MINISFORUM Unveils DEG2 Graphics Expansion Dock with Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink 4i Support

MINISFORUM has officially revealed the full specifications of its DEG2 open graphics expansion dock, expanding its lineup of performance-oriented hardware solutions. Announced on October 23, the DEG2 aims to deliver a versatile external GPU platform for both desktop and mobile users, supporting high-speed connectivity through Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink 4i (PCIe 4.0×4) interfaces.

The DEG2 is based on the Intel JHL9480 main control chip, which enables stable and efficient data transmission across connected devices. It offers a full-length PCIe slot, compatible with a wide range of discrete graphics cards, giving users the flexibility to choose GPUs that suit their specific workloads. To power the hardware, MINISFORUM has designed the DEG2 to support both ATX and SFX form factor power supplies, allowing users to configure it based on their performance or space requirements.

Inside the unit, the dock also integrates a M.2 2280 slot, providing room for additional SSD storage. This internal expansion option makes it convenient for users who need fast local storage alongside their graphics hardware, eliminating the need for external drives. The DEG2 requires 24-pin and 8-pin power connectors, ensuring stable power delivery to both the GPU and internal components during intensive workloads.

In terms of external connectivity, MINISFORUM has equipped the DEG2 with a comprehensive range of ports. The device includes one upstream Thunderbolt 5 port capable of 140W Power Delivery (PD-out) for powering connected laptops or mini PCs, along with one downstream Thunderbolt 5 port offering 30W PD-out for accessories. Additionally, there are two USB-A ports—one supporting 10Gbps and another 5Gbps transfer speeds—for peripheral connections, as well as a 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet port for wired networking.

With this feature set, the DEG2 offers a flexible platform that caters to various usage scenarios, from gaming and creative workloads to professional applications requiring GPU acceleration. Its dual connectivity design ensures compatibility with both modern Thunderbolt-based devices and systems equipped with OCuLink interfaces, giving users more options for system integration.

MINISFORUM’s approach with the DEG2 reflects growing interest in modular computing solutions, where users can expand performance capabilities without replacing their entire systems. By combining next-generation Thunderbolt 5 technology with open PCIe support, the DEG2 positions itself as a practical and adaptable expansion dock for power users, content creators, and professionals seeking external GPU performance in a compact form factor.