Beelink open sources the design of the Beelink EX GPU dock

There are a growing number of graphics docks that allow you to add a discrete GPU to a laptop, handheld, or mini PC by connecting to a Thunderbolt, USB4, or OCuLink port. But Chinese mini PC maker Beelink has taken a different approach with its Beelink Ex Docking Station.

First unveiled earlier this year, the  159 graphics dock connects directly to a PCIe connector on supported computers like the Beelink GTi12 and Beelink GTi14. Now Beelink has open sourced the design for anyone who wants to modify the dock or make their own.

The company made the announcement in a social media post noting that the “interface definitions, technical specifications, and patents for our Multi-Functional EX Docking Station” have all been open sourced, with “no authorization required from Beelink.”

That said, so far the only documents the company has shared so far are drawings that give the physical dimensions of the Beelink EX Docking Station, and those documents are watermarked and feature the word “confidential” on the bottom of every page, which is an unusual way to “open source” a project. And the only copy of the open source license I’ve seen is a scanned document shared in an X post.

It’s also unclear how useful this initiative would be even if Beelink had shared more detailed specifications, as the only computers you’d be able to use these docks with would be ones with exposed PCIe x16 connectors that line up  with the dock… in other words, Beelink’s GTi series PCs.

Still, this is more than most companies building graphics docks have done. And it could theoretically encourage other mini PC makers to adopt similar, possibly even compatible designs for upcoming computers.

via MiniMachines and VideoCardz