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Minisforum DEG2 Thunderbolt 5 / OCuLink eGPU Dock

The Minisforum DEG2 is a dual-mode open-frame eGPU dock that connects a desktop graphics card over either Thunderbolt 5 or a native OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4) link, selected via a hardware switch. It uses an Intel JHL9480 Thunderbolt 5 controller and adds a downstream Thunderbolt 5 port, 2.5GbE Ethernet, and an M.2 2280 slot. It is the Thunderbolt 5 successor to the Minisforum DEG1, which is OCuLink-only1.

Specifications

SpecValue
ModelDEG2
Price~$150–200 USD (dock only)
Host connectionThunderbolt 5 or OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4), hardware switch
ControllerIntel JHL9480 (Thunderbolt 5)
Host power deliveryUp to 140W (via TB5)
Downstream TB51x (30W)
USB-A1x 10Gbps + 1x 5Gbps
Ethernet2.5GbE
M.2 slot2280
GPU slotPCIe x16 (open)
Power supplyBYO ATX/SFX (not included)
EnclosureOpen-frame

Framework Compatibility

ModelStatusNotes
Framework Laptop 16 (AMD Ryzen 7040 / AI 300)WorksVia TB5/USB4, or OCuLink with an Expansion Bay adapter
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra)WorksTB4/USB4
Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen AI 300)WorksUSB4 port
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel 11th/12th/13th Gen)WorksTB3/TB4
Framework Laptop 12IncompatibleNo USB4/Thunderbolt
Hardware switch selects TB5 or OCuLink

A physical switch on the dock selects between the Thunderbolt 5 host input and the OCuLink input. Over OCuLink you get native PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth (no protocol overhead), but OCuLink is not hot-pluggable — reboot to connect or disconnect1.

Successor to the DEG1

The DEG1 is OCuLink-only and pairs specifically with the FW16 Expansion Bay OCuLink adapter. The DEG2 adds a Thunderbolt 5 path (Intel JHL9480), so it also works with any TB5/TB4/USB4 laptop, not just OCuLink-equipped hosts1.

Where to Buy

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Footnotes

  1. Best Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Enclosures — Minisforum DEG2 review — ThunderboltLaptop 2 3