Buckle up, tech enthusiasts! The eGPU market just got a major shake-up with the arrival of the Humbird 3, a device that’s as bold in its promises as it is elegant in its design. Dubbed the world’s first “desktop Thunderbolt 5 eGPU dock,” this slim beauty claims to deliver workstation-grade speed and versatility, all while looking like it could fit in your pocket.
Under the Hood: A Powerhouse in Disguise
The Humbird 3 packs a punch with its 500W GaN power system, promising better efficiency and less heat than traditional power supplies. It’s powered by Intel’s JHL9480 controller, which doubles Thunderbolt bandwidth from 40Gbps to a whopping 80Gbps, reaching up to 120Gbps in single-display mode. In theory, this means you can attach a full desktop GPU and experience significantly higher performance – up to 2.3x higher frame rates in games, and triple the performance in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 when paired with an RTX 4080. But remember, these figures are still unconfirmed and may vary based on your specific setup.
A Symphony of Features
But the Humbird 3 isn’t just about power; it’s also about versatility. Here’s what you get:
– Modular PCIe Slot: Switch between eGPU mode, SSD, or professional media workstations without breaking a sweat.
– 1-inch LCD Screen: Get real-time system information at a glance.
– SSD Slot: Expand your storage with NVMe SSDs, supporting speeds up to 7GB/s.
– Ports Galore: Multiple Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort 2.1, Ethernet, and five USB connections mean you’ll never run out of ways to connect.
– Wood Accents: Because even tech can be stylish, the Humbird 3 offers an optional natural wood accent on its CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis.
The Crowdfunding Buzz
The Humbird 3 has already generated buzz, raising over $60,000 from 169 backers on Kickstarter. But remember, all crowdfunding campaigns come with risks, so proceed with caution.
Stay Tuned for More
We’ll be keeping an eye on the Humbird 3 as it progresses. In the meantime, check out our guides on the best mini PCs, external GPUs, and business laptops to keep your tech knowledge up-to-date. And don’t forget to follow TechRadar on Google News, TikTok, and WhatsApp for all the latest tech news and reviews!