Tag: Thunderbolt 5

October 24, 2025

Minisforum DEG2: New Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock with OCuLink

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.

Tags: Minisforum, Thunderbolt 5
October 14, 2025

Humbird 3 Thunderbolt 5 Dock with eGPU Slot Now Available for Preorder

Key Takeaways

1. Port Variety: The Humbird 3 features three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, Ethernet, DisplayPort 2.1, an SD/microSD card reader, and an M.2 slot for SSDs.

2. Wireless Charging: It includes hidden charging coils for wireless charging of smartphones and Apple Watches.

3. Laptop Charging Capability: The dock can charge connected laptops with a maximum output of 100 watts.

4. Unique PCIe Slot: It has a concealed PCIe slot on the top for connecting a desktop GPU with a 500-watt PSU.

5. Crowdfunding Availability: The dock is available on Kickstarter with a price of around $322, with expected delivery in November 2025.

At first look, the Humbird 3 appears to be just another docking station with a good range of ports, yet it has features that many similar products lack. It all starts with its port options, which include three USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 5, allowing for a massive bandwidth of up to 120Gbps.

Port Variety and Functionality

In addition to the three USB-C ports, the dock has two USB-A ports (10Gbps), Ethernet (5Gbps), and DisplayPort 2.1, which can handle an 8K monitor at 60Hz. It also comes with an SD and microSD card reader, plus an M.2 slot for adding an SSD. The dock is designed with hidden charging coils under its wooden-style surface, capable of wirelessly charging smartphones and even an Apple Watch, starting at $229 on Amazon.

Power and Unique Features

Laptops that are connected can be charged at a maximum of 100 watts, and there’s a small display that shows the dock’s status. One of its most unique features is a concealed PCIe slot on the top cover, which lets users plug in a standard desktop GPU using a 500-watt power supply unit (PSU). The graphics card connects through PCIe 4.0 x4.

The Humbird 3 TB5 docking station was successfully funded through crowdfunding, but it’s still up for grabs on the Kickstarter platform. The eGPU dock is priced around $322, not including shipping, import duties, and taxes. Expected delivery is set for November 2025. It might be wise to wait for reviews from independent sources since crowdfunding can sometimes lead to receiving poor-quality products or no product at all.

Source:
Link

Tags: eGPU dock, Thunderbolt 5
October 3, 2025

Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Performance: Peladn Link S-3 vs OCuLink

Key Takeaways

1. Thunderbolt 5-based eGPUs are now widely available, with options like the Razer Core X V2 priced at $349.99.
2. The GeForce RTX 5090 can achieve around 90 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra settings when paired with Thunderbolt 5.
3. Thunderbolt 5’s bandwidth often falls short compared to OCuLink, as shown in tests with the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti.
4. The performance of graphics cards like the RTX 5070 Ti is negatively affected when connected via Thunderbolt 5, resulting in lower FPS.
5. While Thunderbolt 5 is improving, it still cannot match OCuLink’s bandwidth, which also has its own performance and compatibility issues.

Thunderbolt 5-based eGPUs are now starting to be widely available, following their introduction earlier this year with the new Asus ROG XG Mobile. Although Asus’ GeForce RTX 50 laptop models are hard to find, devices that utilize desktop graphics cards, such as the Razer Core X V2, can be easily ordered (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon).

Performance Expectations

In a recent demonstration, ETA Prime revealed the performance that can be expected from a GeForce RTX 5090 when paired with Razer’s latest eGPU. Nvidia’s most powerful consumer GPU can achieve around 90 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra settings with DLSS turned off, even when using Thunderbolt 5 for connection.

Bandwidth Comparison

Theoretically, Thunderbolt 5 should meet or surpass the maximum bandwidth provided by OCuLink. However, YouTuber Try Some Tech has shown that this is rarely the reality. In his test with the Peladn Link S-3 and a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, he confirms that Thunderbolt 5 significantly lags behind the bandwidth capabilities of OCuLink, as demonstrated around 3:29 minutes into the video linked below.

Gameplay Impact

Due to this limitation, the Peladn Link S-3 causes the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti to deliver noticeably lower frames per second compared to when it’s connected to a device via OCuLink or used in a desktop setup. Furthermore, the 1% FPS lows are more pronounced over Thunderbolt 5, which can make for a less smooth gaming experience overall.

In conclusion, while Thunderbolt 5 is narrowing the gap with OCuLink, it still has a long way to go to match the bandwidth that OCuLink provides. Nevertheless, OCuLink isn’t without its flaws either, as it suffers from performance losses compared to desktop systems, cable compatibility issues, and the absence of hotswapping, among other drawbacks.

Source:
Link

Tags: GeForce RTX 5090, Razer Core X V2, Thunderbolt 5
September 17, 2025

Aoostar EG01: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock with Mini-PC Mount

Key Takeaways

1. Aoostar launched the TA95X3D MoDT motherboard and started pre-orders for the Maco mini-PC in China, generating interest in the new EG01 eGPU dock.
2. The EG01 does not include a built-in power supply but supports ATX and SFX PSUs, featuring a GPU mounting bracket similar to the DEG1.
3. The dock offers unique mounting options for mini-PCs above the PSU and supports OCuLink connectivity, along with a Thunderbolt 5 port for 150 W USB Power Delivery.
4. The EG01 is positioned as the first eGPU dock with both OCuLink and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, offering an advantage over competitors like Peladn Link S-3.
5. Pricing and release date details for the EG01 are currently unavailable, but an international launch is expected as it appears on Aoostar’s global website.

Aoostar has recently introduced the TA95X3D MoDT motherboard in China, after starting pre-orders for the Maco mini-PC in the same region. Now, the company is generating interest in the EG01, a new eGPU dock that looks quite similar to the Peladn Link S-3 and Minisforum DEG1, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon.

Design and Features

Unlike the Aoostar AG01 that was launched last year, the EG01 does not come with a built-in power supply (PSU). It supports both ATX and SFX PSUs, just like the DEG1 and Link S-3. Additionally, Aoostar has added a GPU mounting bracket that is similar to the one included with DEG1 orders from Minisforum.

Unique Mounting Options

Interestingly, Aoostar seems to have provided a separate mount for setting up a mini-PC above the PSU. The EG01 supports OCuLink connectivity, similar to the DEG1, but it is not just a re-branded Gzosmeta EG01C. Aoostar also mentions that they have included a Thunderbolt 5 port which can handle 150 W USB Power Delivery (USB PD). This means that the Aoostar EG01 has a 10 W edge over the Peladn Link S-3 in terms of power delivery.

Market Positioning

To our knowledge, the EG01 is the first eGPU dock that offers both OCuLink and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Although the FEVM FNGT5 Pro provides the same connectivity features, it has a laptop-grade GPU and a built-in PSU, which lacks any upgrade options. Unfortunately, details regarding the pricing and release date are still unavailable. However, an international launch seems to be on the horizon, as the EG01 is mentioned on Aoostar’s global website.

Source:
Link

Tags: eGPU dock, Thunderbolt 5
September 13, 2025

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5060 Ti eGPU: 5% Slower Than Desktop Model

Key Takeaways

1. Aorus has launched a new external GPU, the RTX 5060 Ti AI Box, aimed at mainstream users, based on Nvidia’s desktop-grade GPU.
2. The eGPU features 16 GB of VRAM and uses the Windforce cooling system, offering more memory than some competitors.
3. It connects via Thunderbolt 5, which is claimed to be only 5% slower than traditional desktop connections, but TB5 is not widely available yet.
4. The device also functions as a docking station, providing multiple USB ports and Ethernet connectivity.
5. The Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box is more portable than the RTX 5090 model, with compact dimensions of 117 x 243 x 45 mm.

Among the many new products showcased today at the Beyond Edge online event hosted by Gigabyte, the Aorus brand has unveiled its newest external GPU designed for mainstream users. This device is based on Nvidia’s desktop-grade RTX 5060 Ti model. It is expected to be available in the next few weeks, alongside the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU that was presented at Computex.

A New Option in the Market

Until recently, only a handful of OEMs offered eGPUs, and they mainly concentrated on the more budget-friendly AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, which is based on the laptop-grade RDNA 3 dGPU. Aorus steps in with a new Nvidia option that’s actually derived from a desktop GPU. It comes equipped with the same Windforce cooling system and boasts 16 GB of VRAM, doubling the 8 GB found in some alternatives. Therefore, it’s likely that the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box will be priced higher than the desktop GPU, which currently retails for $460.

Worth the Investment?

The potential price might be justified, especially since the eGPU connects via Thunderbolt 5 to compatible devices. Gigabyte claims that the TB5 (PCIe 4.0 X4) connection is only 5% slower than a desktop GPU utilizing a PCIe 4.0 X16 slot. However, TB5 is not yet a common standard, being primarily found in high-end laptops and mini PCs. Fortunately, the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box supports USB4 backward compatibility, allowing users to use it as a game renderer, while a less powerful dGPU in their laptop can share the workload with Project G-Assist.

More Than Just an eGPU

In addition to its eGPU capabilities, this device serves as a docking station, providing 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports with Power Delivery 3.0 and an Ethernet NIC. The Aorus logo and the interior are illuminated with RGB LEDs for an appealing aesthetic. The box is significantly more portable than the RTX 5090 model, measuring at 117 x 243 x 45 mm, making it easier to transport.

Source:
Link

Tags: eGPU, Thunderbolt 5
September 3, 2025

Beelink Launches 80 Gbps Mini PC Dock with M.2 Slots for Mac Mini

Key Takeaways

1. Beelink launched the Mate SE mini PC dock in China with a new port configuration, including an 80 Gbps USB-C port.
2. The dock features a Thunderbolt 5 port, making it compatible with Apple Mac mini, alongside support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 or 4.
3. The Mate SE offers expandability with two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×2 SSD slots, supporting up to 16 TB of storage, but requires external power for devices needing over 15 W.
4. It includes an additional SD card reader compared to its predecessor, but does not have a 3.5 mm audio port; only one version of the Mate SE is available.
5. The launch price in China is CNY 985 (about $138), matching the previous model’s launch price, with global pricing and availability details to be announced soon.

Beelink has launched a new mini PC dock in China called the Mate SE. This new dock features a slightly altered port configuration compared to its predecessor, but it still includes the 80 Gbps USB-C port. Notably, this isn’t the USB4 2.0 port that USB-IF described in late 2024.

Thunderbolt Compatibility

According to the Chinese product listing, the dock is equipped with a Thunderbolt 5 port, which means it can work with the Apple Mac mini. It also supports USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports that are common on many mini PCs.

Expandability Features

The Beelink Mate SE offers a variety of ports for expandability. It’s important to note that this mini PC dock can function without needing external power. However, if the devices connected to it require more than 15 W, you will need to plug in a power adapter to the PD In port (45 W Anker Nano priced at $19.99 on Amazon).

The Mate SE is capable of accommodating two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×2 SSDs. Beelink emphasizes that each slot can support an 8 TB SSD, allowing for a maximum expanded storage capacity of up to 16 TB.

Additional Features and Pricing

When compared to the Mate mini, the new Beelink dock includes an additional SD card reader, although it lacks a 3.5 mm audio port. Furthermore, it appears that there is only a single version of the Mate SE available, unlike its predecessor. In terms of pricing, the launch price in China is CNY 985, which is about $138, matching the launch price of the non-SE model in China. Details regarding global pricing and availability are still pending but are anticipated to be announced soon.

Source:
Link

Tags: Thunderbolt 5
August 30, 2025

Volta Launches Thunderbolt 5 Magnetic USB-C Adapter Preview

Key Takeaways

1. Volta is launching a new adapter that serves as an alternative to the Chargeasap Connect Pro, integrating all cable technology into a compact design for use with existing USB-C cables.

2. The adapter features swappable magnetic tips for Lightning, microUSB, and USB-C connections, allowing users to charge multiple devices with one adapter.

3. It is marketed as a “world first” magnetic adapter rated for Thunderbolt 5, supporting 240W charging, 120Gb/s file transfer, and 16K monitor connections.

4. It is unclear if the USB-C cable used must also support Thunderbolt 5 for optimal performance.

5. The adapter will launch at a special price of $15, which is lower than the regular price of $25, but no specific launch date has been provided.

Volta is set to release a new product that serves as an alternative to the Chargeasap Connect Pro. This new device combines the technology of the entire cable, including its interchangeable magnetic ports, into a compact adapter designed for use with an existing USB-C cable.

Swappable Magnetic Tips

In line with this innovation, the adapter features swappable magnetic tips for Lightning and microUSB connections, plus one for USB-C. This ensures that users can keep the adapter attached no matter what device they are charging.

With this setup, users can easily power up their iPhone 13 Pro, Kodak Super 8, or Ledlenser P7R Pro using a single cable with this adapter.

Advanced Technology Features

Furthermore, the magnetic adapter is claimed to be a “world first,” as it is rated for Thunderbolt 5. This means it should be capable of supporting charging up to 240W, transferring files at speeds of 120Gb/s, and connecting to monitors with resolutions up to 16K.

Volta hasn’t clarified if the cable itself needs to support Thunderbolt 5, similar to the Anker Prime-series accessory found on Amazon, but it appears that is the most probable scenario.

Pricing and Availability

As for when the new adapter will hit the market, a specific launch date has not been revealed. However, Volta has shared that it will introduce the product at a special price of $15 on launch day, which is lower than the regular price of $25 for the adapter.

Source:
Link

Tags: Thunderbolt 5
August 7, 2025

RayCue Launches Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station for Mac Studio

Key Takeaways

1. Product Overview: The RayCue 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock is designed for the Mac Studio, providing a compact and powerful docking solution.

2. High-Speed Connections: The dock features Thunderbolt 5 for data transfers up to 80 Gbps and supports two SSD installations for up to 16TB of additional storage.

3. Storage Options: It allows for RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations and supports CFexpress cards with speeds up to 10 Gbps.

4. Multi-Monitor Setup: The dock includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1 for connecting multiple external displays.

5. Pricing and Availability: The dock is priced at $269 and ships starting September 10, including a Thunderbolt 5 cable but not an SSD.

We’ve covered RayCue products multiple times in the past, as the brand provides a diverse range of docking options and has now launched another item in this category. The RayCue 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock for Mac Studio is tailored specifically for Apple’s desktop system. This mini PC is compact yet powerful, allowing it to sit directly on top of the docking station. Buyers should ensure they refer to the official compatibility list before making a purchase since it works with different configurations.

High-Speed Connections

This dock connects to the Mac Studio through Thunderbolt 5, enabling data transfers of up to 80 Gbps. Users can install two SSDs, which allows for an additional storage capacity of up to 16TB for the Mac Studio. It supports both RAID 0 and RAID 1 setups, as well as CFexpress cards that can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, there are a couple of USB 3.2 Type A ports and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack available.

Multi-Monitor Setup

For connecting monitors and external displays, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1 available. The TB5 dock delivers up to 45 watts of power through USB PD. You can order the new RayCue docking station directly from the manufacturer for $269, with shipments expected to start on September 10. This cost is for the dock itself along with a Thunderbolt 5 cable, but it does not come with an SSD. Alternatively, you can find other RayCue products on Amazon.

Source:
Link

Tags: Mac Studio, Thunderbolt 5
August 3, 2025

Peladn Link S-3: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock

Key Takeaways

1. Peladn has launched the Link S-3 eGPU graphics dock globally, following its debut in China.
2. The Link S-3 features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, offering up to 80 Gbps bandwidth, while still being compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices.
3. Despite the higher bandwidth of Thunderbolt 5, performance may not exceed that of its predecessor or competitors due to existing limitations.
4. The Link S-3 includes additional features like 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, a USB Type-A port, an SD card reader, and an M.2 slot for SSDs.
5. The pricing for the Link S-3 is approximately $337 on AliExpress, but due to US tariffs, it is priced at $460.52 for US customers.

Peladn has just launched its new eGPU graphics dock worldwide, coming after the device’s debut in China nearly a month ago. To summarize, the Link S-3 is the successor to the Link S-2, which was introduced late last year. At that time, Peladn aimed to market the Link S-2 as a budget-friendly option compared to the Minisforum DEG1 (currently priced at $99 on Amazon) since it utilized OCuLink connectivity to connect a desktop graphics card with laptops, mini-PCs, or gaming handhelds.

New Connectivity Features

In a significant change, Peladn has opted for Thunderbolt 5 for the Link S-3, which is intended for devices that can support this newer standard. The Link S-3 should also work well with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices, but they’ll be limited to a maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps. On the other hand, Thunderbolt 5 offers up to 80 Gbps bandwidth, though it still provides the same 64 Gbps to graphics cards through PCIe 4.0 x4.

Performance Expectations

This means that you shouldn’t expect the Link S-3 to outperform its predecessor or the Minisforum DEG1 just because Thunderbolt 5 boasts a higher theoretical peak bandwidth compared to OCuLink. Nonetheless, Thunderbolt 5 does come with various advantages over OCuLink, such as the ability to hotswap connections and transmit more than just video signals.

Additional Features and Pricing

Furthermore, the Link S-3 is equipped with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek RTL8156B), a USB Type-A port (10 Gbps), an SD card reader, and an M.2 2280 slot that can support up to PCIe 3.0 x1 bandwidth for SSDs. Additionally, the Link S-3 can charge a connected device at a power of up to 140 W, surpassing the capabilities of OCuLink graphics docks. Presently, the Link S-3 is available on AliExpress for £253.79/€291.99 (~$337) or CAD$384.38 (~$279). Unfortunately, due to US tariffs on Chinese imports, the price for US customers is set at $460.52.

Source:
Link

Tags: eGPU dock, Peladn Link S-3, Thunderbolt 5
July 18, 2025

Peladn Launches First Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock with Expansion Ports

Key Takeaways

1. Peladn launched the Link S-3 eGPU dock shortly after the Y01 mini-PC with AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU.
2. The Link S-3 utilizes Thunderbolt 5 technology, offering two ports for connectivity, unlike previous docks that used OCuLink ports.
3. Thunderbolt 5 theoretically provides 80 Gbps bandwidth, but is limited to 64 Gbps due to PCIe 4.0 x4 pass-through.
4. The Link S-3 features additional ports including a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, an SD card reader, an M.2 2280 SSD slot, and a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port.
5. The Link S-3 is available for pre-order in China for CNY 1,599 (about $223) and will start shipping on July 26, with no global release date announced yet.

Peladn has launched a new device, just a few weeks after introducing the Y01 mini-PC equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU. To give some context, the Y01 competes with the GMKtec EVO-X2 and similar products. On the other hand, the Link S-3 has a design similar to the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU dock, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon.

A Different Approach

Unlike the DEG1 or the previous Link S-2, Peladn has chosen a unique strategy with the Link S-3. In comparison, the earlier eGPU docks had OCuLink ports that could offer up to 64 Gbps bandwidth, suitable for desktop-grade graphics cards. On the contrary, the Link S-3 uses Thunderbolt 5 technology through two ports.

Bandwidth Considerations

In theory, Thunderbolt 5 could deliver a superior bandwidth connection, boasting 80 Gbps compared to OCuLink’s 64 Gbps. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Thunderbolt 5 is limited to a PCIe 4.0 x4 pass-through, which caps the connection at a maximum of 64 Gbps bandwidth. Consequently, latency may still hinder performance when compared to an OCuLink setup.

The Link S-3 offers additional features that are not present in OCuLink eGPU docks, including a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port that uses Realtek’s RTL8156B chip. Furthermore, Peladn has added an SD card reader, an M.2 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x1) SSD slot, and a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port. The Peladn Link S-3 is available for pre-order in China at CNY 1,599 (approximately $223) and is set to start shipping on July 26. However, there has been no announcement regarding when it will be available globally.

Source:
Link

Tags: Peladn Link S-3, Thunderbolt 5