Minisforum to launch their first external graphics card
Yet another Radeon RX 7600M XT eGPU.
Minisforum R3GAF eGPU, Source: TechPowerUP
Do we really need another external graphics card based on the same Radeon GPU? Probably not at this stage. However, more options mean better competition, which could lead to lower prices. Minisforum has been integrating OCuLink connectors into their Mini-PCs for some time, though they hadn’t previously offered external GPUs. Despite this, the company has made use of discrete Radeon GPUs for their gaming-focused systems, but not in an external format.
Surprisingly, Minisforum unveiled a new eGPU solution dubbed R3GAF, which also relies on the RX 7600M XT GPU. This means users get the Navi 33 XTM with 2048 Stream Processors and 8GB GDDR6 memory connected to a 128-bit memory bus. While not a high-end choice, it’s a noticeable upgrade for those stuck with integrated graphics.
Minisforum R3GAF eGPU, Source: Tech Tablets
To maximize the R3GAF’s potential, users must make use of the OCuLink connector, enabling a full 63 Gbps bandwidth via PCIe Gen4x4 interface, exceeding Thunderbolt 3/4’s 40 Gbps. What is kind of surprising is that the product lacks USB4 with Thunderbolt support. The good news is that eGPU has a power supply included (built-in), so you don’t have to carry around another brick. It can also deliver up to 65W through the USB 3.2 Type-C connector to power handheld or Mini-PC devices.
Minisforum R3GAF eGPU, Source: Tech Tablets
Minisforum hasn’t disclosed pricing or release dates yet. Ideally, it should cost less than $400, but similar options usually cost between $500 and $600. This still seems too much for a Navi 33 eGPU.
| AMD-Based External GPUs | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VideoCardz.com | Minisforum R3GAF 🆕 | BoostR eGPU 🆕 | AYANEO AG01 Starship 🆕 | ONEXGPU | GPD G1 |
| Picture |  |  |  |  |  |
| Launch Year | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| GPU | Radeon RX 7600M XT | Radeon RX 7600M XT | Radeon RX 7600M XT | Radeon RX 7600M XT | Radeon RX 7600M XT |
| Stream Processors | 2048 | 2048 | 2048 | 2048 | 2048 |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Max TGP | 120W | 100W 120W (booster mode) | 120W | 120W | 100W |
| eGPU Connection | ✅ OCuLink ❌ USB4 | ✅ OCuLink ✅ USB4 | ✅ OCuLink ✅ USB4 | ✅ OCuLink ✅ USB4 | ✅ OCuLink ✅ USB 4 |
| Max Display | 2x DisplayPort 1.4 1x HDMI 2.1 | 2x DisplayPort 2.0 2x HDMI2.1 | 2x DisplayPort 2.0 2x HDMI2.1 | 2x DisplayPort 2.0 2x HDMI2.1 | 2x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1 |
| Additional Ports | 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A | RJ45 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A SD 4.0 Card Reader | RJ45 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A | RJ45 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A | 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A SD 4.0 Card Reader |
| Storage | ❌ | ✅M.2 2280 SSD | ✅M.2 2280 SSD | ✅M.2 2280 SSD | ❌ |
| MSRP | TBC | $499 (early bird) | TBC | $699 | $670 |
Source: Techtablets , TechPowerUP via Liliputing