Beelink’s 600W external GPU dock nearly prevents GPU performance loss

It uses PCIe 4.0×8 interface instead of popular eGPU connections.

Beelink is taking a unique approach to external GPU (eGPU) solutions with its latest products. Unlike most current solutions that rely on USB4/Thunderbolt or OCuLink for connectivity, Beelink opts for a direct PCIe 4.0 x8 interface. This interface is physically a full-width x16 connector but makes use of only half the lanes, directly linking the eGPU to the Mini-PC motherboard.

This idea isn’t entirely new; Minisforum previously used a similar method with their EliteMini B550 . However, Beelink’s implementation offers many new features, including higher performance (PCIe 4.0 vs. 3.0) in comparison to Minisforum PC and compared to to the more commonly used USB4/Thunderbolt connections, it will offer marginal performance loss when using desktop graphics cards.

The PCIe 4.0×8 slot enables up to 128 Gbps (16 GB/s) maximum theoretical bandwidth, which is much higher than Thunderbolt’s 4 bandwidths of 40 Gbps (5 GB/s), or even OCuLink, which tops out at 64 Gbps (8 GB/s).

CX eGPU dock, Source: Beelink

The main difference is that Beelink is based on a different platform (Intel) and the external GPU dock has an integrated power supply. This massively simplifies the configuration because users are no longer required to use their own power supply and cabling, as everything is integrated into one product. Then, the dock attaches to the Mini-PC, which has a hidden PCIe slot:

GT12/14 PCIe Slot, Source: Beelink

Beelink confirms support for nearly all popular desktop graphics cards, including the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX. There’s even 4080 Ti on the list, which was never released, but that, of course, is a typo.

CX eGPU support, Source: Beelink

The standard price for the product is around 599 RMB, around $83 USD (that’s with the PSU included), and if purchased as a bundle with the GTi12 Mini-PC, the price drops to approximately $42 USD (299 RMB).

However, it’s important to note that support for the PCIe connection used by this setup is somewhat limited, as it’s currently available only in the Beelink’s 12th Gen Core systems (GT12) and the latest Core Ultra 100 (GT14) version. Also worth adding that these PCs also have integrated power supplies, so there’s very limited cable management involved.

Source: JD