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 computer with a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It features a unique high-speed Mind Link connector for easy upgrades and hot-swapping, despite lacking Thunderbolt 4 support. The device aims to revolutionize modular computing, but its high price may impact market response.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 The Khadas Mind modular computer is a compact workstation with a unique approach to modularity, different from past attempts like Google's Project Ara and Moto Mods.
  • 🔥 It features a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and even a battery, offering a small form factor but powerful performance.
  • 🔌 The device includes multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a proprietary Mind Link connector for high-speed expansion and upgrades.
  • 💻 Despite its small size, the Khadas Mind includes a battery that offers up to 5.55 hours of use and doubles as a backup during power outages.
  • 🚀 The Mind Dock accessory enhances the workstation with additional networking capabilities, more ports, a fingerprint reader, and even speakers.
  • 🛠️ The storage upgrade process is remarkably easy, thanks to a simple tab mechanism that allows for quick M.2 storage swaps.
  • 🔄 Hot swapping is a significant feature, with the Mind Link connector supporting up to 200W of power transfer and being designed for long-term durability with 10,000 cycles.
  • 🎮 While the Khadas Mind is not primarily a gaming device, it can accommodate an eGPU via an M.2 to DisplayPort adapter, showcasing its versatility.
  • 📈 The Khadas Mind is a refined modular ecosystem, but its high price point may impact market response and adoption.
  • 🔗 For those interested, a $100 discount is available using the coupon code LTT Mind, as mentioned in the video description.

Q & A

  • What was the innovative concept introduced by Razer at CES 2014?

    -Razer unveiled a modular high-performance computer concept named Christine at CES 2014, which proposed easy hardware upgrades through a mineral oil cooled chassis, with the simplicity of plugging in components like a USB device.

  • What is the Khadas Mind workstation?

    -The Khadas Mind workstation is a compact, modular computer developed by Khadas. It's designed to be small, powerful, and modular, offering a 12-core Intel processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a range of ports and connectors for expandability.

  • How does the Khadas Mind compare to previous modular computer attempts?

    -Unlike previous modular computer attempts that failed to deliver on their promises, Khadas Mind takes a more refined approach by offering a highly portable, powerful computing core with an ecosystem of enhancements that can be easily attached or detached to suit different needs.

  • What are the main features of the Khadas Mind workstation's hardware?

    -The Khadas Mind features a 12-core Intel processor, 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a 1 TB WD SN 740 M.2 SSD, a small 5.55 watt-hour battery, and a compact form factor about three times the volume of a typical smartphone.

  • What types of ports and connectivity options does the Khadas Mind offer?

    -The Khadas Mind includes two USB-C ports with power delivery, one of which supports 10 GB/s speeds, and one HDMI 2.0 port. There are also two USB-A ports and a proprietary Mind Link connector for modular attachments.

  • How does the Mind Link connector enhance the modularity of the Khadas Mind?

    -The Mind Link connector, a compact version of a PCIe by8 gen five connector, allows for robust and frequent connections, supporting up to 10,000 cycles. It enables the attachment of various modules, including a dock with additional connectivity options and potentially more devices in the future.

  • What additional functionalities does the dock add to the Khadas Mind?

    -The dock for the Khadas Mind adds 2.5 gig networking, multiple HDMI and USB ports, a 3.5mm combo jack, an SD card reader, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and a volume knob, effectively addressing most connectivity limitations of the main unit.

  • What are the limitations noted in the Khadas Mind's design?

    -The main limitations noted in the Khadas Mind include the lack of an Ethernet port on the main unit and the absence of Thunderbolt 4 support, despite the chipset being capable of it. However, these are mitigated by the dock and Mind Link connector.

  • What future expansions are envisioned for the Khadas Mind ecosystem?

    -Future expansions for the Khadas Mind ecosystem include GPU enclosures, a studio-style display, and a two-in-one tablet device, aiming to enhance the functionality and versatility of the modular system.

  • What challenges are associated with the hot swap capability of the Mind Link connector?

    -Hot swapping with the Mind Link connector presents technical challenges such as dynamic memory allocation for new devices by the system BIOS, and ensuring that the hardware connections do not cause shorts or initialization errors that could damage components.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Introducing the Kadas Mind Workstation - A Modular Mini PC

The paragraph introduces the Kadas Mind workstation, a modular computer unveiled at CES 2014 by Razer. It discusses the concept of a modular high-performance computer that is cooled by mineral oil, which was an idea that amazed many but never fully materialized. The Kadas Mind is highlighted as a tiny modular computer that aims to change the way we build computers. The device features a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a battery, all in a compact size. It also includes a unique feature where the device can be put into sleep mode and used as a battery backup in case of power outages. The paragraph details the I/O capabilities of the device, including USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and USB-A 10 gig ports. The lack of Ethernet is noted as a downside for a workstation. The paragraph also discusses the ease of upgrading the m.2 storage and the Mind link high-speed connector, which is a proprietary interface designed for high durability and power delivery. The connector's ability to handle up to 200 watts in both directions and be hot pluggable is highlighted.

05:02

🚀 Kadas Mind Ecosystem and Hot Swapping Technology

This paragraph delves into the envisioned ecosystem for the Kadas Mind, which includes more than just GPU enclosures. The company is working on a studio-style display and a two-in-one tablet, although the latter is met with skepticism. The Mind Graphics, however, is seen as a natural addition to the ecosystem. The paragraph discusses the potential for the Mind link interface to become a significant upgrade over other standards like Oculus Link and XG Mobile, due to its PCIe and hot pluggable nature. The challenges of hot swapping PCI Express devices are discussed, including the complexities of dynamic memory allocation and hardware compatibility. The paragraph then presents a demonstration of the Kadas Mind's hot swapping capabilities, showcasing the ease of connecting and disconnecting devices without causing system crashes. The performance of the device with two displays and peripherals is tested, and the sound quality from the built-in speakers is commented on. The paragraph concludes with a mention of the Kadas eGPU dock, which is not yet available, but shows potential through the use of an m.2 to Oculus Link adapter.

10:03

💰 Market Response and Pricing of the Kadas Mind

The final paragraph addresses the market response to the Kadas Mind workstation and its pricing. It acknowledges that the Kadas Mind is not a cheap product, reflecting the quality engineering that has gone into its development. The paragraph suggests that the market's reaction will be a key factor in determining the success of this modular computer. It encourages those interested in the solution to check out the provided link in the video description to purchase a Kadas Mind, and offers a discount coupon code for $100 off the purchase.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Modular PC

A Modular PC refers to a computer system that is designed with the ability to easily swap out components or modules without needing to replace the entire system. This concept allows for greater flexibility and upgradability. In the video, the Khadas Mind Modular PC is highlighted as an example of this technology, showcasing how it allows users to upgrade storage and other components with relative ease, similar to plugging in a USB device.

💡Christine

In the context of the video, 'Christine' refers to a project unveiled by Razer at CES 2014, which was an idea for a modular high-performance computer. The mention of Christine serves as a historical reference point for the development of modular computing concepts and sets the stage for discussing the Khadas Mind Modular PC as a contemporary example of such technology.

💡Khadas Mind

Khadas Mind is a modular computer workstation developed by the smaller manufacturer Khadas. It is noted for its compact size, powerful 12-core Intel processor, and the ability to upgrade components like storage with a simple process. The Khadas Mind is central to the video's discussion on the evolution and current state of modular computing technology.

💡CES 2014

CES 2014 refers to the Consumer Electronics Show that took place in the year 2014. It is a significant technology event where new and innovative products are showcased. In the video, it is mentioned as the year when Razer introduced the concept of a modular PC, indicating the starting point for the exploration of modular computing.

💡Moto Mods

Moto Mods are a series of modular add-ons for Motorola smartphones that allow users to enhance their phone's capabilities with additional features like speakers, battery packs, and game pads. The video uses Moto Mods as an example of modular technology that has successfully made it to the market, drawing parallels with the Khadas Mind's approach to modular computing.

💡USB-C

USB-C is a type of USB connector that is widely used for data transfer, charging, and display output. In the video, USB-C ports on the Khadas Mind are discussed, highlighting their ability to support power delivery and display protocols. The lack of an Ethernet port and the presence of USB 2.0 speeds in one of the ports are also mentioned, indicating the device's connectivity options and limitations.

💡Mind Link

Mind Link is a high-speed connector used in the Khadas Mind modular ecosystem. It is designed to be more compact and robust than standard PCI slots, with the ability to handle up to 10,000 connection cycles. The connector is used for various enhancements, such as the Mind Dock, which adds networking capabilities, HDMI and USB ports, and other features. The Mind Link is a crucial component of the modular system, allowing for hot-swapping and easy upgrades.

💡Hot-swappable

Hot-swappable refers to the ability to replace or add components to a system without needing to power down or reboot the device. In the context of the video, the Khadas Mind's storage upgrade process and the Mind Link connector are highlighted as being hot-swappable, showcasing the convenience and flexibility of the modular design.

💡Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 4 is a high-speed data and video transfer technology that supports features like high-resolution displays and powerful data transfer rates. The video mentions the absence of Thunderbolt 4 support on the Khadas Mind, indicating a potential limitation for users who require this level of connectivity and bandwidth.

💡Mind Graphics

Mind Graphics refers to a potential product in the Khadas Mind modular ecosystem that would be an external GPU enclosure. The video discusses the possibility of such a product, which would allow users to enhance the graphical processing capabilities of their Khadas Mind workstation by connecting an eGPU (external GPU).

💡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 video, the Mind Link connector is described as being based on a PCIe interface but with additional features and improvements, making it more suitable for the modular design of the Khadas Mind system.

💡OCuLink

OCuLink is a proprietary interface for connecting GPUs and displays, capable of high bandwidth and low latency. The video mentions the potential for the Mind Link to serve as an upgrade over OCuLink, particularly in terms of the number of lanes supported and ease of adoption by the community.

Highlights

Khadas Mind Modular PC is a compact computer with a unique modular approach.

The device features a 12-core Intel processor and 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

It includes a 1TB NVMe SSD and a battery, offering up to 5.55 hours of power.

The Mind can be used as a portable computing solution and a battery backup.

Despite its small size, it offers robust I/O capabilities including USB-C and HDMI 2.0 ports.

The device lacks Ethernet, which could be a downside for workstation users.

The Mind features an easy m.2 storage upgrade process.

The Mind Link connector allows for high-speed data transfer and is designed for durability.

Khadas envisions an ecosystem with various docks and peripherals using the Mind Link connector.

The Mind Graphics dock enhances the device with additional ports and a fingerprint reader.

The Mind Link connector supports up to 200W power transfer and is hot pluggable.

Khadas has addressed the challenges of hot swapping with a careful design and testing.

The device supports the connection of multiple displays and peripherals with ease.

The Mind PC offers a quiet operation even under load.

The device's potential for use with an eGPU is demonstrated, despite current limitations.

The modular ecosystem of Khadas Mind is praised for its refinement and innovation.

The market response to the Khadas Mind's high price point remains to be seen.

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