Best Mini PCs for External GPU Compatibility

Let's be real, space in your Jozi apartment or Pretoria flat is prime real estate. But what if you could have desktop-level gaming power in a box that fits in your hand? Enter the world of mini PCs with external GPU (eGPU) support. This potent combo gives you a clean, minimalist setup without sacrificing FPS. Here’s our guide to finding the best mini PCs for external GPU compatibility in South Africa. 🚀

What Makes a Mini PC Great for an eGPU?

Not all tiny desktops are created equal. When you're hunting for a mini PC to pair with a powerful external graphics card, one thing matters more than anything else: the port.

You need a Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 port. Why? Bandwidth. These ports provide a blistering 40Gbps connection speed, which is essential for your GPU to communicate with your CPU without a serious bottleneck. A standard USB-C port just won't cut it. Think of it as trying to pump water through a garden hose versus a fire hose… you need the fire hose for high-end gaming! This high-speed connection is the key to unlocking true desktop performance from Evetech's range of mini PCs.

Top Picks: Finding a Mini PC with eGPU Support

When it comes to performance in a small package, certain brands consistently deliver the features needed for a solid eGPU experience. While Intel's NUC (Next Unit of Computing) series popularised the format, brands like Minisforum have taken the concept and run with it, offering incredible value and power.

The secret is to look for models with high-performance mobile CPUs (like an AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7) and that all-important Thunderbolt/USB4 connectivity. These components ensure the brain of your computer can keep up with the muscle of your external GPU, preventing stutters and lag in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Helldivers 2.

Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, 16C/32T,8 GB GDDR6 AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, 32GB DDR5 RAM 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD Mini Gaming PC, HDMI2.1/DP2.0/USB-C,WiFi7,BT5.4,2.5G LAN,2xPCIe4.0&PCIe5.0 SSD Slots / G7-Pt

R21999.00In Stock

MINISFORUM NAB9 Plus Mini PC with Intel Core i9 12900HK(14C/20T, up to 5.0GHz),Mini Computer Intel lris Xe Graphics 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD 32GB DDR4,OCuLink,Triple Display with HDMI+DP+USB4, 4xUSB Port,2.5G / NAB9-Plus

R10999.00In Stock

Minisforum Mini PC AI X1 Pro AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (12 Cores/24 Threads, up to 5.1GHz) & AMD Radeon 890M Mini Gaming Computer,32GB DDR5 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, 8K Quad Display,Dual 2.5 LAN/WiFi 7/BT5.4/Oculink / AI-X1-Pro-370

R17499.00In Stock

Minisforum UN1245 Intel i5-12450H(4.40GHz) Mini PC Win 11 Pro, 16GB DDR4 512GB SSD, 6 Cores 12 Threads, WiFi6 BT5.2 USB3.0 ×4, USB-C ×1, HDMI x1, DisplayPort x1, DMIC ×1, 3.5mm Combo Jack ×1, RJ45 x1 / UN1245

R6999.00In Stock

The Minisforum Advantage ⚡

Minisforum has become a local favourite for a reason. They pack serious hardware into sleek, well-cooled chassis, often at a price point that makes you look twice. Many of their newer models, especially in the UM and NPB series, come standard with the USB4 ports you need. This makes them some of the best mini PCs for external GPU compatibility right out of the box.

Pairing a Minisforum PC with an eGPU enclosure and a beastly NVIDIA or AMD card gives you a modular setup. You get a small, quiet PC for daily tasks and a full-blown gaming rig when you plug in the GPU. It’s the perfect two-in-one solution for work and play. Check out Evetech’s dedicated Minisforum selection to see the latest models.

Getting Your Setup Right

Building a mini PC and eGPU rig is surprisingly straightforward.

1. Select Your Core: Start by choosing an eGPU-ready mini computer.
2. Pick Your Power: Choose an external GPU enclosure and a graphics card that fits your budget and performance goals.
3. Plug and Play: Connect the eGPU enclosure to the mini PC's Thunderbolt/USB4 port with the included high-speed cable.
4. Install Drivers: Install the latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA or AMD.

That's it! You've just built a powerful, space-saving gaming machine. This setup is not only compact but also more portable than a traditional tower. Need to take your work PC to the office? Just unplug the eGPU and you’re good to go. It's a flexible approach that fits modern South African lifestyles, especially when you need to adapt your space. ✨