Everyone Who Tried This Has FAILED – Khadas Mind Modular PC

Linus Tech Tips
24 Mar 202410:32

TLDRThe transcript discusses the unveiling of a modular computer called The Kadas Mind at CES 2014. Despite the failure of past modularity attempts, Kadas is making a significant push with their compact workstation. The device features a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a battery, emphasizing portability and ease of upgrades. The Mind also introduces a proprietary Mind Link connector for high-speed expansion, aiming to create an ecosystem of accessories. While impressive, the high cost and lack of Thunderbolt 4 support may impact its market success.

Takeaways

  • 💡 The transcript discusses the concept of modular computing and highlights the Kadas Mind workstation as a significant innovation in this field.
  • 🌟 Kadas Mind is a tiny modular computer with high-performance capabilities, featuring a 12-core Intel processor and up to 55 watts of power.
  • 🚀 The device includes 32GB of fast LPDDR5 memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and even a battery, emphasizing portability and on-the-go usability.
  • 🔋 Despite its small size, Kadas Mind has a 5.55-watt-hour battery, which serves as a backup power source and allows for up to 25 hours of sleep mode.
  • 🔌 The workstation has a variety of ports, including USB-C with power delivery support, an HDMI 2.0 port, and USB-A 10 Gig ports, but notably lacks Ethernet.
  • 🛠️ One of the standout features is the easy m.2 storage upgrade process and the Mind Link high-speed connector for seamless expansion and device integration.
  • 💻 The Mind dock accessory addresses many of the base unit's shortcomings by adding more ports, a fingerprint reader, and even speakers, but it uses a proprietary interface.
  • 🌐 Kadas envisions a modular ecosystem beyond just GPU enclosures, including a studio display and a 2-in-1 tablet, aiming to create a comprehensive computing solution.
  • 🔧 The Mind Link connector is a robust and compact design, allowing for up to 10,000 connection cycles and supporting up to 200 watts of power transfer in both directions.
  • 💰 While the Kadas Mind workstation offers a refined modular computing experience, it comes at a high price, and its success will depend on market acceptance.

Q & A

  • What is the main concept behind the modular computer called The Kadas Mind?

    -The Kadas Mind is a compact modular computer workstation that allows for easy hardware upgrades and enhancements through an ecosystem of add-ons, similar to the concept of摩托mods but more advanced and versatile.

  • What are some of the key specifications of The Kadas Mind?

    -The Kadas Mind features a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 memory, a 1TB WD SN 740 NVMe SSD, and a built-in battery. It also has a 5.55-watt hour battery life and can double as a portable battery backup.

  • How does The Kadas Mind address the issue of portability and ease of use?

    -The Kadas Mind is designed to be small and portable, roughly three times the volume of a smartphone. It can be easily taken on the go, put into sleep mode, and then resumed up to 25 hours later without the need for a power source.

  • What are the connectivity options available on The Kadas Mind?

    -The Kadas Mind includes two USB-C ports (one with 10Gbps data transfer and the other with USB 2.0 speeds), an HDMI 2.0 port, and two USB 3.0 ports. The rear IO also supports 65W power delivery over USB-C.

  • What is the Kadas Mind Link and how does it enhance the device's capabilities?

    -The Kadas Mind Link is a high-speed connector that allows for easy attachment of additional modules, such as the Kadas Mind Dock, which adds more ports, networking capabilities, an SD card reader, and a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello.

  • How does the Kadas Mind's storage upgrade process differ from traditional methods?

    -The Kadas Mind features an incredibly simple m.2 storage upgrade process, which is one of the easiest seen to date, allowing users to quickly and easily replace or add storage without much hassle.

  • What are some of the potential future products envisioned by Kadas for their modular ecosystem?

    -Kadas is working on a variety of products for their ecosystem, including a studio-style display and a 2-in-1 tablet. They are also considering publishing their pinout to allow for third-party accessories and improvements over existing standards like Oculus Link.

  • How does the Kadas Mind handle hot-swapping of devices?

    -The Kadas Mind supports hot-swapping of devices through its Mind Link connector, which is designed to be robust and support up to 10,000 connection cycles. It also allows for devices to draw up to 200 watts of power and is hot pluggable, meaning devices can be connected and disconnected without turning off the system.

  • What are the challenges in implementing hot-swappable PCI Express devices?

    -Hot-swapping PCI Express devices is challenging because it requires the system to dynamically allocate memory to new devices, which can cause issues if not properly managed. Additionally, hardware compatibility and pin connections must be precise to avoid short circuits, initialization errors, or damage to the hardware.

  • How does the Kadas Mind perform in terms of graphics and gaming?

    -While the Kadas Mind is not primarily designed for gaming, it can be enhanced with an eGPU through the storage upgrade slot. However, the performance may not be optimal for gaming, as seen in the video where the graphics performance was limited, even at minimum settings.

  • What is the price point of The Kadas Mind and how can potential customers get a discount?

    -The Kadas Mind is priced on the higher side, reflecting its quality engineering. Potential customers can get a $100 discount by using the coupon code LTT MInd, which can be applied through the link provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction to the Kadas Mind Workstation

The paragraph introduces the Kadas Mind workstation, a modular computer concept that was presented at CES 2014. It discusses the idea of a modular, high-performance computer that is easy to upgrade, comparing it to other modular projects like Google's Project Ara and Moto Mods. The focus is on the unique approach taken by the smaller manufacturer, Kadas, with their tiny modular computer. The Mind workstation boasts impressive specs, including a 12-core Intel processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and a battery. It also mentions the device's portability and ability to serve as a battery backup during power outages. The I/O capabilities and the ease of storage upgrades are highlighted, along with the proprietary Mind link connector that allows for hot-swapping and increased power delivery.

05:02

🚀 Kadas Mind Ecosystem and Hot-Swapping Technology

This paragraph delves into the envisioned ecosystem by Kadas, which includes more than just GPU enclosures. It discusses the potential for a studio-style display and a 2-in-1 tablet, with a focus on the Mind Graphics, a device that could be a significant upgrade over other technologies. The paragraph explains the challenges of hot-swapping in PCs, the technical complexities involved, and how Kadas has managed to overcome these issues to create a refined modular ecosystem. It also touches on the performance of the device when connected to various peripherals and the hot-swapping capabilities of the interface, emphasizing its ease of use and potential for future product integration.

10:03

💰 Market Response and Availability of Kadas Mind

The final paragraph discusses the market's potential response to the Kadas Mind workstation, given its high price point. It acknowledges the quality engineering behind the product and its associated costs. The paragraph encourages those interested in the solution to check out the provided link for more information and offers a discount coupon for viewers. It also suggests watching another video on a related topic, the Razer Tomahawk, a modular PC concept co-produced with Intel.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡modular high-performance computer

A modular high-performance computer refers to a system that is designed with the capability to be easily customized and upgraded by the user. This type of computer typically features components that can be added or replaced without the need for extensive technical knowledge or specialized tools. In the context of the video, it highlights the innovation introduced by Razer at CES 2014 with the idea of a modular computer system that could change the way computers are built and upgraded.

💡mineral oil cooled chassis

A mineral oil cooled chassis is a type of computer case that uses mineral oil as a cooling medium to dissipate heat from the internal components. This method of cooling is efficient and effective in managing high temperatures, especially in high-performance computers where heat generation can be a significant issue. The use of mineral oil provides a unique cooling solution that is both safe and environmentally friendly, as it does not conduct electricity and thus reduces the risk of damage to the components.

💡CES 2014

CES, or Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual trade show where companies showcase the latest consumer technology and gadgets. The year 2014 was significant for the introduction of innovative ideas and products in the tech industry. In the context of the video, CES 2014 is highlighted as the event where Razer presented their concept for a modular computer system, indicating the importance of this platform in the evolution of computer hardware.

💡The kadas Mind workstation

The kadas Mind workstation is a compact, modular computer system introduced by the smaller manufacturer kadz. It represents an innovative approach to personal computing by offering a small form factor that still packs powerful hardware, such as a 12-core Intel processor and a high-speed SSD. The workstation is designed to be highly portable and versatile, with the ability to be easily upgraded and expanded through its unique Mind link connector.

💡Mind link connector

The Mind link connector is a proprietary high-speed interface developed by kadz for their modular computer ecosystem. It allows for easy and quick attachment of various peripherals and expansion modules to the base device, such as eGPUs, additional storage, or docks with extra ports. The connector is designed to be robust, supporting up to 10,000 connection cycles, and is capable of delivering up to 200 watts of power in both directions, making it a critical component in the modular design of the kadas Mind workstation.

💡hot-swappable

Hot-swappable refers to the ability to add or remove components from a computer system without turning off the power or rebooting the device. This feature is particularly useful in modular computing environments, as it allows users to upgrade or change parts on the fly without significant disruption to their workflow. The concept is central to the design of the kadas Mind workstation, where components can be swapped without the need for a system restart.

💡Mind dock

The Mind dock is an expansion module designed for the kadas Mind workstation. It provides additional connectivity options, such as networking capabilities, HDMI ports, USB ports, and even an SD card reader. The dock also includes a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello and features a volume knob, enhancing the user experience by offering a more comprehensive set of ports and functions. The Mind dock exemplifies the modular ecosystem envisioned by kadz, allowing users to tailor their workstation to their specific needs.

💡PCIe by8 gen five connector

The PCIe by8 gen five connector refers to a specific type of Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) slot that is eight lanes wide and operates according to the fifth generation of the PCIe standard. This high-speed interface is used for connecting various expansion cards, such as graphics cards or network cards, to the computer's motherboard. In the context of the video, the Mind link connector is based on this type of PCIe connector but has been modified and enhanced by kadz to support their modular computer system.

💡eGPU

An eGPU (external Graphics Processing Unit) is a graphics card that is not integrated into the computer's motherboard but is instead connected externally through a high-speed interface like Thunderbolt or PCIe. eGPUs allow users to enhance the graphical capabilities of their computer system without the need to open the computer case or replace the internal GPU. In the video, the potential for using an eGPU with the kadas Mind workstation is discussed, emphasizing the flexibility and upgradeability of the system.

💡hot pluggable

Hot pluggable is a term used to describe devices or components that can be connected or disconnected while the system is running, without the need for a reboot or power cycle. This feature is particularly useful in modular systems, as it allows for instant upgrades or changes without disrupting the user's workflow. The video highlights the hot pluggable nature of the kadas Mind workstation and its peripherals, emphasizing the convenience and ease of use in a modular computing environment.

💡Mind Graphics

Mind Graphics refers to a hypothetical product mentioned in the video that is part of the kadas Mind workstation ecosystem. While the specifics of this product are not detailed in the script, it is implied to be a graphics-related module or enclosure that could be used to enhance the graphical capabilities of the workstation. The name suggests that it would be a component designed to work seamlessly with the modular system, potentially offering improved performance or additional features.

💡Oculink

Oculink is a term used in the video to refer to a high-speed interface standard, likely similar to Thunderbolt or PCIe, that is designed for connecting graphics cards to a computer system. The video mentions an 'm.2 to Oculinck adapter,' suggesting that it is a method for connecting an eGPU to the kadas Mind workstation. While the term 'Oculink' is not widely recognized outside the context of the video, it is used to illustrate the adaptability of the workstation and the potential for using various high-speed interfaces with the modular system.

Highlights

Razer unveiled a modular high-performance computer concept at CES 2014, aiming to revolutionize computer building.

Despite the initial excitement, modular computer projects have generally failed to meet expectations.

Kadz, a smaller manufacturer, is making a significant push into modular computing with their tiny Kadas Mind workstation.

The Kadas Mind's approach to modularity is both similar to and different from previous attempts, offering a unique take on the concept.

The Mind workstation starts with a solid core computing device and allows for an ecosystem of enhancements.

Despite its small size, the Mind workstation includes a 12-core Intel processor and high-speed memory.

The device features a built-in battery and can be used as a portable computing solution or a battery backup.

The Mind workstation has a variety of ports, including USB-C and HDMI 2.0, but lacks Ethernet which could be a drawback for a workstation.

The device's M.2 storage upgrade process is remarkably easy, one of the simplest ever seen.

The Mind link high-speed connector is a robust and compact version of a standard PCIe connector, designed for frequent use.

The Mind link connector supports up to 200 watts of power transfer and is hot pluggable, allowing for easy device swapping.

Kadz envisions an ecosystem beyond GPU enclosures, including a studio-style display and a 2-in-1 tablet.

The Mind Graphics is a no-brainer addition to the Kadas ecosystem, potentially offering a significant upgrade over other interfaces.

Hot swapping PCI Express devices is difficult, but Kadas has managed to implement it successfully in their ecosystem.

The Kadas Mind workstation demonstrates the potential for a modular computing ecosystem that is both high-performance and user-friendly.

The market response to the Kadas Mind will be crucial in determining the success of this innovative modular computing approach.

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