CopprLink: New standard for external PCIe connection could significantly accelerate eGPUs

In principle, the performance of mini-PCs, laptops, or even gaming handhelds can be greatly increased with the help of an external graphics card. There are basically various ways to connect an eGPU, such as USB 4 and OCuLink. As already described, the main limitation of such connections is the absence of a particularly high-performance link for data transfer.

The PCI-SIG has now adopted a new standard. CopprLink should be suitable for connecting both external and internal expansion cards via PCIe. However, there are differences depending on the type of use: internal cables can be used over a distance of up to one meter, while external cables can be used over a distance of up to two meters.

External CopprLink connections should also be equipped with stronger connectors, which should result in greater durability. The connector itself is also completely new, so there is no kind of backward compatibility on a mechanical level. CopprLink should comply with the PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 6.0 specifications. The PCI-SIG specifies a maximum data transfer speed of 32 or 64 GT/s, while the maximum transfer speed for OCuLink is said to be 8 GT/s.

There is currently no information about upcoming products with the new connection. Should a broad adaptation actually come about, this is likely to take some time - not only corresponding graphics card enclosures should adopt the new connections, but also the end devices such as laptops.