One more AMD eGPU docking station goes on sale — but it doesn’t have USB 4.0, can’t accommodate an M.2 SSD and requires an OCuLink connector to feed the RX 7600M XT chip
Minisforum’s MGA1 is mostly aimed at mini PC owners
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Minisforum, best known for its range of mini PCs like theAtomMan SeriesandEliteMini, has launched the MGA1, an external GPU docking station. Powered by theAMDRadeon 7600M XT GPU and backed with 8GB of GDDR6 RAM, the MGA1 gives users a straightforward way to boost a connected device’s graphics capabilities.
Built with advanced RDNA 3.0 architecture and a 6nm production process, and functioning as both an eGPU and a docking station, the MGA1 is ideal for use with compatible laptops andmini PCs. The substantial upgrade in graphics performance it provides makes it ideal for graphics-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering and even gaming.
The MGA1 supports up to three displays through its HDMI 2.1 and dual DisplayPort 2.0 connections, each capable of8Kat 60Hz for ultra-high-resolution and smooth refresh rates. It also features three USB 3.2 ports with 10Gbps transfer speeds, an OCuLink 4i port, and a USB-C 3.1 port with 65W Power Delivery, making it suitable for charging devices like - you guessed it - Minisforum’s own mini PCs.
OCuLink port required
AsTom’s Hardwarenotes, “By adding an eGPU like the MGA1 to your system, you’d get the best of both worlds - a mini-PC that won’t take up much space on your desk and easy to carry anywhere, and a gaming PC that will give you the performance you need to play AAA titles.”
The docking station includes high-speed data transfer through its OCuLink 4i port with PCIe 4.0 x4 compatibility, ensuring reliable performance for demanding tasks.
But - and it will be a deal breaker for many - USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity are missing, so you’ll need to make sure you have an OCuLink port on your laptop or mini PC before buying the MGA1.
Priced ata rather steep $559, the MGA1 provides a balanced mix of power and connectivity in a compact form, though there are more versatile eGPUs available that may be better suited for use with a broader range of devices, such as GPD’snewly upgraded G1.
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Wayne Williams is a freelancer writing news for TechRadar Pro. He has been writing about computers, technology, and the web for 30 years. In that time he wrote for most of the UK’s PC magazines, and launched, edited and published a number of them too.
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