Tag: Thunderbolt 5

  • 2026 Razer Blade 16 Swaps AMD for Intel, Gets Great Results

    2026 Razer Blade 16 Swaps AMD for Intel, Gets Great Results

    Key Takeaway

    – 2026 Blade 16 switches from AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 to Intel Core Ultra 9 386H
    – Intel model gains Thunderbolt 4/5 support, faster 9600 MHz RAM
    – Brighter OLED panel (DisplayHDR1000) and higher max TGP (165W vs 160W)
    – Longer battery life and improved gaming performance
    – AMD model slightly faster in multi-threaded workloads

    The new 2026 Blade 16 is now shipping to sucessed last year’s 2025 Blade 16. The model carries the same external shape but with an Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra 9 386H CPU across the board to replace the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

    Advantages of Switching to Intel

    Switching to Intel has some immediate benifits. Primarily, the USB-C ports on the Blade 16 now support Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 where the same ports on the AMD-based Blade 16 SKUs are USB4 only. Secondly, onboard memory speeds are faster at 9600 MHz up from 8000 MHz on the 2025 Blade 16.

    Enhanced Display and Battery Life

    Other benifits with the Intel-based Blade 16 include longer battery life, a much brighter OLED panel (from DisplayHDR500 to DisplayHDR1000) and a slight bump to the maximum TGP boost from 160 W to 165 W. Both changes improve the gaming experience by small but persistent margins.

    Performance Trade-offs

    Switching to Intel isnt all roses, however. As shown by the benchmark comparisons below, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 can slightly outperform the Core Ultra 9 386H when it comes to traditional multi-threaded workloads. The Intel Blade 16 is nonethless the faster machine for gaming as our review shows.

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    • MCIO G2 eGPU Dock with MCIO Support Detailed Ahead of Launch

      MCIO G2 eGPU Dock with MCIO Support Detailed Ahead of Launch

      Key Takeaway

      1. The GPD G2 dock supports PCIe 5.0 x8 hardware via the GPD Box mini PC, offering higher bandwidth than most current mini PC ports, but actual speeds may be limited by USB4 v2 and Thunderbolt 5 interference.
      2. It features a PCIe Gen 5 x16 GPU slot with 126GBps bandwidth, an 80Gbps USB4 v2 port with 100W Power Delivery, and an 800W PSU suitable for high-end GPUs.
      3. Additional ports include two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, a gigabit Ethernet port, and an M.2 NVMe slot, expanding storage options.
      4. The G2 dock is set to launch soon but lacks confirmed pricing and availability details.

      Introduction to GPD G2 Dock

      GPD has released details about their new G2 dock, designed specially to work with the GPD Box mini PC which is equipped with the MCIO 8i port. This dock is an upgrade over the traditional OCuLink PCIe 4.0 x4 standard because it utilizes 8 lanes instead of just four, promising better performance and more bandwidth for users.

      Technical Compatibility and Support

      The specifications sheet of the GPD G2 dock states its support for PCIe 4.0 x8, but the company has confirmed that the GPD Box’s port supports PCIe 5.0 x8. We contacted GPD for clarifications, and a company spokesman said that the dock physically supports PCIe 5.0. Nonetheless, due to potential interference between MCIO and USB4 v2 or Thunderbolt 5, the actual speed might not hit the full PCIe 5.0 x8 bandwidth. Still, operating at PCIe 4.0 with 8 lanes, the dock should surpass most modern mini PC and handheld gaming device ports in throughput.

      Additional Features and Connectivity

      • The PCIe slot meant for a GPU is a Gen 5 x16 slot, offering a data bandwidth of roughly 126GBps, capable of supporting high-performance graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090.
      • It includes a USB4 v2 port rated at 80Gbps for versatile connectivity across a range of devices.
      • This dock supports Power Delivery 3.0 with up to 100W, enabling charging of connected devices through a typical 5-feet Silkland USB4 v2 cable, priced at around $24.95.
      • The built-in power supply unit (PSU) outputs 800W, suitable for running large GPUs and demanding desktop setups.
      • Expandable storage is possible through an NVMe M.2 slot with PCIe 3.0 x2 interface, which can be used to increase the storage capacity of the connected host device.
      • Other ports include two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, besides a standard gigabit Ethernet port for network connections.

      Availability and Final Notes

      GPD has not announced the official price or release date for the G2 dock yet, but it is expected to be available soon. This expansion dock appears to be a powerful addition for users needing high-speed data transfer, graphics processing, and flexible connectivity options in a compact form factor.


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    • Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB eGPU Launches with Thunderbolt 5 & OCuLink

      Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB eGPU Launches with Thunderbolt 5 & OCuLink

      Key Takeaway

      1. Morefine’s G2 eGPU features a desktop Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB GDDR7 VRAM and an OCuLink 4.0 x4 port, offering improved performance over Thunderbolt 5, though some performance drop is expected.
      2. The device supports up to 100W Power Delivery via Thunderbolt 5, enabling it to power the host device while providing high-speed GPU data transfer.
      3. Compact and lightweight design (140x100x54mm, ~700 grams) relies on an external PSU, with a built-in fan that has three operational modes for noise or performance levels.
      4. The G2 offers various connection options, including a Thunderbolt 5 downstream port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4, supporting 4K display out at 144Hz.
      5. Currently in pre-order at $1,099, with shipments expected by May 20, 2026.

      Introduction to the new morefine G2 eGPU

      Morefine has just unboxed a new external graphics card named the G2, and it is pretty impressive. This device contains a Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, equipped with a large 16GB GDDR7 VRAM. Though they didn’t share much about how fast it performs, one thing to note is that with an OCuLink 4.0 x4 port, it can be quite efficient. The company specify that this port is capable, but some performance might be lost compared to internal GPUs, however not by too much, especially with a good host setup.

      Connectivity and performance considerations

      Now, if you don’t have an OCuLink port, no worries, as the G2 also features a Thunderbolt 5 port. This port is compatible with the USB4 v2 interface and is a flexible option for most systems. Nevertheless, when it comes to gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, OCuLink is said to give better results than Thunderbolt 5. The port setup also includes an additional Thunderbolt 5 downstream port, that handle 4K displays at 144Hz refresh, along with three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.0, and a DisplayPort 1.4 for diverse connectivity needs.

      Power, cooling, and portability

      The G2 is claimed to support up to 100W power delivery through the upstream Thunderbolt 5, thanks to a 5-feet Silkland TB5 cable costing around $24.95. This means it can power your laptop or PC while transferring the GPU signals at the same time. For thermal management, the built-in fan has three modes—allowing users to flip between high performance or quiet operation modes. Size-wise, the eGPU is fairly small, measuring 140x100x54mm, mostly because it relies on an external Power Supply Unit (PSU). It also remains comparatively light, weighing about 700 grams, making it easy to carry around.

      Pricing and availability

      Right now, the Nvidia-based eGPU is available for pre-order at a price of $1,099. The company mentions that early orders are expected to ship by May 20, 2026, giving prospective buyers some time to plan. Interested users can check the detailed spec sheet attached below for more technical information on the G2 model, but overall, it looks like a compelling addition for those looking to upgrade their laptops or desktops with external graphics power without too much hassle.


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    • Wokyis M5 TB5 Docking Station for Mac Mini with M.2 Slot & DisplayPort

      Wokyis M5 TB5 Docking Station for Mac Mini with M.2 Slot & DisplayPort

      Key Takeaways

      1. Unique Design: The Wokyis M5 retro docking station mimics an old Apple Macintosh computer, setting it apart from other options.

      2. Price Consideration: The upgraded version of the dock is significantly more expensive, increasing from $169 to $339, prompting buyers to evaluate its necessity.

      3. Enhanced Performance: The dock offers a bandwidth increase from 10 Gbps to 80 Gbps, providing faster data transfer when using SSD and USB ports simultaneously.

      4. Connectivity Features: It includes multiple USB ports, a 5-inch display (1280 x 720 resolution), a DisplayPort for 8K60 output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

      5. M.2 SSD Slot: The dock supports M.2 2280 SSDs with speeds up to 6,000 MB/s, making it a cost-effective alternative for storage upgrades compared to Apple’s options.

      The variety of docking solutions for the Mac Mini is quite vast, but Wokyis aims to differentiate itself with a unique design. The M5 retro docking station not only serves a practical purpose but also resembles an old Apple Macintosh computer. An upgraded version of this dock is currently on the market, yet it comes with a much higher price tag. Instead of the original $169, it now retails for $339 on Amazon, so potential buyers should consider if they really need this pricier option.

      Enhanced Performance

      In comparison to the less expensive version, the bandwidth jumps from 10 Gbps all the way up to 80 Gbps. When utilizing both an SSD and USB ports simultaneously, users can experience significantly faster data transfer speeds. This Mac Mini dock is compatible with an M.2 2280 SSD, which generally offers a cheaper alternative to Apple’s costly storage upgrades.

      Connectivity Features

      On the back side, you’ll find two USB Type-A ports capable of up to 10 Gbps, while more USB ports can be found on the front. A 5-inch display is integrated into the dock, boasting a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, which isn’t particularly sharp but may still work as a secondary display. There’s also a DisplayPort on the back that supports 8K60 output. The Wokyis docking station is powered through USB PD, and it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. Lastly, the M.2 SSD slot has a maximum speed of 6,000 MB/s, provided that the SSD is fast enough and the connected device is compatible with Thunderbolt 5.

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    • Satechi CubeDock: Thunderbolt 5 Dock for Mac Mini with M.2 SSD

      Satechi CubeDock: Thunderbolt 5 Dock for Mac Mini with M.2 SSD

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Satechi CubeDock is designed for MacBook Pro and Mac mini users, complementing the Mac mini’s aluminum aesthetic.
      2. It connects via Thunderbolt 5, offering 120Gbps bandwidth and charging capabilities of up to 140 watts, also compatible with Thunderbolt 4.
      3. The dock features multiple ports, including a front USB-C port (30 watts), USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, and SD/microSD card readers.
      4. The back includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, additional USB-C and USB-A ports, and supports up to three 8K monitors.
      5. The CubeDock is priced at $399 in the US, with availability in Europe and other regions following its US launch.

      The Satechi CubeDock is mainly meant for users of MacBook Pro and Mac mini. Currently, the Mac mini starts at $539 on Amazon. The aluminum design closely resembles the size, shape, and color of Apple’s mini PC, allowing it to integrate nicely into your setup.

      Connection and Charging Capabilities

      This docking station connects using Thunderbolt 5, offering a remarkable bandwidth of 120Gbps and the ability to charge laptops through the same cable with up to 140 watts. It’s also compatible with Macs that only have Thunderbolt 4, although it will work at a lower performance level. On the front, you’ll find a USB-C port capable of charging devices with up to 30 watts, alongside data transfer speeds of 10Gbps. Additionally, it features a 3.5mm headphone jack, one USB-A port, and both SD and microSD card readers.

      Ports and Additional Features

      At the back, there are four Thunderbolt 5 ports, with one dedicated for connecting to your computer. This section also includes 2.5Gbps Ethernet, one USB-C port, and one USB-A port, all with 10Gbps bandwidth. There’s also a barrel connector for the provided 180 watt power supply. The dock can support up to three 8K monitors. On the bottom, it has an M.2-2280 slot suitable for a PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD, allowing for a maximum capacity of 8TB and speeds reaching up to 6000 MB/s.

      The Satechi CubeDock is priced at $399 in the United States. Typically, Satechi products are available in Europe and other regions a few weeks after their US launch.

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    • Minisforum DEG2 Launches as OCuLink and TB5 eGPU Dock Worldwide

      Minisforum DEG2 Launches as OCuLink and TB5 eGPU Dock Worldwide

      Key Takeaways

      1. The new DEG2 eGPU dock features two Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering 80 Gbps bandwidth, while retaining OCuLink connectivity.
      2. The DEG2 does not include a built-in power supply unit (PSU) but provides a metal brace and screws for securing an external PSU.
      3. It introduces an M.2 2280 slot for SSDs, along with 2.5 Gigabit LAN and USB Type-A ports for expanded connectivity options.
      4. The retail price of the DEG2 is $299, currently available for pre-order at $239.90, with shipping starting in January 2026.
      5. The DEG2 outperforms the original DEG1 with significant design updates while maintaining the same 64 Gbps bandwidth for graphics cards through PCIe 4.0 x4.

      Minisforum is wrapping up the year by launching its much-anticipated successor to the DEG1 eGPU dock, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon. The original DEG1, released over a year and a half ago, featured an OCuLink 4i connector alongside a 16-pin PCIe 4.0 connector, all within dimensions of 270 x 175 x 41 mm. With an impressive bandwidth of 64 Gbps, it outperformed Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 eGPU docks and included a 24-pin connector for connecting ATX or SFX power supplies.

      Changes in Design

      The DEG2 sticks to this design philosophy but does not come with a built-in power supply unit (PSU). Instead, Minisforum has provided screws to secure a PSU, preventing the graphics card from moving with a metal brace included in the package. While these features are also present in the DEG1, the DEG2 incorporates some significant updates.

      New Features

      For starters, the DEG2 introduces two Thunderbolt 5 ports without losing OCuLink connectivity, unlike the Peladn Link S-3. As per Minisforum, both Thunderbolt 5 ports offer a bandwidth of 80 Gbps, while still providing the same 64 Gbps to graphics cards through PCIe 4.0 x4 as with OCuLink. Additionally, one of the Thunderbolt 5 ports supports charging up to 140 W, while the other tops out at just 30 W.

      Expansion Options

      Moreover, the DEG2 features several expansion possibilities that were not available in the DEG1. As illustrated in the image below, Minisforum has added an M.2 2280 slot for an SSD, along with 2.5 Gigabit LAN and USB Type-A ports located on both ends. The retail price of the Minisforum DEG2 is $299 in the US, but it is currently available for pre-order at $239.90, with shipping expected to begin in January 2026 in various regions. At the moment, Minisforum is also offering its latest eGPU dock in markets like Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and across the Eurozone too.

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    • Aoostar AG03 eGPU Dock Launches with OCuLink and 80 Gbps USB4

      Aoostar AG03 eGPU Dock Launches with OCuLink and 80 Gbps USB4

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Aoostar AG03 features two USB 4 v2 or Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering up to 80 Gbps bandwidth.
      2. One Thunderbolt 5 port supports up to 140 W PD, ideal for gaming handheld setups.
      3. The AG03 has a built-in 800 W power supply but can supply a maximum of 500 W to the connected GPU.
      4. The design remains similar to the AG02, with no M.2 slot support and an x16 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for desktop GPU installation.
      5. The AG03 is priced at CNY 1,499 (approximately $213) and is currently available only in China.

      Aoostar has released an improved version of its external GPU dock, called the Aoostar AG03. This new model mainly upgrades from the AG02 by including two USB 4 v2 or Thunderbolt 5 ports. The v2 ports are capable of providing up to 80 Gbps bandwidth, which is a step up from the standard USB4 port on the older version.

      Enhanced Power Features

      In addition to the increased bandwidth, one of the Thunderbolt 5 ports supports up to 140 W PD, making it very useful for gaming handheld setups (Silkland TB5 4-feet cable curr. $29.99 on Amazon). The second port can deliver up to 27 W of power, and like its predecessor, the AG03 includes an OCuLink port. However, the PCIe interface for installing a desktop GPU has not changed; it still features an x16 slot with PCIe 4.0 x4 support.

      Specifications and Performance

      Another important feature of the new eGPU dock is the maximum GPU power it can supply through its built-in PSU. The Aoostar AG03 comes with a built-in 800 W power supply but is limited to providing up to 500 W to the connected desktop GPU. By comparison, the previous model could deliver up to 600 W of maximum GPU power, likely due to the new USB4 v2 ports. Other than this, not much is different in the new external GPU dock; it keeps the same design and still lacks M.2 slot support, which some other eGPU docks offer. However, one of the Thunderbolt 5 ports does allow for connecting external drives to the setup.

      Pricing and Availability

      The Aoostar AG03 has been launched in China with a price of CNY 1,499, roughly $213. The company has not yet announced when the eGPU dock will be available in other markets around the world.

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    • StorageKey Gen2 SSD Enclosure with Thunderbolt 5 for Fast Transfers

      StorageKey Gen2 SSD Enclosure with Thunderbolt 5 for Fast Transfers

      Key Takeaways

      1. The StorageKey Gen2 is a new external SSD enclosure seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a pledge starting at $190 and expected delivery in March 2026.
      2. It features Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, supporting various M.2 SSD sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280), but requires users to install the SSD themselves.
      3. The enclosure can achieve high performance with sequential read speeds up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, depending on the SSD and connection used.
      4. Key B storage devices are not compatible with the StorageKey Gen2 due to its connection using four PCIe 4.0 lanes.
      5. The enclosure includes both passive and active cooling mechanisms, featuring an aluminum body, cooling fins, and a quiet fan to prevent SSD overheating.

      The StorageKey Gen2 is a new external enclosure designed for SSDs, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. As with all crowdfunding projects, there’s a significant amount of risk for those who decide to back it. However, if you’re interested, you can reserve one for a pledge of $190, not including shipping and any potential import charges. Deliveries are expected to start in March 2026. If you’re looking for something simpler, the SanDisk Extreme Pro offers a standard external SSD, with its 1TB version priced at $139 on Amazon.

      Connection Features

      This enclosure includes Thunderbolt 5, which works with previous Thunderbolt versions and USB 4, though at slower transfer speeds. Users will need to install the SSD themselves. It supports M.2 sizes of 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, covering almost all common sizes. This means that typical SSDs from laptops and desktops can easily be used in the StorageKey Gen2, allowing users to utilize drives that have been replaced.

      Performance and Compatibility

      It’s worth noting that Key B storage devices won’t work with this enclosure. The connection uses four PCIe 4.0 lanes. The manufacturer claims that it can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds reaching 5,000 MB/s, provided there are no bottlenecks with the SSD installed or the connection to the laptop, desktop, or smartphone.

      Cooling Mechanism

      Users shouldn’t worry about SSD overheating with the StorageKey Gen2, which has dimensions of roughly 3.94 x 2.17 x 0.59 inches, and includes both passive and active cooling features. The body is crafted from aluminum and is equipped with cooling fins and a small, yet fairly quiet, fan operating at just 25dB. Additionally, a thermal pad aids in transferring heat to the exterior of the enclosure.

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    • Aoostar EG02 eGPU Dock Launches Worldwide with OCuLink Option

      Aoostar EG02 eGPU Dock Launches Worldwide with OCuLink Option

      Key Takeaways

      1. Aoostar has launched the EG02 eGPU docking solution, adding to its established presence in the eGPU market.
      2. The EG02 features a Thunderbolt 5 port for both power and data transfers, unlike the previous OCuLink connection.
      3. The EG02 can charge devices at a maximum of 140 W, surpassing other eGPU docks with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 support.
      4. The design includes a removable mount for organizing mini-PCs above power supplies.
      5. The EG02 is priced at $219, discounted from its original price of $299.

      Aoostar has quietly launched its new eGPU docking solution after showcasing it earlier this week. To summarize, Aoostar has a strong presence in the eGPU market, having previously released products like the AG02 Graphics Dock and the XG76XT in the past few years.

      New Features of the EG02

      Most recently, the company has unveiled the EG01, which is currently being sold for $99 to compete with the similar Minisforum DEG1 (currently $99 on Amazon). The EG01 connects to devices only through OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4), but the EG02 brings something new to the table. Notably, Aoostar has included a Thunderbolt 5 port that allows for both power and data transfers, unlike OCuLink that only handles data.

      Charging Capabilities

      As per Aoostar, the EG02 can charge devices at a maximum of 140 W, setting it apart from other eGPU docks that support Thunderbolt 4 and USB4. It’s important to note that the additional Thunderbolt 5 port shown in Aoostar’s promotional images is just a downstream connection, providing 27 W of power and enabling DisplayPort Alt Mode. Furthermore, the EG02 is equipped with a full PCIe 4.0 x4 port for connecting desktop graphics cards, along with a DC adapter port for directly powering mini-PCs.

      Design and Pricing

      The EG02 also features a removable mount that allows users to store a mini-PC above an ATX or SFX power supply, helping to keep things organized. The EG02 is currently available for purchase directly from Aoostar for $219, which the company claims is a discount from its original price of $299. For more information, you can check Aoostar’s official site.

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      Aoostar EG02 eGPU Dock Launches Worldwide with OCuLink Option

       

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    • Aoostar EG02: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock This Month

      Aoostar EG02: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock This Month

      Key Takeaways

      1. Aoostar is launching a new eGPU dock, the EG02, worldwide, following the release of the EG01 model.
      2. The EG02 retains the design and mounting system of the EG01 but introduces OCuLink and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
      3. The EG02 offers 140 W USB Power Delivery and 80 Gbps bandwidth through Thunderbolt 5, and 64 Gbps via OCuLink.
      4. Pre-sales for the EG02 will start at 11:07 UTC on November 15, initially priced at $219.
      5. The price of the EG02 may rise to $299 after the pre-sale period ends.

      Aoostar has quietly shared its intentions to roll out a new eGPU dock worldwide. To give some background, the company began the month by introducing the EG01 for $99. This model bears a striking similarity to the Minisforum DEG1, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon. The Aoostar EG01 also includes a mini-PC stand and a DC power port, allowing users to power a mini-PC using an ATX or SFX power supply.

      Similarities and Differences

      At first glance, the Aoostar EG02 looks almost identical to the EG01. The new model keeps the same mounting system and DC power connector as its predecessor. It also follows the same design style set by the Minisforum DEG1 and Peladn’s Link S-1 or Link S-2. However, the notable change is that the Aoostar EG02 now features OCuLink and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, similar to the Minisforum DEG2 and Peladn Link S-3.

      Performance Specs

      Consequently, the Aoostar EG02 is capable of delivering 140 W USB Power Delivery and can provide 80 Gbps bandwidth through Thunderbolt 5, along with 64 Gbps via OCuLink. It’s important to mention that while Thunderbolt 5 lags behind OCuLink concerning raw performance, the difference is much smaller than that seen with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB 4. Pre-sales for the Aoostar EG02 are scheduled to commence at 11:07 UTC on November 15. Initially, the eGPU dock will be priced at $219, but this price could increase to $299 once the pre-sale period concludes.

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      Aoostar EG02: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock This MonthAoostar EG02: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock This Month

       

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