Global Launch of MINISFORUM DEG2 External Graphics Dock
The MINISFORUM DEG2 is a short docking station that gives an interface for a desktop graphics card to connect to a computer such as a laptop or a mini PC that does not have enough internal space for a dedicated graphics card. After its debut in China, the product is now available for customers all around the world.
Design and Power
The dimensions of the DEG2 are 270 x 175 x 41mm (10.6″ x 6.9″ x 1.6″). It provides a PCIe x16 interface for desktop graphics cards and has connectors for either an ATX or SFX power supply unit. Users have to get their own PSU since the dock does not offer one.
Connectivity and Performance
In essence, the most important key feature of the dock is the support for dual high-speed connections:
- OCuLink: Provides an external PCIe 4.0 x4 connection, with data transfer capacity of up to 64 Gbps.
- Thunderbolt 5 / USB4v2: With a capacity for data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps. While theoretically faster, actual speeds may be marginally lower than OCuLink speed due to the overhead of signal conversion.
The presence of both interfaces enhances compatibility with a wider array of machines, since OCuLink ports are still rare on the majority of consumer devices. Additionally, the dock retains backward compatibility with PCs that support Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) or USB4 (up to 40 Gbps).
Moreover, the dock can deliver up to 140W of power to a connected computer over the USB/Thunderbolt port for providing power and charging for a laptop or mini PC at the same time.
Other Ports and Expandability
The DEG2 is somewhat of a jack of all trades. Additional highlights include:
- One M.2 2280 slot for a PCIe NVMe SSD
- One 2.5 Gb Ethernet port
- A second Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C port
- One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port
- One USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port
Included Accessories
The MINISFORUM DEG2 comes packaged along with OCuLink and USB-C cables, a graphics card holder, an SSD heat sink, and screws for GPU assembly.
Pricing and Availability
Available directly at $240 from the official MINISFORUM store, the MINISFORUM DEG2's price has been slashed to $210, with a further discount coupon (XMAS30) applicable on all purchases before December 30.
