Discover the AOOSTAR EG02, a compact eGPU dock combining Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink for PCIe-like performance, PCIe 4.0 x4 support, with 140W power delivery.
© AOOSTAR
The compact AOOSTAR EG02 has hit the market and quickly caught the eye of anyone assembling a powerful eGPU setup. Priced at $219, it brings some of the most advanced capabilities among external GPU docks, pairing Thunderbolt 5 with OCuLink—a rare combination that makes it feel ready for future upgrades.
OCuLink remains the most direct way to attach a graphics card—essentially PCIe 4.0 x4 run over a cable. Thunderbolt 5 offers comparable bandwidth, yet real-world performance can slip because it also has to handle DisplayPort Alt Mode and other protocols. By supporting both standards with backward compatibility, the EG02 fits owners of older mini PCs and newer handhelds alike, many of which are moving toward OCuLink.
Inside the dock is a full-size PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for a desktop GPU. The primary OCuLink port provides a straight PCIe connection, while Thunderbolt 5 can carry data and deliver up to 140 watts of power to the device. A second Thunderbolt 5 port works as a downstream connection, supplying 27 watts and display support via DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Functionality isn’t the only focus—ergonomics get attention, too. The EG02 supports both ATX and SFX power supplies and offers a dedicated output to power a mini PC from the same unit. The construction lets a small computer sit directly on the dock, cutting down on cables and keeping the setup neat.
With eGPU solutions on the rise, the EG02 stands out as one of the most sophisticated options in its class, even if it isn’t the cheapest. For versatility and support for upcoming standards, buyers appear willing to pay.