2024 could signal the rise of extraterrestrial…well, not quite, but something almost as thrilling—external GPUs. Minisforum is launching the DEG1, an affordable eGPU dock aiming to beef up mini-PCs, handhelds, and underpowered laptops for a breezy $99. Even better, it’s going solo now, no longer just an accessory for the AtomMan X7 Ti mini PC. Picture the magic of adding high-end graphics to your puny device. The catch? It’s minimalist, which means no extra USB ports, just pure GPU juice.
The DEG1 isn’t just a pretty dock; it’s performance with a cap P. With OCuLink providing a zippy 64 Gbps, this dock really means business, waving goodbye to USB4 and Thunderbolt. It can cradle massive GPUs—the kind that usually laugh at the puny enclosures of lesser docks. And with a signal amplifier, it promises video broadcast as stable as your yoga-teacher friend. Don’t forget the main switch hookup—it’s like having a graphical IV that turns off with your PC, neat! But hang tight, it wants its own PSU, which oddly, isn’t included in the box.
This GPU dock might sound like a gamer’s petite dream, but it’s probably overkill for anyone already lounging with a powerful desktop set-up. Let’s face it, settling for this external charm makes most sense if pairing a mid-range card with small digs, or if mobile and mini devices are your jam. Tech gurus argue that for the big bucks being dished out on hefty GPUs, why not just get a desktop? It’s like buying designer flip-flops when what you really want is all-season boots. Practical, but maybe missing the point?
**Hot Take**
Who knew saving space could also mean emptying wallets? The DEG1 seems perfect for tech enthusiasts who love to squeeze big performance into small spaces, but don’t necessarily enjoy the full desktop experience (or expense). It’s like opting for a sports car but only driving in alleys; sure, it fits, but wouldn’t you rather have the open road?
Original Article: https://www.techradar.com/pro/will-2024-be-the-year-of-the-egpu-open-caseless-external-graphics-card-dock-goes-on-sale-for-dollar99-only-but-you-will-need-to-have-an-oculink-compatible-device-to-benefit-from-it