UGREEN Debuts LinkStation Pro Thunderbolt 5 GPU Dock in China

UGREEN has unveiled the LinkStation Pro, an external GPU dock that leverages Thunderbolt 5 connectivity and accommodates NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics cards. The product is now available in China, with no word yet on a wider release. The information comes from a report by YugaTech.

The dock promises data transfer rates up to 80Gbps, with as much as 64Gbps allocated specifically to graphics performance. It maintains backward compatibility with USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3, which could make it usable with a broader range of existing laptops and desktops.

Connectivity options include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, enabling users to daisy-chain multiple peripherals. The device also houses an 850W 80 Plus Gold power supply and can charge a connected laptop at up to 140W. For GPU installation, it supports full-sized cards up to 370mm in length and includes a 12V-2×6 connector for newer GPUs.

Pricing in China is set at CNY3,489, equivalent to approximately PHP32,700. The dock is currently available only in that market.

For technology consumers and businesses in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the LinkStation Pro's launch in China signals a potential future option for boosting graphics performance without replacing an entire laptop or desktop. However, availability, local pricing, and support remain unknown. External GPU docks have historically been a niche product due to cost and complexity, but Thunderbolt 5's higher bandwidth could make them more appealing for tasks like gaming, video editing, and AI workloads. Whether UGREEN plans to bring the LinkStation Pro to Southeast Asia is unclear.

As with any new hardware, potential buyers should note that actual performance gains depend on the host device's Thunderbolt implementation, the specific GPU used, and software compatibility. The dock's 850W power supply should handle most modern GPUs, but high-end models may still require careful consideration. The 140W laptop charging is a convenient addition for users who want a single-cable solution.

Given the lack of regional availability details, this launch is currently most relevant as a sign of the evolving external GPU market. For now, users in Southeast Asia can only watch from the sidelines unless they import the unit, which may involve additional costs and warranty challenges.

YugaTech's report highlights the key specifications but does not delve into performance benchmarks or real-world testing. As such, the claims about speed and compatibility are based on UGREEN's official specifications and should be treated as such until independent reviews emerge.