- Minisforum DEG2 Docking Station Prioritizes PCIe Bandwidth Over Docking Convenience
- Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink define the entire design philosophy
- Internal M.2 support adds storage expansion directly inside the case
The expansion of the desktop class is increasingly being incorporated into what used to be simple laptop docking station designs.
The Minisforum DEG2 is a compact external GPU dock that combines high-bandwidth connectivity, internal storage support, and desktop power flexibility in a single case.
It focuses on PCIe-level performance rather than peripheral aggregation and is aimed at users who want to expand storage without committing to a full desktop system.
DEG2 prioritizes bandwidth over ports
The DEG2 uses dual-host connectivity, combining PCIe 4.0 x4-based OCuLink with Thunderbolt 5 support.
OCuLink supports up to 64Gbps, while Thunderbolt 5 can reach 80Gbps under optimal conditions.
This design allows the dock to serve systems that support direct PCIe tunnels, as well as systems limited to Thunderbolt connections.
Minisforum lists two Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back, which offer asymmetrical power delivery depending on port usage, along with a 2.5GbE Ethernet connection and USB 3.2 support.
Like previous Minisforum designs, the DEG2 does not include a built-in power supply.
Instead, it accepts ATX and SFX drives, allowing for the reuse of existing desktop components.
The internal design includes a full-length PCIe x16 slot intended for a discrete GPU, with physical dimensions designed to accommodate standard desktop graphics cards.
This approach keeps the slim case at 270 x 175 x 41mm, although it passes additional cost and complexity onto the buyer.
One of the most interesting features is the inclusion of an internal M.2 2280 slot.
This allows an SSD to be installed directly inside the base, backed by an included heatsink.
While this doesn’t replace dedicated storage solutions, it allows the enclosure to act as more than just a graphics pass-through device, especially in desktop setups where cable reduction is important.
The DEG2’s feature set conceptually overlaps with Minisforum’s MGA1 external graphics solution, which relies on OCuLink connectivity to deliver discrete GPU performance.
Unlike the MGA1, the DEG2 does not integrate a graphics card but rather offers flexibility by leaving the graphics selection up to the user.
Despite its advanced connectivity, the DEG2 offers a relatively modest selection of peripheral ports, which may limit its usefulness as a single-cable workstation hub.
This device is priced at around $239 (on sale), which puts it closer to entry-level eGPU cases than conventional bases.
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