eGPU on nuc8i7beh

amer · ‎09-18-2020

Hello..
Does anyone have experience using eGPU using EXP GDC beast adapter?

I have nuc8i7beh but I am not sure how do I connect to the expc gdc adapter.. is it using m.2 slot? I already have my m.2 nvme ssd card connected to the m.2 slot.. if I want to connect exp gdc to m.2 slot, do I have to change to new ssd card and connect using SATA port?

I notice there is only one SATA on the board but on the technical specification mentioned there should be 2 sata port.. where is the other one located actually?

thanks.

AndrewG_Intel · ‎09-21-2020

Hello amer

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.

We would like to inform you that we have not tested this configuration yet (neither other ones) using an internal M.2 connector to add an external graphics card (eGPU). The configuration we usually support for external graphics cards is using an eGPU enclosure and connecting through the Thunderbolt™ port on the Intel® NUC. Also, this device is not in our compatibility list: https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/ProductDetails?EPMID=126140

We found some third-party links* and it seems that the connection is using the M.2 slot of the Wireless card (NGFF or Mini PCIe).

Based on the Intel® NUC Technical Product Specifications (TPS), your Intel® NUC comes with Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) Wireless/Bluetooth module soldered-down (either the module is soldered-down or the cable antenna are): https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/mini-pcs/nuc-kits/NUC8i3BE_NUC8i5BE_NUC8i7BE_TechProdSpec.pdf

We guarantee the connectors on the Intel® NUC to work only for the purpose they have been designed. For instance, the M.2 connector for wireless card it is only recommended for use with a Wireless module, the M.2 storage port is only recommended for use with an M.2 drive, etc.; and we are unable to confirm if the ports will provide the power and connectivity for different purposes.

Having said, that we cannot recommend installation instructions or confirm if this EXP GDC beast* adapter will work. Also, some of the sellers highlighted the importance to check with them before purchasing the device as they have mentioned that it will not work on all the computers and they have a list of supported and not supported devices. Here are some links* as an example:

In this case, our best recommendation is to check this furhter with the place of purchase or with the manufacturer of this device for proper information about compatibility and installation instructions.

Note:

The Intel NUC Technical Product Specifications that referst to "2 SATA ports" is correct. What happens is that one is the normal SATA 6.0 Gbps port with onboard SATA connector for 2.5" drive, and the other one is the M.2 port that can work "under SATA protocol" using an M.2 SSD SATA drive. For more details please refer to TPS section 1.7 SATA Interface page 14 and section 2.2.4.2 Add-in Card Connectors page 36:

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/mini-pcs/nuc-kits/NUC8i3BE_NUC8i5BE_NUC8i7BE_TechProdSpec.pdf

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

*Links to third-party sites and references to third-party trademarks are provided for convenience and illustrative purposes only. Unless explicitly stated, Intel® is not responsible for the contents of such links, and no third-party endorsement of Intel® or any of its products is implied.

AndrewG_Intel · ‎09-25-2020

Hello amer

We are checking this thread and we have not heard back from you so we will proceed to close it now. If you need any additional information, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer being monitored.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician