1. Product Overview
The MINISFORUM DEG1 is an external GPU docking station designed to enhance the graphics performance of compatible mini PCs, such as the MINISFORUM UM880/UM890, through an Oculink interface. It provides a PCIe 4.0x4 expansion interface, allowing users to connect a dedicated graphics card and utilize standard ATX or SFX power supplies for optimal performance.
2. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to set up your MINISFORUM DEG1 External GPU Dock Station:
- Prepare the Graphics Card: Ensure your chosen graphics card is compatible and ready for installation. The DEG1 supports a wide range of video cards, including high-end models like NVIDIA RTX 4090 and AMD RX 7900 XTX, without limiting their length.
- Install the Graphics Card: Open the DEG1 dock. Carefully insert your graphics card into the PCIe x16 slot (which operates at PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth). Secure the graphics card in place using any provided retention mechanisms.
- Connect the Power Supply: The DEG1 requires an external ATX or SFX standard power supply (not included). Connect the ATX24PIN power cable from your power supply to the corresponding port on the DEG1 board. Additionally, connect any necessary PCIe power cables from your power supply to your graphics card.
- Connect to Host PC: Use an Oculink cable (not included) to connect the Oculink 4i (PCIe 4.0 x4) port on the DEG1 dock to the Oculink port on your compatible MINISFORUM host PC (e.g., UM880/UM890).
Figure 3: Side view of the DEG1 dock, showing the Oculink port for connection to the host PC. - Power On: Connect the external power supply to a power outlet. The DEG1 features a 'ForcePowerOn with LED' button. Press this button to power on the dock.
- Install Drivers: Once the hardware is connected and powered on, boot your host PC. Install the latest graphics drivers for your installed GPU from the manufacturer's website.
3. Operating Instructions
The MINISFORUM DEG1 is designed for seamless integration with your host PC.
- Power On/Off: The dock can be powered on manually using the 'ForcePowerOn with LED' button. For convenience, the DEG1 is designed to follow the main power switch of the host computer, meaning it can start automatically when your host PC powers on, saving electricity and simplifying operation.
- LED Indicator: The power button includes an LED indicator to show the power status of the dock.
- Graphics Output: Connect your display directly to the output ports on the installed graphics card within the DEG1 dock.
4. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your DEG1 dock, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of the dock with a soft, dry cloth. For internal components, use compressed air to remove dust from the graphics card and the dock's interior. Ensure the dock is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Ventilation: Ensure the dock is placed in a well-ventilated area. Do not block any ventilation openings on the dock or the installed graphics card. Proper airflow is crucial to prevent overheating.
- Cable Management: Keep all cables (Oculink, power, display) neatly organized and free from kinks or excessive tension to prevent damage.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your DEG1 dock, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:
- No Power to Dock/GPU:
- Verify that the external ATX/SFX power supply is correctly connected to the DEG1's ATX24PIN port and securely plugged into a working power outlet.
- Ensure all PCIe power cables from the PSU are connected to the graphics card.
- Check the 'ForcePowerOn' button LED. If it's off, press it to manually power on the dock.
- Graphics Card Not Detected:
- Ensure the Oculink cable is securely connected to both the DEG1 dock and your host PC.
- Reseat the graphics card in the DEG1's PCIe slot to ensure it is properly seated.
- Verify that the latest graphics drivers for your GPU are installed on your host PC.
- Check your host PC's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure external GPU detection is enabled, if applicable.
- Poor Graphics Performance:
- Confirm that your host PC's Oculink port and the DEG1 dock are both operating at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds.
- Ensure the graphics card is receiving adequate power from the external PSU.
- Check for any background applications consuming excessive resources on your host PC.
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent thermal throttling of the GPU.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | DEG1 |
| Up Link Interface | Oculink 4i (PCIe 4.0 x4) |
| Down Link Interface | PCIe x16 (PCIe 4.0 x4) |
| Bandwidth | Up to 64GT/s |
| Power Supply Support | ATX / SFX Standard Power Supplies |
| Board Power Input | ATX24PIN x1 |
| Control Button | ForcePowerOn with LED x1 |
| GPU Compatibility | Supports NVIDIA RTX 4090 & AMD RX 7900 XTX (and other compatible GPUs) |
| Design | Minimalist, open space for unlimited GPU length |
| Signal Integrity | Built-in signal amplification chip for stable high speed |
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the MINISFORUM customer support directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
8. User Tips
- PCIe 5.0 Compatibility: The DEG1 dock utilizes a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. While newer graphics cards may support PCIe 5.0, they are generally backward compatible and will operate at PCIe 4.0 speeds when connected to this dock. This means a PCIe 5.0 GPU like an RTX 5070Ti (hypothetical) would function, but at the maximum bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 x4.
- Power Supply Selection: Choose an ATX or SFX power supply with sufficient wattage to comfortably power both the DEG1 dock and your chosen graphics card. Refer to your GPU's power requirements for guidance.
- Driver Updates: Always keep your graphics card drivers updated to the latest version for optimal performance and stability.
- Host PC Compatibility: Ensure your MINISFORUM host PC (e.g., UM880/UM890) has a functional Oculink port and is running a compatible operating system for external GPU usage.
