$399 Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock: 500W GaN, M.2 Slot, 5G Ethernet & Wireless Charger
▼ Summary
– The Humbird 3 is an 11-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 eGPU dock with a recycled aluminum and wood design, a silent cooling system, and a 1-inch LCD screen for real-time data.
– It uses Intel’s HL9480 Thunderbolt 5 controller for up to 120 Gbps bandwidth and includes a 500W GaN power supply supporting high-end graphics cards like the Radeon 9070 XT or GeForce RTX 5080.
– The dock features extensive connectivity with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, DisplayPort 2.1 for 8K resolution, USB Type-A ports, and wireless charging for devices.
– It offers storage options including an M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot, microSD card reader, and CFexpress card readers, plus a 5G Ethernet port for networking.
– The Humbird 3 has an MSRP of $399, with discounted prices for backers, and is expected to ship in November with a one-year warranty and optional power adapter upgrades.
The Humbird 3 Thunderbolt 5 eGPU dock presents itself as a versatile 11-in-1 solution for users seeking a powerful and feature-rich docking station. Successfully funded on Kickstarter with strong backing, this device combines high-performance connectivity with practical everyday functions. Crafted from recycled aluminum with wood accents, it offers a sophisticated look while integrating a smart cooling system that remains silent during idle periods and adjusts fan speed dynamically under load.
At the heart of the Humbird 3 lies an Intel HL9480 Thunderbolt 5 controller, enabling data transfer speeds reaching 120 Gbps in single-display mode. Its PCIe 4.0 x16 slot operates with a 64 Gbps bandwidth, and the dock includes a built-in 500W GaN power supply with a 16-pin connector, supporting graphics cards like the Radeon 9070 XT or GeForce RTX 5080. An integrated ESP32 SoC, running the Humbird OS, manages power and performance, while a one-inch LCD screen provides real-time updates on power usage, transfer speeds, and charging status.
Storage expansion is straightforward with one M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 x4, alongside a microSD card reader and CFexpress Type A and Type B readers. Networking is handled by a 5G Ethernet port powered by a Realtek RTL8157 controller. For connectivity, the dock offers three Thunderbolt 5 ports, each supporting 100W Power Delivery charging, plus a DisplayPort 2.1 output capable of 8K resolution at 60 Hz. Two USB Type-A ports deliver 10 Gbps data transfer, and wireless charging is available for phones and wearables.
Power options are flexible, the Humbird 3 comes standard with a 180W adapter, but users can upgrade to a 300W unit for $39 or a 500W GaN adapter for $129. Priced with an MSRP of $399, early backers secured it for as low as $299, and a current KS discount brings it down to $319. Shipping adds $20–$30, with orders expected to ship in November. The product is covered by a one-year warranty, rounding out a compelling package for tech enthusiasts.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
