3 docs tagged with "Oculink"

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 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.