GPD has introduced its upcoming Box mini PC along with the G2 external GPU dock, focusing on higher bandwidth connectivity for gaming and AI workloads. The key highlight is the shift to an MCIO 8i interface, replacing commonly used standards like USB4 and Thunderbolt 5.
The MCIO 8i (Mini Cool Edge IO) connector enables a direct link to PCIe 5.0 lanes at x8 width. This allows theoretical bidirectional bandwidth of up to 512 Gbps, although real-world limits for PCIe Gen 5 x8 sit at 256 Gbps. Even at that level, the available bandwidth is higher than what current external GPU solutions offer through Thunderbolt or similar interfaces.
The Box mini PC itself remains mostly under wraps in terms of internal specifications, but it is said to be based on Intel’s Panther Lake platform. From the outside, it includes a standard set of connectivity options. The front panel features USB Type-A and Type-C ports alongside a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the rear includes additional USB ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, and dual Ethernet connections. The MCIO port is the primary addition, designed to pair directly with the new eGPU solution.
There are some points to consider with this approach. MCIO connectors were originally developed for server environments where components are not frequently removed. Regular plugging and unplugging in consumer use could impact long-term durability, though this will depend on real-world usage patterns.
Alongside the mini PC, GPD also detailed the G2 eGPU enclosure. It supports both MCIO 8i and USB4 v2.0 connections, allowing it to work with a broader range of devices beyond the Box system. GPD claims that the dock can run an NVIDIA RTX 4090 with around a 2% performance difference compared to a direct desktop setup, suggesting minimal overhead through the interface.
The G2 includes additional I/O such as USB Type-A ports for peripherals and a USB4 port with 100W power delivery. It also integrates a PCIe SSD slot for storage expansion. Power is supplied through a built-in PSU, connected to the GPU via a 12V-2×6 cable, though detailed power specifications have not yet been shared.
GPD has not confirmed pricing at this stage, but both the Box mini PC and G2 eGPU are expected to launch in 2026. More details, including full specifications and performance data, are likely to surface closer to release.
