The AOOSTAR EG02 is a dual-mode eGPU dock that connects a desktop graphics card over either Thunderbolt 5 or a native OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4) link, using an Intel JHL9480 Thunderbolt 5 controller. It is an open-frame dock that accepts ATX/SFX power supplies (not included) and provides 140W host charging over the Thunderbolt 5 connection. It is distinct from the AOOSTAR AG02, which is USB4-only.
The Framework 13 Pro OCuLink Mod is a community exploration of adding OCuLink (Optical-Copper Link) external GPU connectivity to the Framework Laptop 13 Pro (Intel Core Ultra Series 3 / Panther Lake) by utilizing its PCIe Gen 5 M.2 NVMe slot. Announced by community member Wisky_Pro in August 2026, the project is in a very early stage with the creator awaiting hardware delivery and planning testing once the laptop arrives.
The Framework OCuLink Dev Kit is a modular adapter and dock system for the Framework Laptop 16, previewed on April 21, 2026 at Framework's next-gen hardware event. It uses the OCuLink 8i interface to provide up to 128 Gbps bidirectional throughput for external PCIe devices, making the Framework Laptop 16 the first laptop to expose an 8-lane OCuLink interface. The kit enables connecting external GPUs, network cards, video capture cards, and other PCIe peripherals with very little performance penalty compared to a desktop PC.
The Minisforum DEG1 is an OCuLink-to-PCIe x16 dock that connects a desktop graphics card to a host over a native OCuLink connection — bypassing the Thunderbolt/USB4 protocol overhead entirely. On the Framework Laptop 16 it pairs with the community M.2-to-OCuLink Expansion Bay adapter (or the official OCuLink Dev Kit) to deliver full PCIe bandwidth. Framework 16 users report it as more stable than USB4 eGPU enclosures like the AOOSTAR AG02, and it ships with a longer, more compatible cable.
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-only.
The OcuLink eGPU Expansion Bay Module is a community-developed hardware project that adds OCuLink (Optical-Copper Link) external GPU connectivity to the Framework Laptop 16 via its Expansion Bay. OCuLink provides a direct PCIe connection to the laptop's GPU slot, offering significantly higher bandwidth than USB4/Thunderbolt — up to ~63 Gbps for 4i (x4 PCIe 4.0) and ~126 Gbps for 8i (x8 PCIe 4.0), compared to ~32 Gbps for USB4. The project was initiated in June 2023 after Framework CEO Nrp greenlit community exploration of OCuLink for the Expansion Bay, and has since evolved through multiple design approaches, commercial preorders, and open-source hardware iterations.