Best external GPUs and docks for mini PCs in 2025: Supercharge your performance
Boost your mini PC to the next level with the best external GPUs and docks for productivity and gaming. Discover the best eGPUs, OCuLink, and USB4 docks for lag-free performance.
Table of contents
Why use an external GPU with a mini PC?
External GPUs (eGPUs) transform mini PCs into gaming or productivity machines with improved graphical performance.
External GPUs are attached via docks with OCuLink or USB4 and offer a significant graphics boost for mini PCs without internal GPU options. They’re ideal for gamers who need 4K support or for professionals working on tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. Mini PCs with eGPUs offer upgradability, which you can’t get with laptops, so you can swap out GPUs as technology advances. Learn more about upgrading mini PCs.
Highest performing external GPUs for mini PCs
These GPUs deliver unmatched performance for demanding games and creative workflows.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5080
Best high-end eGPU for 4K gaming
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5080 offers cutting-edge performance with 20GB GDDR7 memory, making it ideal for 4K gaming and professional workloads. It performs at 100+ FPS in AAA titles such as Starfield with next-gen ray tracing and DLSS 4.0.
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
High-performance AMD eGPU for gaming and rendering
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX offers excellent 4K gaming with 24GB GDDR6 memory, matching high-end GPUs at a lower price. Ideal for high-resolution gaming and creative workloads.
Best value external GPUs for mini PCs
Budget GPUs offering a good balance between price and performance for budget users.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Best budget eGPU for 1080p gaming
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 offers excellent 1080p gaming performance with 8GB GDDR6 memory, making it a good option for budget gamers. It also comes with DLSS 3.0 support for better graphics.
AMD Radeon RX 7600
Best value AMD eGPU for 1080p gaming
The AMD Radeon RX 7600 provides decent 1080p gaming with 8GB GDDR6 memory at a budget, perfect for FSR 3.0-supported budget setups.
Best external GPU docks for mini PCs
The following docks provide seamless GPU integration with your mini PC, bringing the next level of gaming and productivity.
Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock
Best OCuLink dock for high-performance GPUs
The Minisforum DEG1 eGPU dock supports high-end GPUs like the RTX 5080 with OCuLink connection for up to 64Gbps bandwidth. It supports Minisforum mini PCs and ATX/SFX power supplies.
Beelink EX Docking Station
Versatile dock for Beelink mini PCs
Beelink EX Docking Station offers PCIe x16 connection (8 lanes) with 600W PSU, supporting RTX 5080 GPUs. It is compatible with Beelink GTi12/14 and features USB and M.2 ports.
GMKtec AD-GP1 eGPU Dock
Pre-installed GPU dock for convenience in setting up
The GMKtec AD-GP1 comes pre-installed with an AMD RX 7600M XT, offering plug-and-play support for GMKtec mini PCs. It also supports OCuLink for 64Gbps bandwidth and DP 2.0, HDMI 2.1 ports.
How to connect an external GPU to your mini PC
Follow the steps below to install an eGPU dock for enhanced graphics performance.
Step 1: Verify compatibility
Ensure that your mini PC has an OCuLink or USB4 port. Verify compatibility with docks like the Minisforum DEG1 or Beelink EX Docking Station. Ensure that your mini PC supports external GPUs (e.g., Beelink GTi14, GMKtec models).
Step 2: Choose and install the GPU
Select a GPU (i.e., RTX 5080 for high-end or RX 7600 for low-end). For docks like Minisforum DEG1, open up the dock, insert the GPU into the PCIe slot, and connect power cables. For GMKtec AD-GP1, the GPU is pre-installed.
Step 3: Connect the dock
Attach the dock to your mini PC through an OCuLink or USB4 cable and supply power to the dock first, then the mini PC to avoid blank screens. Ensure a secure connection.
Step 4: Installing drivers
Install the newest GPU drivers from NVIDIA or AMD. Restart your mini PC to ensure the eGPU is recognized. Launch a game or benchmark and check for performance.
Step 5: Setting configuration
Adjust display settings to use the eGPU for gaming or rendering. Use utilities like NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Adrenalin to optimize performance for your specific needs.
Comparison table
Compare key specs of top external GPUs and docks for mini PCs.
| Model | Type | Key Feature | Connectivity | Price | Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte RTX 5080 | GPU | 20GB GDDR7 | PCIe x16 | €1300 | 9.8/10 |
| AMD RX 7900 XTX | GPU | 24GB GDDR6 | PCIe x16 | €880 | 9.5/10 |
| NVIDIA RTX 4060 | GPU | 8GB GDDR6 | PCIe x16 | €375 | 8.2/10 |
| AMD RX 7600 | GPU | 8GB GDDR6 | PCIe x16 | €250 | 8.0/10 |
| Minisforum DEG1 | Dock | OCuLink 64Gbps | OCuLink PCIe 4.0 x4 | €149 | 8.5/10 |
| Beelink EX | Dock | 600W PSU | PCIe x16 (8 lanes) | €83 | 8.3/10 |
| GMKtec AD-GP1 | Dock | Pre-installed RX 7600M XT | OCuLink PCIe 4.0 x4 | €559 | 8.7/10 |
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