as follows:
P520c
The FLEX module should slide freely all the way into the bay until it latches into place.

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P520
Slide the FLEX module into the bay until it stops, then press tab 1 as shown below and
push the module further until it latches into place.
P720
Press the tabs toward each other as shown below and slide the module halfway into the
bay. Release the tabs and continue sliding the module in until it latches into place.
P920
Remove the large air baffle from the chassis to gain full access to the inside of the
workstation. Insert the FLEX module into the bay and push it until it latches into place.