Humbird has officially announced the Humbird 3, a new desktop graphics card expansion dock built on Thunderbolt 5 technology. The product has launched through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, where the company aims to bring its next-generation docking solution to users looking for both high performance and flexible connectivity.
The Humbird 3 is being promoted as the first desktop Thunderbolt 5 GPU dock designed to go beyond standard external GPU enclosures. It combines powerful expansion capabilities with a wide range of I/O options, offering a solution suitable for professionals who rely on both graphical performance and extensive connectivity.
At the core of the Humbird 3 is Intel’s JHL9480 Thunderbolt 5 controller. The dock features a physical PCIe 4.0 ×16 slot that can accommodate a full-sized graphics card or other expansion devices. It also includes an M.2 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe slot for fast SSD storage, allowing users to install additional high-speed drives directly into the dock.
In terms of connectivity, the Humbird 3 provides three Thunderbolt 5 ports, each capable of delivering up to 100W of power delivery output. It also includes two USB-A 10Gbps ports, a DisplayPort 2.1 interface for connecting external displays, a 5GbE RJ45 Ethernet port for faster wired networking, and a dual SD/microSD UHS-II card reader setup for media transfer. These connections make the Humbird 3 suitable for content creation, gaming, and workstation setups.
Power delivery is handled by a DC-in system supported by a built-in 500W GaN DC-DC conversion circuit. This integrated power supply can directly deliver power to the installed graphics card through a 12VHPWR connector. The dock also incorporates a wireless charging pad, offering a convenient way to charge smartphones or other Qi-enabled devices without additional accessories.
The dock operates with its own embedded Humbird OS, powered by a micro SoC that manages system functions and monitoring. A 1-inch LCD display is built into the unit, providing real-time status updates such as temperature, power levels, and connection status. The enclosure is constructed from CNC-machined aluminum for improved durability and thermal performance. The wireless charging plate also comes with an optional natural wood finish to match different desktop aesthetics.
Cooling is handled by an integrated active system designed to maintain stable temperatures under load. Combined with Thunderbolt 5’s 120Gbps bandwidth, the Humbird 3 provides desktop-level performance over a single connection.
By combining GPU support, storage expansion, and extensive I/O in one compact unit, the Humbird 3 aims to simplify high-performance computing setups for creators and professionals. The project is currently live on Kickstarter, where early supporters can reserve units at discounted pricing before retail availability begins later this year.
Humbird 3 Thunderbolt 5 GPU Dock – Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Humbird 3 |
| Launch Platform | Kickstarter |
| Type | Thunderbolt 5 Desktop GPU Expansion Dock |
| Main Controller | Intel JHL9480 Thunderbolt 5 Chipset |
| Graphics Card Slot | PCIe 4.0 ×16 (Full-Length) |
| Storage Expansion | 1 × M.2 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe SSD Slot |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 3 × Thunderbolt 5 (Supports up to 100W PD-Out) |
| USB Ports | 2 × USB-A (10Gbps) |
| Display Output | 1 × DisplayPort 2.1 |
| Networking | 1 × 5GbE RJ45 Ethernet Port |
| Card Readers | Dual SD/microSD UHS-II Slots |
| Power Supply | DC-In with Built-in 500W GaN DC-DC Converter |
| GPU Power Connector | 12VHPWR Interface |
| Wireless Charging | Integrated Charging Pad (Optional Natural Wood Finish) |
| Operating System | Humbird OS (Micro SoC Powered) |
| Display | 1-Inch LCD Status Screen |
| Cooling System | Integrated Active Cooling |
| Material | CNC-Machined Aluminum |
| Bandwidth | Up to 120Gbps (Thunderbolt 5) |
| Availability | Currently Crowdfunding on Kickstarter |
