eGPU (Basic help & understanding needed)

[BruceBanner]

Hello everybody,

I was recommended to trying a post here to see if anyone can assist with pointing me in the general direction for learning about eGPU's, how it all works in relation to a computer that can take one but as of yet currently doesn't.

I own a Intel Skull Canyon (NUC6i7KYB), it has an intel core i7 6700HQ 2.6GHz, 16gb RAM (DDR4, one additional slot spare), 256gb SSD (m2 Samsung, one additional slot spare) but the weakness (to me at least) seems to stem from the Intel Iris ProGraphics 580.

I do own a Nvidia GTX 970 4gb that is currently collecting dust, hence my enquiry into the world of eGPUs, but I am completely ignorant as to how it will all actually work, whether it will crash a lot, connection being a pain, can I choose to use it sometimes (when needing graphically intensive applications such as a LR/PS) and have turned off other times. Or perhaps once going this route, due to the monitors now docking to the eGPU instead of NUC will mean I am effectively turning the pc into a sort of desktop split between two parts etc. How does drivers work, do I uninstall the stock Intel ones?

So many questions, and Intel Forums themselves prove unhelpful and simply point me here.

Long term I can't help think that eGPU's will be more common. More tablets being released that can be turned into something so much more when docked at the desk (composing devices) and when unattached become streamlined couch consumption devices. I'm hesitant to upgrade to a new PC, in reality this machine is doing fine and meeting 90% of my needs, it's just occasionally in LR/PS or the odd gaming session (Rocket League/CSGO) I would appreciate more oompf!

In time I would expect to upgrade the gfx card and devices rather than buy a whole new computer.

So... can anyone help me understand the process of eGPUing, a start guide or something, what to expect, can you toggle it on and off, stuff like that.

TIA!

BB

 

[king of swag187]

It's actually using a 6770HQ, the xx7x denoting the iGPU being the iP580.

As for eGPU compatibility, depends on the device but the nuc seems to a prime choice for many, there are many good guides at eGPU.io.
For the connection,a NVME SSD Drive adapter to a PCIE 3.0 x4 riser cable usually nets more performance than a straight TB3 eGPU as less overhead.

 

[BruceBanner]

It's actually using a 6770HQ, the xx7x denoting the iGPU being the iP580.

As for eGPU compatibility, depends on the device but the nuc seems to a prime choice for many, there are many good guides at eGPU.io.
For the connection,a NVME SSD Drive adapter to a PCIE 3.0 x4 riser cable usually nets more performance than a straight TB3 eGPU as less overhead.

Ok... so you can see the incompetence you're dealing with here

I did not know about eGPU.io. at all, so thanks for that and will go and check it out.

Everything else you stated I'm afraid has fallen on dumb ears... so if you you're welcome to talk monkey talk with me, I won't be offended

 

[Yukikaze]

https://egpu.io and https://www.reddit.com/r/egpu are good info sources.

The eGPU 101 on the latter is a good starting point:
https://www.reddit.com/r/eGPU/comments/5jpf2x
With the NUC, an eGPU should be easy. All you are missing is a TB3 eGPU enclosure. If you are in the US, then the Powercolor Gaming Station is between 200 and 250 USD on Newegg and will do all you need.

 

[BruceBanner]

Powercolor Gaming Station

That was really helpful. I visited egpu.io for further help.
I also came across this video here showing someone with my 'exact' NUC with a Razer;

I think the video reviewer hits the nail on the head however with the price complaints of the eGPU for what it essentially is it's quite overpriced. It sounds like you were recommending a eGPU box that would suit my needs (lower powered etc) however it is out of stock and even if in stock does not sell to Australia. The actual Razer Core X is available but it's pretty pricey at $469AUD... How I wish there was something available for around $300AUDish...