Comma AI launches Chestnut eGPU dock at $249 with fully open-source firmware

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Comma AI, the company known for open-source driver assistance software openpilot, has announced the Chestnut — an external GPU dock priced at $249 (excluding power supply). The device connects via USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 and supports full-length, multi-slot GPUs, making it cheaper than most competing enclosures on the market. Unlike proprietary rivals such as the $300 Razer Core X, Chestnut's firmware is fully open-source and hosted on GitHub, allowing users to audit, modify, and contribute fixes. This openness addresses longstanding issues with eGPU docks including connection instability, aggressive thermal throttling, poor Linux support, and abandoned firmware updates. The launch positions Chestnut as a more affordable and user-controlled option for those running GPU-intensive workloads like local AI models on laptops or mini PCs.

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