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DIY OCuLink Module Unleashes Laptop eGPU Power
4 Dec
Summary
- Custom OCuLink module enables desktop-class external GPU performance.
- OCuLink connection provides up to x8 PCI Express speeds for GPUs.
- RTX 4070 desktop graphics card ran with no performance loss.
A Framework Laptop 16 has been significantly enhanced by a user who developed a custom OCuLink expansion module. This innovative DIY project leverages readily available components and custom soldering to enable high-speed external GPU connections. The module offers nearly desktop-level graphics performance, a major milestone for portable computing.
The OCuLink connection acts as a high-bandwidth pipeline, effectively functioning as PCI Express over a fiber optic cable. This allows for substantial data transfer, rivaling modern standards like Thunderbolt 5, and supports speeds up to PCIe 5. The module was successfully tested with an RTX 4070 desktop graphics card, showing no discernible performance hit compared to its desktop integration.
This development highlights the extreme customizability of Framework laptops, which are designed for modularity and user upgrades. While Framework itself doesn't offer OCuLink connectivity, community innovation has filled the gap. This achievement opens the door for users to potentially pair their Framework laptops with top-tier GPUs, maximizing portable power without sacrificing performance.
