Humbird 3: Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock with Wood Accents
▼ Summary
– The Humbird 3 is a Thunderbolt 5 eGPU dock that doubles bandwidth to 80Gbps and reaches up to 120Gbps in single-display mode for high performance.
– It features a CNC-machined aluminum body with an optional wood accent and an integrated LCD screen for real-time system monitoring.
– A modular PCIe slot allows tool-free switching between eGPU, SSD, workstation, or network expansion card configurations.
– The dock includes a 500W GaN power system, multiple ports like Thunderbolt 5 and HDMI, and supports NVMe SSDs with speeds up to 7GB/s.
– Performance claims, such as up to 2.3x higher frame rates in games, are unverified and depend on factors like CPU/GPU pairing and driver optimization.
The Humbird 3 Thunderbolt 5 eGPU dock introduces a significant leap in peripheral connectivity, combining high-speed data transfer with an elegant, desktop-class design. This device promises to streamline workstation setups by integrating multiple functions into a single, slim unit that is more compact than many modern gaming laptops.
Constructed from a solid block of CNC-machined aluminum, the Humbird 3 features a robust chassis that can be customized with natural wood accents, lending it a premium aesthetic. At the heart of its performance is Intel’s JHL9480 controller, which effectively doubles Thunderbolt bandwidth to 80Gbps and can achieve up to 120Gbps in single-display mode. This boost allows the dock to fully support external GPUs, making it possible for users to connect a desktop-grade graphics card and experience substantially improved performance.
Early performance estimates suggest the Humbird 3 can deliver up to 2.3 times higher frame rates in gaming, with triple the performance in demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 when used with a high-end GPU like the RTX 4080. It is important to note, however, that real-world results will vary depending on system configuration, driver support, and thermal conditions.
Beyond raw speed, the dock includes a modular PCIe slot that enables tool-free switching between an external GPU, high-speed NVMe SSD, or professional media workstation card. This slot also supports network expansion cards, offering ultra-fast NAS and server capabilities ideal for developers or creative professionals handling large data streams.
An integrated 1-inch LCD screen provides real-time system monitoring, while the onboard “Humbird OS” micro-SOC manages power distribution and performance automatically. The device supports NVMe SSDs with claimed transfer speeds reaching 7GB/s, though actual performance will depend on the specific drive and interface used.
Connectivity is extensive, with multiple Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort 2.1, Ethernet, and five USB ports, ensuring broad compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems. Power is supplied by a 500W GaN-based system, which is more efficient and generates less heat than traditional power supplies. The GaN DC-DC pump is designed to eliminate the need for a separate, bulky power brick.
Available configurations support adapters up to 300W, with GPU power capped at a 380W TDP, influenced by the power requirements of the connected laptop. The Humbird 3 has already attracted considerable interest through its Kickstarter campaign, raising over $60,000 from 169 backers.
(Source: techradar)
