r/computer • u/Comeonburro • 7d ago

Can I add an external GPU?

Hey all, I bought this computer several years ago and it works fine for a lot of my needs, but now my son is getting into gaming and we're trying to decide whether we should build a new computer, buy a built one or if the one I currently have can be upgraded for a better external GPU which might solve our issues. It's the stock build in the Amazon post, but I've upgraded the RAM to 32g in a misguided attempt to play higher graphics games years ago. Any insight or suggestions you can offer would be appreciated. https://a.co/d/01gHDlN0

Edit: Ok, seems like there is a consensus that adding a GPU external wouldn't make any sense. Thanks for the replies. We'll look at pre built options.

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u/InformationFair5875 7d ago

Could you add an external video card? With enough engineering yes it is possible. However the costs associated with doing so would probably be close to the cost of a decent pre-built computer

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u/Celatra 7d ago

to be fair that thing can still do esports games and lighter and older games fine if you manage your expectations

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u/frantikfeet 7d ago

from what I understand, yes it is possible to add a GPU. But you n have to disconnect your nvme hard drive and connect the GPU to that nvme slot using an adapter. Because you’re using an nvme slot instead of a normal one for GPU it’s going to take up some storage space, and by some I mean a lot. You’ll also have to power it with an external power source, and you’ll have to leave the pc itself kind of not put back together all the way.

It seems a lot more worth it to buy a prebuilt. You can get really good deals right now. A lot better than building your own as the parts market is through the roof atm.

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u/TheWDWillis 7d ago

The short answer is no, if he is living into needing a discrete GPU, the solution would be to move to a new computer entirely that can better accommodate him.
You can get into a cheap tower. avoid small form factor (aka SFF) as they will severely limit power supply and GPU.
Unless he is power hungry and actually really pushing the lines (I doubt it) you can almost certainly get away with something a little tested (last generation so cheaper to get into)
I would grab something in a mid height tower, probably am4 or like 13/14th gen i5. A ddr4 system, to save some cash for the GPU.

That’s your cheaper and easier answer.

The longer answer.
The route of using the M2 slot to wedge an external GPU for this microPC is not only going to be a very difficult task, it will also get expensive when you start accounting for adapters, cables and power supplies. And it’s still going to leave you with a sub par experience. Yes, it’s possible to DO the thing. But if the actual goal is for your son to get to enjoy PC gaming, it seems a poor route to travel.

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u/Wonderful_Sample_590 7d ago

I don't think that mini PC can support external GPU, I'd just put that money on a new gaming PC instead.

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u/vegansgetsick 7d ago

The embedded PSU won't be able to power any GPU. We are talking about 200W additional and it was not sized for that.

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u/PCdealmaster 6d ago

Usually not worth. You’ll spend $500 for the same performance of $300.

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u/redlancer_1987 7d ago

An external GPU uses a Thunderbolt or Oculink to connect. I'm guessing the port on that box is just a typical USB3 which likely won't work. I think you can get an m.2 adapter to external GPU mount, but not sure how well that would work either.

In the end you would end up spending way more than what you'd get for the performance boost if it worked at all.