- Minisforum DEG2 dock 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 integrated into what were once simple laptop docking station designs.
The Minisforum DEG2 is a compact external GPU dock that combines high-bandwidth connectivity, internal storage support, and desktop-grade power flexibility in a single package.
It focuses on performance at the PCIe level rather than device aggregation and targets 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 64 Gbps, while Thunderbolt 5 can reach 80 Gbps under optimal conditions.
This design allows the dock to serve systems that support direct PCIe tunneling as well as systems limited to Thunderbolt connections.
Minisforum lists two Thunderbolt 5 ports on the rear, offering asymmetrical power delivery depending on port usage, as well as 2.5 GbE Ethernet and USB 3.2 support.
Like previous Minisforum models, the DEG2 does not include a built-in power supply.
Instead, it accepts ATX and SFX units, allowing the reuse of existing desktop components.
The internal layout 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 case slim at 270 x 175 x 41mm, although it imposes additional cost and complexity on the buyer.
One of the coolest features is the inclusion of an internal M.2 2280 slot.
This allows an SSD to be installed directly inside the dock, supported by a supplied heatsink.
While this isn’t a replacement for dedicated storage solutions, it allows the enclosure to act as more than just a graphics transfer 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 leverages OCuLink connectivity to deliver discrete GPU performance.
Unlike the MGA1, the DEG2 does not integrate a graphics card but rather offers flexibility by leaving graphics selection 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 costs around $239 (on sale), which puts it closer to entry-level eGPU enclosures than regular docks.
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