Will 2024 be the 12 months of the eGPU? Open, caseless exterior graphics card dock goes on sale for $99 solely — however you will have to have an OCuLink suitable system to profit from it

[ad_1]

2024 would possibly simply be the breakout 12 months for exterior GPUs, particularly with Minisforum’s debut of the DEG1, one of many extra reasonably priced eGPU docks available on the market.

Priced at $99, the DEG1 is designed to supply important graphical efficiency enhancements for these with mini-PCs, handhelds, laptops, or different gadgets constrained by inside capability.

Initially unveiled in Might as an elective add-on for the Minisforum AtomMan X7 Ti mini PC, the DEG1 is now obtainable for pre-order as a standalone system, with transport anticipated by mid-August 2024. Its minimalist design and singular concentrate on offering an exterior GPU connection imply it does not double as a USB hub or port extender, which is a disgrace.

PSU required

The DEG1 boasts a quick OCuLink connection (so it should solely work with gadgets which have an OCuLink port; there’s no assist for Thunderbolt or USB4), offering as much as 64 Gbps of bandwidth.

Due to its open-air design, it could possibly accommodate even the biggest GPUs, corresponding to NVIDIA’s RTX 4090 and AMD’s RX 7900 XTX. The eGPU dock additionally encompasses a sign amplifier to make sure steady video transmission from the CPU to the GPU.

One characteristic of the DEG1we like is its integration with the primary energy change of the linked PC.

This implies you do not have to fret about flipping a number of switches to show your setup on or off. It is value mentioning that the dock requires an exterior PSU, which is not included. The DEG1 helps each ATX and SFX energy provides, and for optimum cable administration, a modular energy provide is beneficial.

For customers who’ve house constraints however want a robust GPU setup, the DEG1 might be a wonderful answer when paired with an entry-level or mid-range graphics card.

Nonetheless, as Tom’s {Hardware} factors out, “This area of interest product doesn’t make sense for many shoppers who merely desire a desktop gaming PC with a high-end GPU inside. In spite of everything, in the event you’re spending tons of of {dollars} on a graphics card, why not simply put money into a desktop PC that may accommodate the GPU of your desires?”