Key Takeaways
1. The Minisforum DEG2 eGPU dock introduces a Thunderbolt 5 port alongside the OCuLink connection for enhanced compatibility.
2. The Thunderbolt 5 interface allows the DEG2 to work with systems that do not have an OCuLink port, including the Minisforum MS-S1 Max.
3. Performance tests indicate that OCuLink is superior to Thunderbolt 5, but the DEG2 uses the Intel JHL9480 controller and has a full-length PCIe slot for standard GPUs.
4. The eGPU dock features an M.2 2280 slot for additional storage, supporting drives like the 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus.
5. The DEG2 is compatible with SFX and ATX power supplies but does not include a built-in power supply unit (PSU).
Minisforum has revealed their latest eGPU dock, the DEG2, during the Japan IT Week 2025 event. This new model directly follows the DEG1, which was an external GPU dock that only used the OCuLink connection. The DEG2, however, brings greater flexibility, now including a Thunderbolt 5 upstream port in addition to the OCuLink interface.
Compatibility and Connections
With the addition of the Thunderbolt 5 port, the DEG2 can work with systems that lack an OCuLink port, such as the newly released Minisforum MS-S1 Max. It’s worth mentioning that the Thunderbolt 5 interface on this dock is not just compatible with the new 80 Gbps USB4 v2 port, but also supports older Thunderbolt ports.
Performance Considerations
Recent tests have suggested that when it comes to performance, OCuLink is still superior to Thunderbolt 5. Despite this, Minisforum points out that the DEG2 uses the Intel JHL9480 controller and features a full-length PCIe slot that can accommodate a standard desktop GPU.
In addition to this, the eGPU dock provides various expansion options. For instance, the Minisforum DEG2 includes an M.2 2280 slot for boosting the storage capacity of the connected system, supporting a 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus, which is currently priced at $139.99 on Amazon. It also has several other ports for added functionality.
Power Supply Options
Like its predecessor, the Minisforum DEG2 does not include a built-in power supply unit (PSU). However, it is compatible with both SFX and ATX power supplies. While Minisforum has not yet revealed the launch date or pricing information for the eGPU dock, it is expected that these details will be available soon.
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