1. Introduction
The TH3P4G3 is an upgraded Thunderbolt-compatible GPU Dock designed to enhance the graphics performance of laptops equipped with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 interfaces. This dock allows users to connect an external graphics card, significantly improving capabilities for gaming, video editing, image processing, and other graphics-intensive tasks. It features 60W Power Delivery (PD) reverse charging and a 40Gbps data transfer speed. The package includes both SFX and ATX power holders for convenient installation.
Note: The graphics card and power supply are not included with the dock and must be purchased separately.
2. Product Overview
2.1 Key Features
- Compatible with laptops featuring Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 interfaces.
- High-speed 40Gbps data transfer via Thunderbolt 4/3.
- Supports 60W Power Delivery (PD) reverse charging for laptops.
- Includes USB 3.0 port for expanded connectivity.
- Dual Thunderbolt-compatible interfaces support daisy chain functionality.
- Equipped with CPU-8P and ATX-24P power supply interfaces.
- Durable aluminum alloy shell for robust, anti-interference, and passive cooling performance.
- Comes with ATX and SFX power supply holders for versatile installation.
- USB function: USB: 5V2A / Type-C: 5V3A.
- Available with 0.5m, 1m, or 2m Thunderbolt 4 Type-C cables (depending on option).
2.2 Functional Characteristics
3. Package Contents
The TH3P4G3 GPU Dock is available in several options, each with a slightly different packing list. Please refer to your specific purchase option.
3.1 Standard Package (Option 1)
- 1 x EXP GDC TH3P4G3 Thunderbolt-compatible GPU Dock
- 1 x 50cm Thunderbolt 4 Cable
- 1 x ATX Holder
- 1 x SFX Holder
- 1 x Screwdriver
3.2 Other Package Options
Other options may include different cable lengths or additional accessories like an SFX case. Examples:
- Option 2: Includes 0.5m and 1m Thunderbolt 4 Cables.
- Option 3: Includes 0.5m and 2m Thunderbolt 4 Cables.
- Option 4: Includes 0.5m and 1m Thunderbolt 4 Cables and an SFX Case.
- Option 5 & 6 (Case Only): Includes Aluminum Alloy Plates, Acrylic Plates, and screws for assembling a case (GPU dock not included).
4. Setup Instructions
4.1 Identifying Thunderbolt-compatible Interface
Before connecting, ensure your laptop has a Thunderbolt-compatible 3 or 4 interface. You can identify this by:
- Looking for a Type-C interface with the Thunderbolt logo.
- If no logo is present, open "Device Manager" -> "System Equipment" and look for "Thunderbolt-compatible (TM) Controller". If found, your system supports Thunderbolt.
Note: The "Thunderbolt-compatible (TM) Controller" might not be displayed in "Equipment Manager" -> "System Equipment" in normal mode for some computers due to energy-saving design. If you have any questions, consult your laptop manufacturer.
The dock supports USB4 for AMD/Intel platforms. For Macbooks with M-series processors, it supports Thunderbolt 3/4 (supporting 10 Gigabit network card and solid-state hard disk).
4.2 Assembly of GPU Dock and Brackets
The TH3P4G3 GPU Dock comes with SFX and ATX brackets to mount your graphics card and power supply. Follow these general steps for assembly:
- Attach the appropriate SFX or ATX bracket to the GPU dock using the provided screws.
- Install your graphics card into the PCI-E X16 slot on the dock.
- Mount your chosen power supply (ATX, SFX, or FLEX) to the bracket.
- Connect the necessary power cables from the power supply to the GPU dock (CPU-8P, ATX-24P) and to the graphics card (GPU-6P/8P).
Power Supply Compatibility:
- TH3P4G3 series docking stations support FLEX(1U), SFX, and ATX power supplies.
- Choose a high-quality power supply that meets the power requirements of your graphics card. If the PD function is used, increase the power supply by about 100W.
| Graphics Card Model | Recommended Power Supply |
|---|---|
| GTX1050, RTX3050 or lower | 300W or higher |
| GTX1060/70, RTX2060/70, RTX3060/70, etc | 450W or higher |
| GTX 1080/RTX 2080/RTX 3080/RTX 4080 or higher | 600W or higher |
| RX5500, RX6500 or lower | 300W or higher |
| RX5600/700, RX6600/700, etc | 450W or higher |
| RX6800/RX7900 or higher | 600W or higher |
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Connecting to Laptop
- Ensure all components (GPU, power supply) are securely installed in the dock.
- Connect the Thunderbolt-compatible cable from the TH3P4G3 dock to your laptop's Thunderbolt 3/4 port.
- Connect the power supply to a wall outlet.
- Power on the external power supply.
- Connect the monitor to the output of the extended graphics card for optimal performance.
Important: The blue light on the dock indicates standby mode. If the power consumption is very low, there is no need to turn off the power supply. If the power consumption is high, turn off the power supply first, then the computer, and finally the docking station and GPU power supply. The green light indicates the power is on.
5.2 Software and Driver Installation
- Install Thunderbolt-compatible Control Center software on your laptop.
- Install the graphics card drivers. Download the latest drivers from NVIDIA or AMD's official websites, corresponding to your installed graphics card.
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | TH3P4G3 (also referred to as TH3P4 mini) |
| Brand Name | Caturda |
| Type | Laptop Docking Station / External GPU Dock |
| Support Interface | Thunderbolt-compatible 3 and Thunderbolt-compatible 4 |
| Data Transfer Speed | 40Gbps Super Data Transfer Speed |
| Power Delivery (PD) | 60W PD Charging (reverse charging for notebook) |
| USB 3.0 Extension | Yes (USB: 5V2A / Type-C: 5V3A) |
| Dual Thunderbolt Interfaces | Supports Daisy Chain |
| Power Supply Support | ATX / SFX / FLEX / others (with ATX SFX Bracket) |
| Material | Aluminum alloy shell, Plastic |
| Weight | 290g approx |
| Included Cable | Thunderbolt-compatible 4 type-c Cable (length varies by option) |
| Origin | Mainland China |
7. Troubleshooting
- No Display/GPU Not Detected:
- Ensure your laptop's Thunderbolt port is active and recognized in Device Manager.
- Verify all power connections to the GPU dock and graphics card are secure.
- Confirm the external power supply is turned on before the laptop.
- Check that the Thunderbolt cable is securely connected to both the dock and the laptop.
- Install the latest Thunderbolt Control Center software and graphics drivers.
- Power Delivery Issues:
- PD charging is suitable for notebooks with original adapters of 65W and less.
- If using PD function, ensure your external power supply is sufficiently powerful (recommended 100W higher than GPU requirement).
- Performance Issues:
- Software or games have different requirements for PCI-E bandwidth.
- Low-end and mid-range graphics cards will have better performance due to their low requirements for PCI-E bandwidth.
- Connecting the monitor directly to the output of the extended graphics card will yield better performance than routing through the laptop's internal display.
- For operations requiring high PCI-E bandwidth (e.g., data acquisition, engineering debugging, film/television entertainment), PCI-E X1 or X4 is fully competent.
- Docking Station Not Powering On:
- Check all power connections.
- If the blue light is on (standby mode) but the green light is off, ensure the external power supply is providing sufficient power.
- If the power consumption is high, ensure the power supply is turned on first, then the computer, then the docking station and GPU.
8. User Tips
- Always ensure your laptop's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to allow external GPU usage via Thunderbolt. Some laptops may require enabling "Thunderbolt Boot Support" or similar options.
- For best performance, use the shortest Thunderbolt cable possible.
- Keep your Thunderbolt drivers and graphics card drivers updated to the latest versions from the respective manufacturers' websites.
- Consider using a dedicated external monitor connected directly to the eGPU for maximum performance, as routing video back to the laptop's internal display can introduce overhead.
9. Maintenance
- Keep the GPU dock in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper heat dissipation.
- Regularly clean the dock and any installed components (like the graphics card fan) from dust using compressed air.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Ensure all cable connections are secure and free from strain.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the seller's policies or contact the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
