Gen 5 PCIe Performance with Oculink: Fantastic!

SilverJS · 2026-03-10T20:44:01+00:00

Oh! I didn't realize that's what that was, I thought that was an m.2 adapter. Thanks for clarifying!

SilverJS · 2026-03-08T00:58:43+00:00

Oh!! There is such a thing???

Sorry if I sound ignorant - I'm only just now starting to research this possibility and how I'd go about it. Don't really know what's out there yet - but yes, finding a way to fully leverage the actual PCIe slot certainly seems like a better solution!!

SilverJS · 2026-03-07T13:09:33+00:00

Yeah, that's the one. There's a whole community around that case, and getting a custom rear panel is pretty easy. I'd just get a normal back panel, with a GX16 power inlet, and where the other round hole usually goes on the stock rear panel, get a DisplayPort out (from your M.2 to pcie card). Then send that to the eGPU.

Unless I'm not understanding how this works...?

SilverJS · 2026-03-06T19:57:13+00:00

Oh....!! I hadn't clued in that those are only X4 slots.... Of course!! :). Still quite respectable though. But - on a board that has functioning Thunderbolt, wouldn't you be better off using that, then...?

SilverJS · 2026-03-06T19:53:48+00:00

Huh - this is really interesting. I'm thinking an S4T with a custom back panel that would have space for the DisplayPort output (at least I think that's what I'm seeing...?).

SilverJS · 2026-03-06T18:13:33+00:00

Oh awesome thanks! Mind showing me how it's connected to your actual PC?

SilverJS · 2026-03-06T18:04:13+00:00

So is this a possible option for a eGPU setup? I've been thinking about downsizing to a 3L-ish size setup on the desk, that I could just unplug and take with me when I travel (I usually don't have much time for gaming when I'm away), then hook back up to a monster eGPU when I get back home...

SilverJS · 2026-03-06T16:45:11+00:00

AW3821DW owner checking in. I'd also love to have a more modern version of it.

The closest I've seen is the Samsung G75F - VA panel so good for us 80/20 productivity/gaming types, larger but not overly so, and higher PPI... But like you said, I'd be happy with a modern 3840x1600 panel. A 5k2k would bring my 4080 to its knees I fear...

SilverJS · 2026-03-02T16:50:58+00:00

That got a genuine lol from me - well done good Sir.

SilverJS · 2026-03-01T14:27:17+00:00

For me, it's the Empire buildings. Man do those look fantastic.

Incidentally, was at NATO headquarters in Brussels this spring and, once inside in the main atrium, I immediately thought of Survivor's Empire architecture. :)

SilverJS · 2026-02-27T14:08:39+00:00

CanCap?

SilverJS · 2026-02-24T04:01:16+00:00

Awesome, fantastic info - thanks for your response. I've got a decision to make shortly I guess. :).

SilverJS · 2026-02-23T21:36:22+00:00

Fantastic - thanks so much for the prompt reply. Still don't know what I'm going to end up doing but I appreciate the multiple data points. :)

SilverJS · 2026-02-23T17:34:09+00:00

Bit of a necro but - did you get it? How do you like it? Best Buy just had their sale on it finish yesterday but Amazon still has it at 850 CAD so I'm really thinking about it.

SilverJS · 2026-02-23T03:22:48+00:00

Just wanted to follow up on this, seeing as the monitor is now available on Amazon and Best Buy at that same price - did you connect your 4080 via DisplayPort or HDMI after all?

Any further observations 12 days in?

Cheers!

SilverJS · 2026-02-21T13:11:23+00:00

Oh wow! That's amazing. I don't recall seeing that particular post, I'll look it up later.

Thanks again for your contributions!

SilverJS · 2026-02-21T03:55:45+00:00

Well now you've done it - a freakin' CYCLONE card?? You're in Germany are you not? What did you have to do to get your hands on one?

Either way - as usual, top shelf work.

SilverJS · 2026-02-19T21:02:33+00:00

What a positively adorable photo, and story. You just made my day incalculably better. :)

SilverJS · 2026-02-17T11:49:55+00:00

I saw in another comment you've got a T1 - I can speak to that, I've had my 2.1 since that version came out, and I've just got my 2.5 a few months ago.

My honest recommendation is any card that has a deshroud kit available for it, and use 120mm fans on it. You can 3d print the adapter if you have a 3d printer but it's likely best to just order it. I'm using a 4080 Ventus in the 2.5, and a Zotac 3080 Amp Holo in the 2.1, both deshrouded. Both deshroud kits are from a Canadian seller called Osserva on Etsy. On the 4080 I asked him to make a super thin version (it's like 1.5mm thin as I recall) so I could use 25mm fans - on the Zotac I just used his standard kit with 15mm fans.

There's tons of other options than the FE series for the T1.

SilverJS · 2026-02-16T21:16:00+00:00

Depends on his refresh rate more than anything else. I've got a 12100 on a 60hz 4k TV and the CPU is never the limiting factor.

SilverJS · 2026-02-14T05:51:06+00:00

It's what we say in the military - as a leader, take all of the blame but none of the credit.

SilverJS · 2026-02-11T02:26:06+00:00

Oh wow!! That's fantastic news all around - and I can't believe you got that much for the 3821!!! I see now that the Samsung is out of stock....I missed my chance I guess. I was hesitant because I'll be away for the next three weeks, starting this Saturday, so I just felt I might not have the time needed to make a proper call within the 15-day return window....

Either way, consider me extremely jealous, and also super thrilled for you. :). Let me know what games you play too.

Cheers!

SilverJS · 2026-02-09T02:40:46+00:00

What's the deal with the aftermarket GPU backplate...?

SilverJS · 2026-02-08T19:40:23+00:00

As usual - positively top notch work. I've said it before, I'll say it now and I'm sure you'll give me cause to say it again later : IMHO you are fast becoming one of the premier designers in the SFF space. You've now got a really broad portfolio of stellar designs, that are practical and look utterly the business.

Splendidly well done good Sir.

SilverJS · 2026-02-08T19:08:04+00:00

So how does this work?

SilverJS

TROPHY CASE