Tiny Mini-PC Build with discrete graphics card

I want to build (assemble) a tiny PC with discrete graphics.
Ideally, I want the size to be not much larger than the Deskmini A300, but with a PCI-e slot.
The graphics card need not fit inside the case while the case is closed.
I can use the PC with case open.

This setup here is almost ideal.

youtube.com/watch?v=pGM-Hf-CPuk

Except his gpu is running at only PCE-e 3.0 x 4.
Ideally, I would like PCI-e 3.0 x8 or x16.
Primary purpose will be running VR games. All or almost all single players games.
Max frame rate needed is 120 fps. Do you think PCI-e x4 is good enough?

I also want only power adapters (bricks). One for the motherboard, and one more for the 6/8 pin
on the graphics card. In total, one or two power adapter bricks.

My plan is to use only the upcoming 7-10 nm cpu/gpu after they release.

The total price of this mini PC should be less than a laptop.
Otherwise, I will buy a laptop after 7-10 nm cpu/gpu's are available.

 

Update:

I found the perfect case for me. It's small enough to fit inside an airplane carry-on bag (my main requirement).
Large enough for small micro-ATX motherboards and full size graphics cards up to 250mm in length.
and cpu coolers up to 120mm in height.

Chieftec BS-10G
http://www.mod-your-case.de/index.php?forum2-showposts2-2027
http://www.chieftec.eu/en/chassis/matx/uni-series/bs-10g.html

The only downside (for me) is the TFX power supply.
It is more expensive than ATX power supplies and usually 400W or less.
The Chieftec BS-10G includes a 250W TFX PSU which I intend to use,
with some help from under-volting.

This case is already in my possession. If you have questions, feel free to ask me.

 

Are you packing a monitor, keyboard and mouse in the same carry-on bag?

 

The reason to bring laptops/desktops in carry-on is because checked-baggage (suitcases) are treated very roughly.
Surely, you have seen suitcases being thrown onto/off ramps? Suitcases can crush each other and roll/tumble/fall with great force.

Mouse can go into carry-on or checked-baggage.
Keyboard can go into checked-baggage because it is cheap and somewhat durable if wrapped.
No monitor.
My plan is to buy a VR headset, and ideally, transport that in carry-on, but it may have to go into checked-baggage.
I intend to buy the Valve Index headset, and use it with mouse/keyboard. It requires a "base station" which will hopefully fit in carry-on too.

 

Yes, checking any electronics of value versus carry-on is totally crazy. In fact, it is a violation of my employer's company policy with disciplinary action including termination if the electronics or computer equipment is damaged or stolen. It is required that all electronics are kept in carry-on luggage, which is just good common sense.

I was once at an airport waiting for my flight and saw baggage/cargo handling personnel loading over 100 boxes of Dell computers/laptops (not sure what was in the boxes, but they were varying sizes suggesting some where desktops and others were laptops). I watched in horror as the boxes were literally thrown around in a belligerent manner, extra hard... on purpose... and they were even high-fiving and laughing about the way they were rag-dolling the boxes. It made me pretty angry, so I said something to a gate attendant and showed her. She shook her head and said " they know better than that" and then immediately went back to what she was doing. She did nothing and said nothing to anyone in charge. When I questioned her she said that they didn't work for her airline and it wasn't "her problem" to do anything.

 

As of now, I decided to go with an Intel/Nvidia build. Main reason is because, after checking power consumption,
it seems the new AMD 7nm cpu/gpu's use too much power for a 250W PSU. I could upgrade the PSU, but I prefer
a low heat, low power, low weight, and low cost PC.

Here's what I choose (for use with 250W PSU)
core i5 9400F
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-ryzen-5-3600/18.html

Asus Prime H310m-K R2.0 (should not require a bios update for the i5 9400f)

GTX 1660 Ti
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-radeon-rx-5700-xt/31.html

 

Wait a sec, I'm confused. Do you want an eGPU or a convertible? Because if you're going convertible then you can just use the motherboard PCIe x16 slot.

If you choose a mini PC with eGPU then PCIe x4 3.0 has 16Gbps bandwidth which only has a minimal 2-3% performance hit when using an external display.

Link

You can also simply choose a prebuilt mini PC which is cheaper, and use the eGPU enclosure with external PSU for the graphics card.

This build uses an HP Prodesk Mini paired with the GTX 1050 Ti.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-discrete-graphics-card.829478/#post-10933312

 

Yes the original post states you want an eGPU in a tiny PC. But then you switched to a mATX motherboard with full-sized x16 PCIe slot.... Hence I asked for clarification on your size goals.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-discrete-graphics-card.829478/#post-10936253

 

I missed that. A minor suggestion: place updates in the original post so that when you're asking for advice, forum members will see it.

Good luck!

 

Please read the whole first page before commenting.
The HP ProDesk Mini you linked to looks much inferior to the Zotac deskmini that I linked to in the first post.
So far, nothing you posted has helped me in any way.
I already know how to use the deskmini to make a PCI-e 3.0 x4 external gpu.
I was asking for something better than that.

 

I literally answered the question you asked in the OP which was:

And you changed your objective mid-thread by going mATX when the title says "Tiny Mini-PC". There's no need to be rude to people who are just trying to help you.

Get over yourself.

 

The original objective was and still is a tiny PC with discrete graphics. When no one replied, I found a solution myself.
More than one month later, you come along, and you think you are "helping".
I don't want a core i3-6100T. I don't want more pci-e 3.0 x4 builds.
I don't want low quality comments filling up this discussion.

I looked at more than 50 PC cases, including custom cases, before buying a case, all without any help from anyone here.
Zotac makes a deskmini PC with discrete gpu but it uses a mxm graphics card.
Problem with mxm cards is they are expensive and supply/choice is very very limited.
https://www.asrock.com/nettop/Intel/DeskMini GTX (Z390)/index.asp

youtu.be/dnexr_bhpTM?t=257

 

I just saw this in the news. I'll bet its pricy though.

Intel plans to release Quartz Canyon workstation NUCs with replaceable GPUs
The Quartz Canyon series will feature the first NUCs that allow users to add high-end GPUs. The systems are advertised as workstation kits due to the inclusion of Xeon E and Core i7 vPro CPUs. Other features include dual Thunderbolt 3 connectors, Wi-Fi 6 interface, Optane and ECC memory support, plus an internal 500 W power supply.

Spoiler: specs leak

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel...tion-NUCs-with-replaceable-GPUs.428866.0.html

 

why not just get a laptop and hook up and monitor, keyboard and mouse.

 

Weight: For anyone planning to fly with a desktop in a carry-on bag, don't forget to check the carry-on weight restrictions of the flights you plan to take. I think international flights, especially on airlines with long flights (transoceanic, transcontinental), tend to have stricter requirements. Airlines with flights that make multiple stops, or that visit places with short runways (islands, mountains), might also have stricter weight requirements.

The author of this page found some limits as low as 5kg in coach.
https://www.thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/internationalcarryonluggageallowances.htm