When I do a search it says TB4 cards are like $150.
So I guess if we are talking about discouraging the $500 mobo purchase, I suppose the "sell" would be to be happy with transfers of just 20 Gbps, which $300 boards offer.
Otherwise it appears that the cost of the AIC is prohibitively expensive vs. just getting a USB4 board.
That summarizes what I just said accurately, yes.
Another option is to 'get by' with 20 Gbps until prices come down on the AICs. But again, how 'priceless' is it to YOU? Are you good with 20 Gbps for a while? Maybe even until 80 Gbps comes out? Or do you go 40 Gbps integrated now and 80 Gbps in 3 years? All shyte you need to decide.
If I only knew that 80 Gbps and WiFi 7 would be available beginning of 2024, but that's not how it works.
They release mobos in October/November - not January/February, right?
So educated guess would be that 80 Gbps and WiFi 7 would arrive two years from now.
Not +/- one year from now, since no way a new mobo comes out in just one year from now with either of those.
IMO.....these things shouldn't even be a consideration for someone building in the next two years, nonetheless sooner like you seem to be trending (but God knows when, lol). No matter what, you'll need AICs for this. I mean, you can wait two years, but what happens when they announce USB4 v3.0 that's 160 Gbps/Wi-Fi 8? You're in the same paralyzing 'but this is coming out....' loop.
As I've said in all of your threads that are about your new build, there comes a time when you just have to pull the trigger. There will always be something better around the corner. At least here, in two years you can add an AIC for 80 Gbps USB4 as well as a new Wi-fi adapter in the Key-E socket to get what you want. But don't forget the Wi-Fi 7 capable router and for devices you want to take advantage of the bandwidth (along with a bump in your ISP plan to Gig+), Wifi 7 adapters on those. I'd imagine you're horny for the new Wi-Fi to add more devices tho. My point here is, a motherboard and upgrading the Wi-Fi/USB4 80 is the least of your concerns...that's easy.
ASRock 40 Gbps boards....
Z790 PG-ITX/TB4
Z790 Taichi Carrara
Z790 Taichi
X670E Taichi
X670E Taichi Carrara
B650E Taichi
As I understand it, in order to say TB4/USB4, you need to have the licensing for it so perhaps that's why we aren't seeing it labeled as such in some places.
So from that list, the
ASRock B650E Taichi is the least expensive ASRock 40 Gbps option at $450. If it has what you need hardware-wise, it seems like it's the best option with 40 Gbps and you can just add Wi-Fi 7 card and 80 Gbps down the line when it's out.