Tag: Oculink

  • GMK Unveils Mini PC with OCuLink & AMD APU

    GMK Unveils Mini PC with OCuLink & AMD APU

    Key Takeaway

    – EVO-X3 is a refresh of the EVO-X2, powered by the same Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, with AI Max+ 495 variant (supporting up to 192GB unified memory) coming later in 2026.
    – New OCuLink port added for expanded connectivity, a key upgrade missing on EVO-X2.
    – Dual M.2 slots support up to 16TB total storage (8TB per slot).
    – Design is slimmer but taller, likely with a new cooling setup.
    – Launches June 22, 2026 in China, with WiFi 7 and USB4 ports included.

    New Mini PC from GMKtec Announced

    The EVO-X3 has been formally announced by GMKtec, it’s more of a slight refresh than a proper successor to there previous model. The company confirmed in an announcement that the EVO-X3 will be powered by the same Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, but at Computex 2026, GMK shared that the system will be available with the AI Max+ 495 later in 2026. The latter would bring one notable upgrade, up to 192GB unified memory support.

    Memory and Connectivity Upgrades

    For referance, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 maxes out at 128GB. Another notable upgrade that will be available on the EVO-X3 from the beginning is the OCuLink port, which was missing on the EVO-X2 and this will broaden the expandability options. The new mini PC retains the two M.2 slots, each of which can hold up to an 8TB SSD, making the total system storage support stand at 16TB.

    Design Changes and Performance Features

    At Computex 2026, GMK has also revealed that the EVO-X3 will sport WiFi 7, and there will be USB4 ports. There’s a noteworthy change in the design, compared to the EVO-X2, which did relatively well in our review, the EVO-X3 is slimmer but taller. Given the form factor change, there should be a different cooling setup inside the mini PC.

    Launch Date and Availability Details

    Other details about GMKtec EVO-X3 are under wraps, but in the announcement, GMK shared that the EVO-X3 will launch on June 22, 2026, in China. Global launch should be around the horizon as well. GMK on Weibo


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  • Ninkear M8_226V Mini PC: OCuLink & USB4 Spotted

    Ninkear M8_226V Mini PC: OCuLink & USB4 Spotted

    Key Takeaway

    – OCuLink and USB4 are now included, addressing previous connectivity gaps.
    – Powered by Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (Lunar Lake) with 16 GB non-upgradeable on-package RAM.
    – Compact 128×128 mm chassis with front-mounted OCuPort for easier eGPU access.
    – Rear panel features dual HDMI, DisplayPort, 2.5GbE, and additional USB-A ports.
    – Still an engineering sample with no pricing or release date announced.

    A pre-release engineering sample of the Ninkear M8_226V has surfaced on r/MiniPCs. The original poster gave us a detailed look at what looks like a Lunar Lake upgrade to the brands existing M8 platform — and with a connectivity loadout that is honestly quite impressive, especially for its size class. When we reviewed the Ninkear M8 earler this year, we flagged the absence of USB4 and OCuLink as big gaps. This Lunar Lake variant ships with both of them.

    Core Specifications and Chipset Details

    The M8_226V is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 5 226V, a Lunar Lake chip that was built on TSMC’s 3 nm node. It packs 4 Lion Cove P-cores and 4 Skymont E-cores alongside Intel’s Arc 130V iGPU, a 40 TOPS NPU, and 16 GB of on-package LPDDR5x-8533 RAM — that last point being a key caveat, as Lunar Lake’s on-package memory is not upgradeable at all. The chip has a base TDP of 17 W with boost headroom up to 37 W, which would make it great for a compact, passively-manageable chassis without too much thermal stress.

    Physical Dimensions and Port Configuration

    At 128×128 mm and approximately 675 g, the M8_226V shares its footprint with the existing AMD-powered M8. What’s different is the port layout — and it’s the most interesting part of this particular design. The front panel has an OCuLink port alongside USB4. This combination allows eGPU connectivity with way more bandwidth then Thunderbolt alone could provide. Having OCuLink on the front rather than the rear is an unusual choice, but it should make enclosure attachment and removal considerably less awkward for users with big hands. The rear panel adds two HDMI outputs, a DisplayPort, 2.5GbE, and additional USB-A ports for legacy devices.

    Hands-on photos also show the internals pretty clearly — a single M.2 slot is visible alongside the large SoC heat spreader, and the bottom label confirms 20V/5A power delivery which gives a maximum of 100 W. No pricing or release date has been announced yet. The poster has added that this is purely an engineering sample with full testing still pending, so we shouldnt expect retail units anytime soon.

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  • Peladn HO5 Mini PC: AMD Zen 5 Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 & OCuLink

    Key Takeaway

    – New HO5 mini PC features AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with 12 cores, 24 threads, and Radeon 890M graphics
    – Delivers up to 80 TOPS for on-device AI tasks and local LLM execution
    – Includes 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, secondary M.2 Gen4 slot, and OCuLink port for external GPU
    – Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual 2.5GbE Ethernet, USB4
    – Global release late June 2026 at $1,299 with IceBlast 2.0 cooling and customizable RGB

    Peladn’s New Mini PC Unveiled

    The firm Peladn has announced there new HO5 mini PC, which is featuring AMDs Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor. They have also recentley announced another new mini-PC with the name YO2. This H05 model is set to be released globally in late June 2026 and it will have a retail price of $1,299.

    Recent Hardware Releases

    This newest model follows a steady stream of hardware releases from the manufacturer that have happend over the past several months. Earlier this year, we reviewed a version of the Peladn HO5 mini-PC that was powered by AMDs Strix Point platform. In the months leading up to that event, Peladn released the WO-4 model, which was equiped with a slower AMD Ryzen APU processor.

    Processor and Performance Specs

    The new HO5 is underpin by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 chip, build on AMDs Zen 5 architecture. The processor boasts a total of 12 cores and 24 threads, plus an integrated Radeon 890M graphics solution which has 16 compute units. This hardware delivers a combined performance rating of up to 80 TOPS for AI tasks, allowing users to natively run big language models and localized productivity tools rather then relying on cloud services.

    Memory and Storage Details

    For the memory side, you get 32GBs of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD storage drive. There is also a secondary M.2 Gen4 slot available for expanding the storage capacity. Peladn also included an OCuLink port on the chassis to complement the integrated Radeon 890M graphics, which enables connection to an external GPU dock for upgrading graphics performance to desktop-class levels when needed.

    Connectivity and Cooling System

    Physical connectivity on this device includes WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, and USB4 interfaces. The internal components are cooled by the companys IceBlast 2.0 thermal system, which makes use of three copper heatpipes, a multi-blade fan, and a high-density heatsink. The chassis also features a geometric design accented by a customizable RGB lighting element thats located on the top panel.

    External Graphics Support

    This focus on external graphics support is following the companys recent launch of the Link S-3 eGPU dock, which comes with Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. By using the OCuLink port, users can connect to that dock or other compatible devices to boost the graphical capabilities significantly, making this mini PC much more versatile for demanding tasks like gaming or content creation work.

    • Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 (Zen 5, 12 cores, 24 threads)
    • Graphics: Integrated Radeon 890M (16 compute units)
    • AI Performance: Up to 80 TOPS
    • Memory: 32GB DDR5 RAM
    • Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD + secondary M.2 Gen4 slot
    • Ports: OCuLink, USB4, dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
    • Cooling: IceBlast 2.0 (copper heatpipes, multi-blade fan)
    • Price: $1,299
    • Release: Late June 2026
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  • GMKtec AMD-Powered Gaming Mini PC with OCuLink Port

    GMKtec AMD-Powered Gaming Mini PC with OCuLink Port

    Key Takeaway

    – EVO-X3 is teased as an upgraded version of EVO-X2 with a larger chassis and new I/O, including an OCuLink port, high-speed USB4 ports, and WiFi 7.
    – Likely powered by Ryzen AI Max+ 495 (rumored), suggesting a noticeable performance boost over the EVO-X2’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395.
    – Dual PCIe 4.0 slots for expanded storage and overall emphasis on high-end connectivity and expansion at a premium price.

    GMKtec has shown off a new mini PC named EVO-X3 during the AMD AI Developer Day 2026 in China, with only one image released and limited details shared. The official blog hinted that it would be an upgraded version of the EVO-X2, suggesting improvements on the previous model rather than a complete rebuild.

    Overview and teased upgrade

    GMK EVO-X2 previously arrived as one of the early mini PCs to feature the top-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which included the Radeon 8060S iGPU. This integrated graphics solution was reported to rival the gaming performance of Nvidia RTX 4070 Laptop GPU in certain scenarios, a claim that impressed enthusiasts seeking compact power. The EVO-X3 is expected to continue that tradition by offering an enhanced processing unit, with speculation pointing toward the Ryzen AI Max+ 495 as a possible core.

    Possible specs and features

    In official communications, GMKtec confirmed the EVO-X3 will include an OCuLink port, a feature missing from the current EVO-X2. Additionally, the device is promised to come with high-speed USB4 ports, WiFi 7, and dual PCIe 4.0 expansion slots to support extra storage. The existence of these elements signals a focus on connectivity and expansion, aligning with expectations for a future-proof mini PC.

    The photographed render shows a larger chassis for the EVO-X3 relative to the EVO-X2, implying improved cooling, space for higher-end components, or both. Pricing remains undisclosed, but it’s noted that the EVO-X2 launched at a higher price due to its premium internals, and GMKtec has previously increased the EVO-X2 price after global availability.

    Design and positioning

    The single image teased by GMKtec depicts a design shift toward a more substantial enclosure, which could reflect enhanced thermals and potential performance headroom. While it’s common for mini PCs to trade compactness for greater cooling, the EVO-X3’s prospective upgrades suggest GMKtec is targeting power users who demand sustained performance from a compact form factor.

    • OCuLink port inclusion signals an emphasis on fast external connections.
    • WiFi 7 readiness points to better wireless performance in dense environments.
    • Dual PCIe 4.0 slots offer expandable storage options for demanding workloads.

    Market expectations

    The EVO-X3’s arrival comes amid a crowded field of compact workstations and gaming mini PCs. If the EVO-X3 pairs the rumored Ryzen AI Max+ 495 with robust cooling and enhanced IO, it could appeal to professionals and enthusiasts who want a capable box for content creation, AI workloads, or portable game streaming. Pricing remains a key variable that will influence its reception among buyers who already saw the EVO-X2 fluctuate in cost after introduction.

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  • Ugreen LinkStation eGPU Dock Launches with USB4 and 850W PSU

    Ugreen LinkStation eGPU Dock Launches with USB4 and 850W PSU

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ugreen’s LinkStation eGPU dock offers both USB-C and OCuLink connections, with notable performance features.
    2. It connects via a 40 Gbps USB4 interface and supports Thunderbolt 4 and 3, alongside a high-speed 64 Gbps OCuLink option.
    3. The dock includes an integrated 850 W 80 Plus Gold power supply, making it easy to use with high-performance GPUs.
    4. It has a semi-open aluminum design for better airflow but lacks M.2 slot and Ethernet port compared to competitors.
    5. The Ugreen LinkStation eGPU dock is priced at $449.99 and supports GPUs up to 370 mm in length and four slots in thickness.

    Ugreen has introduced the LinkStation eGPU dock in the United States. This enclosure first appeared in China towards the end of last year and stands out as one of the few options that provide both USB-C and OCuLink connections, albeit with some limitations.

    Connectivity Options

    The LinkStation interfaces with laptops and handheld consoles through a 40 Gbps USB4 connection, which is also compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3. For those seeking peak performance, it offers OCuLink with an impressive 64 Gbps PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth, making it particularly suitable for mini PCs such as the Minisforum X1 Pro-470.

    Power Supply and GPU Support

    A significant feature is the integrated 850 W 80 Plus Gold power supply, allowing users to only need to provide a graphics card. In contrast, the newly launched Minisforum DEG2 eGPU Dock (currently priced at $254.99 on Amazon) features OCuLink and a quicker 80 Gbps Thunderbolt 5 port, but lacks a built-in power supply. Nevertheless, with 12V-2×6 and PCIe 8-pin connectors, the LinkStation can easily support high-performance GPUs like the RTX 5090, RTX 4090, and RTX 4080, accommodating cards up to 370 mm in length and four slots in thickness.

    Design and Limitations

    The enclosure is designed with a semi-open aluminum chassis to enhance airflow and includes a low-RPM ATX 3.1 PSU fan. However, in contrast to the Minisforum DEG2, it does not feature an M.2 slot or an Ethernet port. Connectivity options are restricted to OCuLink and USB4, with the latter capable of delivering up to 100 W of power to the host device. The Ugreen LinkStation eGPU dock is currently available on Amazon for $449.99.

     

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  • UGREEN Unveils 850W Gold-Rated Power Supply Graphics Card Dock

    UGREEN Unveils 850W Gold-Rated Power Supply Graphics Card Dock

    Key Takeaways

    1. UGREEN’s LinkStation Graphics Card Expansion Dock allows users to connect full-sized desktop graphics cards to laptops and handheld gaming consoles.
    2. The dock features two connection options: an Oculink port for 64Gbps data transfer and a USB4 port for 40Gbps, with reverse charging capabilities.
    3. It supports large graphics cards up to 370mm in length and has a removable top cover for additional space, with an internal 850W power supply.
    4. Benchmark tests show the dock provides strong performance, achieving 30,164 points with an RTX 5090 compared to 34,508 points on a desktop.
    5. The LinkStation is priced at 2,299 yuan (approximately $325) and includes a one-year warranty.

    UGREEN has made a name for itself with its chargers and accessories, but now it’s branching out into the realm of computer hardware with their latest product, the LinkStation Graphics Card Expansion Dock. This innovative dock allows users to attach a full-sized desktop graphics card to a laptop or handheld gaming console. Its design is semi-open and made from aluminum, promoting good airflow, and it comes with a built-in power supply rated at 850W for efficient performance.

    Connection Options

    The LinkStation provides two connection options to accommodate different devices and performance requirements. One of the methods is the Oculink port, which delivers impressive data transfer speeds of 64Gbps, ensuring a speedy and stable connection. Additionally, it has a USB4 port that operates at 40Gbps and can reverse charge up to 100W to keep your laptop powered while in use. Included in the package are both a 0.8m USB4 cable and a 0.5m Oculink cable, giving you everything you need to set it up right away.

    Compatibility and Power Supply

    This dock is designed to house large graphics cards measuring up to 370mm in length from popular brands such as NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. If your graphics card exceeds the standard dimensions, the top cover can be removed to provide extra space. The internal power supply conforms to ATX 3.1 standards and is capable of supporting high-performance cards like the NVIDIA 40 and 50 series graphics cards.

    UGREEN has shared some benchmark results to highlight how the dock performs compared to a typical desktop setup. In a Port Royal test, an RTX 5090 graphics card achieved a score of 34,508 points on a desktop; however, when the same card was connected to a laptop through the LinkStation’s Oculink port, it scored 30,164 points. This shows that while a direct motherboard connection remains faster, the Oculink connection still provides a high level of performance for external setups.

    Pricing and Availability

    Weighing in at 5.08kg, the dock is currently available for purchase in China at a price of 2,299 yuan, which is approximately $325. This price also includes a one-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

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  • 3D-Printed Console PC with Laptop Motherboard and 7900 XTX GPU

    3D-Printed Console PC with Laptop Motherboard and 7900 XTX GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. A member of the Framework community created an innovative console using a Framework 13 mainboard and a DIY Oculink eGPU setup, highlighting open hardware culture.
    2. The project utilizes a Framework Ultra 7 165H mainboard with a 7900XTX GPU and features a custom 3D-printed, actively-cooled case.
    3. The setup achieves about 90% of expected GPU performance compared to traditional desktop PCIe slots and allows for easy portability with a removable mainboard “cartridge.”
    4. The creator documented challenges faced during the build, such as bandwidth limits and material heat resistance, contributing to the learning process.
    5. This project exemplifies the modularity and experimentation possible within the Framework ecosystem, encouraging personal engineering and component combination.

    One member of the Framework community has transformed a collection of “mystery box” mainboards into a truly innovative console creation. This individual combined a Framework 13 mainboard with a DIY Oculink eGPU setup, encasing it all in a 3D-printed shell. The degree of modularity and experimentation shown here goes beyond a simple hardware modification. It’s a project that embodies the spirit of open hardware culture, showcasing the vast potential of the Framework platform.

    The Starting Point

    This project kicked off with a Framework Ultra 7 165H mainboard, sourced from a mystery box, paired with a 7900XTX GPU through a DEG1 Oculink dock, which is currently priced at $99.99 on Amazon. The entire setup is contained within a customized, actively-cooled case that the creator developed and printed, going through several iterations of 3D models and print trials to reach the end result. A Corsair 850W PSU provides the power needed, while active cooling on the mainboard and three 120mm fans for the GPU ensure everything stays stable.

    Performance and Modularity

    The creator has thoroughly tested the build using Fedora and Bazzite OS, based on Steam Deck, for both desktop and living-room gaming. The mainboard connects through M.2 to Oculink, utilizing PCIe gen 4 x4. In actual gaming scenarios, the GPU performance reportedly achieves about 90% of what you would expect from a conventional desktop PCIe slot.

    What stands out is how the mainboard and GPU are placed in different 3D-printed enclosures. This fresh design allows for easy removal of the mainboard “cartridge,” making it portable.

    Documenting the Journey

    The build log reveals some interesting real-world issues, such as bandwidth limits found on older 12th-gen mainboards compared to newer models, the difficulties of working with PETG and ASA filaments for heat resistance, and the need for precise airflow adjustments for effective cooling. The user has meticulously recorded all the processes (you can check out the initial builds here and here), from fine-tuning firmware and cooling for the mainboard to ensuring the eGPU enclosure keeps the powerful 7900XTX under control.

    Even though this isn’t a commercially available product, it illustrates the kind of personal engineering that’s very attainable in a Framework ecosystem, where components like mainboards, adapters, OSes, and GPUs can be freely combined.

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