External GPUs Kinda Suck (But This One Doesn't)

The MinisForum DEG1 is the first external GPU dock that I've found to be truly exciting: it has an Oculink connection, works with any desktop GPU and power supply, and is only $99. But there's one catch -- it *only* works with Oculink-capable devices. Let's take a look at this dock and the state of eGPUs altogether.

Other reviews mentioned in this video:

This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.

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Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:46 how we got here
04:32 unboxing and impressions
06:03 power supply and graphics card
08:07 hardware installation
10:20 testing devices (mini PC and laptop)
12:34 why use an eGPU at all?
14:35 software installation
16:19 price and competition
21:02 performance testing
25:08 comparison with mobile eGPUs
27:30 summary (likes and dislikes)
30:42 conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#pcgaming #egpu #minisforum #miniPC

[BlobBlobkins]

GPU size now is like a full mini tower pc

[ralphmcmahan]

Silverstone's SFX power supplies are also designed to be quieter than most standard power supplies. Another reason this supply is $120 instead of the $65.

[WhiskeyEcho-wzxv]

I have always thought the enclosures were very overpriced boxes, having jumped in when they first came out with my old laptop. It is great to see something much simpler released!

[Dr.Dp]

Low GPU usage on Elden Ring is because the games Gfx engine won't allow for more than 60fps as it's locked to the games physics, so its not really a good game for judging GPU performance.

[NeroVingian]

It has fans, so it’s definitely sucking.

[E_Sunbro]

I wish that MinisForum unit had USB4 in addition to Oculink.

[drewnewby]

Some misinformation in the comments. OCuLink isn't dead. It's an open source standard. It doesn't have the overhead of USB, or the licensing cost of Thunderbolt. M.2 to OCuLink adapters are readily available. Newer Minisforum devices include them, like the UM890 Pro. I sound like a salesperson at this point, but I've never even considered a mini PC. For those that have though, that UM890 Pro is even under $600 right now with the dock.

[JaelTanalepy]

Just waiting till there are more laptops with thunderbolt 5 port + thunderbolt 5 egpu docks. Oculink would be nice but I just don’t see most laptop brands do a oculink port. Especially since they start cutting out so many ports.

[patrickmeyer]

The Joyce Manor shirt - Russ is eternally cool as fuck!!

[Dracossaint]

9:03 russ something ya may like is they make custom length psu cables. You can even get them in custom colors without added cost. Cablemod is who i would suggest for that. Making it supper clean and adding s touch of flair if ya like.

[kylejaeger]

Wholeheartedly agree, really hope they take your feedback and create one with USB4/thunderbolt as well. Would buy immediately

[thomaschipman]

power profile is also a huge plus for some people using static devices. being able to effectively remove the gpu from the power draw equation when it isn't needed is a pretty solid benefit.

[samnik]

I'll wait for 16 inch slim laptop, that can connect to oculink and it will be perfect setup

[Heavyshadowsound]

I don't know why this title made me think of the Suck-Kutt scene from Wayne's World but you're welcome

[typingcat]

I've read in a couple of places that Oculink is going to be replaced with CopprLink, so keep an eye out for that in future docks!

[hiepbenh]

If u already have GPU and power supply and dont want to wasted them then 100$ for EGPU is not a problem but u need mini pc or laptop with USB 4 or Oculink, they are not cheap :)

[seanscott]

Good to see this review. There was a "mishap" with my daughter's computer and most of it got fried. I was able to salvage the GPU CPU and SDD (luckily I also had a spare PSU hanging around as well). I ordered the DEG1 in hopes of getting a mini PC to get for my daughter as she will be using it for college and at some point she may be moving out of town to pursue her education. What I found was the MS-A1 (which actually arrived as I was typing this) to pair up with the dock. So now that I've made a short story long, I feel confident that I made the right choice getting this dock. Thanks for the review Russ, as always I appreciate the honesty and clear communication that you convey in your reviews!

[jierenzheng]

This reminds me of the Aliexpress DIY dock but with oculink instead of an nvme drive connector.

[VitorMach]

It's important to note that the rated PSU wattage is the sum of all voltage rails, which means the max power draw from the 12V rail (GPUs use this one) might be lower than the total rated power. Nowadays most PSUs have high wattage for the 12V rail, but if you decide to cheap out on it, it's best to check.

[coolchews]

Love this video! Maybe more videos on different gpu used ?