Anandtech testet das Gigabyte-Mainboard Z170X-UD5 TH. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch auf den Kostenfaktor Thunderbolt eingegangen:

Since the launch of the initial Thunderbolt controllers, we have frequency postulated as to what the addition of the controller adds to the cost of the motherboard. Of course, the motherboard manufacturers pay Intel’s set pricing depending on how many units ordered and if there’s an exclusive contract. We were told at the launch of the Skylake ecosystem that the Thunderbolt 3 controller, Alpine Ridge, was costing GIGABYTE similar to the price of the ASMedia USB 3.1 controller – about $8-12. Typically this means by the time it gets to the end-user, after distribution and retailer markups and tax, it can be a $20-$25 add-on to the standard motherboard.

Der Preis eines Thunderbolt 3 Interfaces liegt also etwa gleichauf mit dem von USB 3.1. In Summe kostet die Thunderbolt 3-Version dieses Boards min den USA einen Mehrpreis von lächerlichen USD 6.

Unter dem Titel "Systemperformance"des wie gewohnt ausführlichen Tests findet sich ein Passus, der der "Heit is eh ois giiech"-Fraktion gar nicht gefallen wird:

Not all motherboards are created equal. On the face of it, they should all perform the same and differ only in the functionality they provide - however this is not the case. The obvious pointers are power consumption, but also the ability for the manufacturer to optimize USB speed, audio quality (based on audio codec), POST time and latency. This can come down to manufacturing process and prowess, so these are tested.

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