2024 could be the year of the big breakthrough for external GPUs, especially with the debut of Minisforum's DEG1, one of the most affordable eGPU docks on the market.
Priced at $99, the DEG1 is designed to offer significant improvements in graphics performance for those with mini PCs, handheld devices, notebooks, or other devices limited by internal capacity.
Initially unveiled back in May as an optional add-on for Minisforum’s AtomMan X7 Ti mini PC, the DEG1 is now available to pre-order as a standalone device, with shipping expected in mid-August 2024. Its minimalist design and singular focus on providing an external GPU connection means it doesn’t function as a USB hub or port extender, which is a shame.
Power supply required
The DEG1 features a fast OCuLink connection (so it will only work with devices that have an OCuLink port; there is no support for Thunderbolt or USB4), providing up to 64Gbps of bandwidth.
Thanks to its open design, it can accommodate even the largest GPUs, such as NVIDIA's RTX 4090 and AMD's RX 7900 XTX. The eGPU base also features a signal amplifier to ensure stable video transmission from the CPU to the GPU.
One feature of the DEG1 that we like is its integration with the main power switch of the connected PC.
This means you don’t have to worry about flipping multiple switches to turn your rig on or off. It’s worth mentioning that the dock requires an external power supply, which is not included. The DEG1 supports both ATX and SFX power supplies, and for optimal cable management, a modular power supply is recommended.
For users who are limited on space but need a powerful GPU setup, the DEG1 could be an excellent solution when paired with an entry-level or mid-level graphics card.
However, as Tom Hardware He notes: “This niche product doesn’t make sense for most consumers who simply want a gaming desktop PC with a high-end GPU inside. After all, if you’re spending hundreds of dollars on a graphics card, why not just invest in a desktop PC that can accommodate the GPU of your dreams?”
