Everyone Who Tried This Has FAILED – Khadas Mind Modular PC

Linus Tech Tips
24 Mar 202410:32

TLDRThe Khadas Mind modular PC is a compact workstation featuring a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB LPDDR5 memory, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. It boasts a unique high-speed Mind Link connector for easy hardware upgrades and ecosystem expansion, including the Mind Dock which adds networking, HDMI, USB, and an SD card reader. Despite its high price, the Mind offers a refined modular experience with hot-swappable components and potential for further development in the ecosystem.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 The Khadas Mind modular computer is a small, high-performance workstation with a unique approach to modularity.
  • 🔥 Despite its tiny size, the Mind packs a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD.
  • 🔋 It includes a battery and offers up to 5.55 hours of use, also functioning as a portable battery backup and power outage safety net.
  • 💻 The device features a variety of ports, including USB-C with power delivery and HDMI 2.0, but lacks Ethernet which may be a downside for a workstation.
  • 🚀 The Mind's modular ecosystem includes the Mind Dock, which adds extensive networking capabilities, HDMI and USB ports, a fingerprint reader, and even speakers.
  • 🔧 The M.2 storage upgrade process is remarkably easy, and the Mind Link connector is a robust, high-speed interface designed for frequent use.
  • 🔌 The Mind Link is essentially a PCIe x8 Gen 5 connector with thoughtful additions for compact size, robustness, and high power transfer.
  • 🎮 Khadas envisions a broader ecosystem beyond GPU enclosures, including a studio-style display and a 2-in-1 tablet.
  • 🔄 The hot-swappable feature is complex to implement but Khadas has managed to execute it effectively, showcasing its potential for dynamic device addition and removal.
  • 💰 While the Khadas Mind represents a refined modular ecosystem, it comes at a high price, and its success will depend on market response.

Q & A

  • What was the main concept unveiled by Razer at CES 2014?

    -The main concept unveiled by Razer at CES 2014 was a modular high-performance, mineral oil cooled chassis that aimed to revolutionize how we build computers.

  • What is the name of the modular computer introduced by Khadas?

    -The name of the modular computer introduced by Khadas is the Khadas Mind workstation.

  • How does the Khadas Mind workstation differ from previous modular computer attempts?

    -The Khadas Mind workstation differs from previous attempts by offering a unique approach that is both similar and different from others, focusing on a tiny form factor and an easy-to-use modular ecosystem.

  • What are some of the key specifications of the Khadas Mind workstation?

    -The Khadas Mind workstation features a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 memory, a 1TB WD SN740 NVMe SSD, and a battery. It also has a peak power consumption of up to 55 watts.

  • What is the battery life of the Khadas Mind workstation, and what other benefits does it offer?

    -The battery life of the Khadas Mind workstation is 5.55 hours. It also serves as a handy battery backup in case of power outages, allowing users to save their work and shut down safely.

  • What are the main I/O features on the rear of the Khadas Mind workstation?

    -The main I/O features on the rear of the Khadas Mind workstation include two USB-C ports (one with 10 Gbps speed and the other with USB 2.0 speed), an HDMI 2.0 port, and two USB 3.0 ports.

  • How easy is it to upgrade the M.2 storage on the Khadas Mind workstation?

    -Upgrading the M.2 storage on the Khadas Mind workstation is very easy, as it features one of the simplest M.2 storage upgrade processes ever seen.

  • What does the Khadas Mind dock provide in terms of additional connectivity and features?

    -The Khadas Mind dock adds 2.5 Gig networking, numerous HDMI and USB ports, a 3.5mm combo jack, an SD card reader, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, a volume knob, and speakers.

  • How does the Mind Link connector differ from a standard PCIe slot?

    -The Mind Link connector is more compact than a standard PCIe slot and is designed to be more robust, with a target of 10,000 cycles. It also allows for higher power transfer and is hot pluggable.

  • What are some of the challenges associated with hot swapping PCI Express devices?

    -Hot swapping PCI Express devices can cause issues such as weird behavior, crashes, or hardware damage if not done correctly. It requires dynamic memory allocation and careful hardware design to prevent shorts or initialization errors.

  • How does the Khadas Mind workstation perform with an eGPU setup?

    -While the Khadas Mind workstation can support an eGPU setup through the easy storage upgrade slot, the performance may not be optimal as seen in the test with a GPD eGPU, where the graphics performance was poor despite running at 60 FPS.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Introducing the Kadas Mind Workstation: A Modular Mini PC

The paragraph introduces the Kadas Mind workstation, a modular computer concept unveiled at CES 2014 by Razer. It discusses the idea of a modular, high-performance computer that could revolutionize how we build computers. The Kadas Mind is highlighted as a tiny modular computer that aims to change the game with its innovative design. The device features a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and a battery that offers up to 5.55 hours of use. It also includes a unique feature where the device can be put into sleep mode for portability and resumed up to 25 hours later. Additionally, it serves as a battery backup during power outages. The paragraph also touches on the I/O capabilities, the ease of upgrading the M.2 storage, and the proprietary Mind link connector that allows for high-speed connectivity and hot-swapping of devices.

05:02

🔧 The Kadas Ecosystem and Hot-Swapping Technology

This paragraph delves into the Kadas ecosystem, which includes more than just GPU enclosures. Kadas is also working on a studio-style display and a 2-in-1 tablet. The paragraph discusses the Mind Graphics, a potential addition to the ecosystem, and the possibility of the Mind link interface becoming a significant upgrade over other technologies like Oculus Link. The hot-swapping capabilities of the Kadas system are explored, including the technical challenges and how Kadas has managed to overcome them to create a seamless hot-swapping experience. The paragraph also covers the performance of the device when connected to an eGPU and the impressive hot-swappable features of other peripherals like keyboards and mice.

10:03

💰 Market Response and Availability of the Kadas Mind

The final paragraph discusses the market's potential response to the Kadas Mind workstation, given its high price point. It acknowledges that while the engineering quality is commendable, the cost may be a factor for consumers. The paragraph encourages those interested in the product to check out the link in the video description to purchase a Kadas Mind and use the provided coupon code for a discount. It also suggests watching another video on a related topic, the Razer Tomahawk, for further exploration of modular computing concepts.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Modular PC

A Modular PC refers to a personal computer that is designed with the ability to easily swap out and upgrade individual components such as the processor, memory, or storage. This concept is central to the video's discussion, as it explores the Khadas Mind Modular PC, which aims to revolutionize the way computers are built and upgraded, similar to how USB devices are easily plugged in and out. The Khadas Mind, in particular, is highlighted for its small form factor and powerful capabilities despite its size.

💡Christine

In the context of the video, 'Christine' is a project name that was unveiled by Razer at CES 2014, which introduced the concept of a modular computer. The name 'Christine' is used to illustrate the history and allure of modular computing, which promises easy hardware upgrades but has faced challenges in delivering on those promises. The video uses 'Christine' as a reference point to discuss the evolution and current state of modular computing.

💡Khadas Mind

The Khadas Mind is a modular computer workstation developed by the smaller manufacturer Khadas. It is noted for its compact size and powerful components, including a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The Khadas Mind represents a significant attempt at creating a modular ecosystem that addresses previous shortcomings in the field, offering a core computing device with the ability to add enhancements through additional modules.

💡Moto Mods

Moto Mods are a series of modular add-ons for Motorola smartphones that allow users to enhance their devices with additional features such as speakers, battery packs, and gamepads. These mods are similar in concept to the Khadas Mind Modular PC, as they both involve a core device that can be augmented with additional modules to provide extra functionality. The mention of Moto Mods in the video serves to draw a parallel between the modularity of consumer electronics and the modular PC concept being discussed.

💡Mind Link

The Mind Link is a proprietary high-speed connector used in the Khadas Mind Modular PC ecosystem. It is designed to facilitate easy and robust connections between the core computing device and various expansion modules, such as the Mind Dock. The connector is built to withstand frequent use and supports power delivery up to 200 watts in both directions, making it a key component in the modular design of the Khadas Mind system.

💡Mind Dock

The Mind Dock is an expansion module for the Khadas Mind Modular PC that significantly enhances its capabilities. It includes additional features such as 2.5 Gig networking, numerous HDMI and USB ports, a combo jack, an SD card reader, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and even built-in speakers. The Mind Dock exemplifies the modular approach of the Khadas Mind system by addressing the base unit's limitations and providing a comprehensive upgrade package.

💡Hot Swappable

Hot Swappable refers to the ability to add or remove components from a system without requiring a reboot or shutdown. In the context of the Khadas Mind Modular PC, this feature is a significant innovation, allowing users to connect or disconnect modules while the computer is running without causing any system crashes or performance issues. The video highlights the technical challenges and the careful design considerations that enable hot swapping in the Khadas Mind system.

💡PCIe

PCIe, or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard used for attaching hardware devices to a computer. In the Khadas Mind Modular PC, the Mind Link connector is essentially a modified PCIe interface, designed to be more compact and robust for frequent use. The video discusses how this adaptation of PCIe allows for higher power delivery and easier hot swapping, which are crucial for the modular ecosystem envisioned by Khadas.

💡Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 4 is a hardware interface that allows for the connection of multiple high-speed peripherals to a computer through a single port. It supports high-resolution displays and high-data-transfer rates. The video mentions Thunderbolt 4 in the context of the Khadas Mind Modular PC, noting its absence as a potential downside. However, the Mind Link connector is presented as a more versatile alternative, offering similar or better performance in certain aspects.

💡eGPU

eGPU stands for External Graphics Processing Unit, which is a graphics card that is not integrated into the computer's motherboard but instead connects externally through a high-speed interface like Thunderbolt or, in the case of the Khadas Mind, the Mind Link connector. The video discusses the potential for using an eGPU with the Khadas Mind Modular PC to enhance its graphics capabilities, although the eGPU dock is not yet available at the time of the video.

💡OCuLink

OCuLink is a high-speed interface standard used for connecting virtual reality headsets to computers. In the video, it is mentioned as a point of comparison for the Khadas Mind Modular PC's Mind Link connector, which aims to offer a similar or better connection for future products. The potential for an eight-lane PCIe connection, as opposed to the standard four, is highlighted as a significant advantage over OCuLink.

Highlights

Khadas Mind Modular PC is a tiny computer with a 12-core Intel processor.

It has 32GB of 5200MT/s LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB WD SN740 NVMe SSD.

The device includes a battery and can last up to 5.55 hours of use, also serving as a backup battery in case of power outages.

Khadas Mind features a high-speed connector called Mind Link for easy and quick storage upgrades and peripherals expansion.

The Mind Dock adds 2.5G networking, more HDMI and USB ports, a combo jack, SD card reader, fingerprint reader, and speakers.

Mind Link is a compact and robust PCIe x8 Gen 5 connector designed for 10,000 cycles of use.

Khadas envisions an ecosystem with various enclosures, a studio-style display, and a 2-in-1 tablet.

The Mind Graphics is expected to be a straightforward addition to the ecosystem, potentially offering an upgrade over Oculus Link.

Hot swapping of PCI Express devices is challenging, but Khadas has managed to implement it successfully.

The Khadas Mind PC supports up to 200W power transfer and has a hot-swappable interface.

Despite the chip supporting Thunderbolt 4, the Mind Link offers benefits such as extra bandwidth and lower latency.

Khadas Mind Modular PC is a refined attempt at creating a modular ecosystem.

The device's cooling system is quiet, even when the CPU temperature reaches 56°C.

Users have successfully adapted the storage upgrade slot for connecting an M.2 to Oculus Link adapter and an eGPU.

The Khadas Mind PC is not cheap, and its market success will depend on consumer response.

The device is small, about three times the volume of a smartphone, yet manages to pack high-performance hardware.

The Mind PC can be used as a portable computing solution, allowing users to move around with their work and resume from where they left off.

The lack of Ethernet on a workstation device is a downside, but the device offers multiple USB and HDMI ports for connectivity.

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