+- ASK NC (https://ask.nascompares.com)
+-- Forum: Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Before you buy Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=2)
+--- Thread: eGPU for QNAP Nas TV873A (/showthread.php?tid=12066)
eGPU for QNAP Nas TV873A - Enquiries - 06-05-2025
I am looking for a workaround that would allow me to connect an eGPU (for video transcoding in Plex) to my TS-873A. I am looking for recommendation on what the parts (specifically) I need to purchase to make this work. The reason I don't use the PCIe slot is because I already use a slot for expansion to a another QNAP JBOD and so I would lose access to the slot for the JBOD even with a low profile GPU. On your Synology Vs QNAP I see a section where eGPU support is possible on the QNAP. I believe I would need to use a PCIe slot for Thunderbolt, but I don't know a list of possible eGPUs that support my case.
RE: eGPU for QNAP Nas TV873A - ed - 06-06-2025
Thanks for your question! Just to clarify: external GPUs (eGPUs) via Thunderbolt aren’t officially supported on the TS-873A, so connecting a typical Thunderbolt eGPU enclosure won’t work directly.
However, there is a possible workaround using a PCIe extension (riser) cable. This lets you physically relocate the PCIe slot outside the NAS chassis, so you can connect a standard desktop GPU externally without sacrificing your existing PCIe slot inside the NAS.
What this involves:
Get a high-quality PCIe x16 riser/extender cable long enough to route the GPU outside your NAS case.
Connect your GPU to this external PCIe slot via the riser cable.
Mount or place the GPU in a safe external enclosure or open-air setup near your NAS.
This way, you keep your existing PCIe slot used for the JBOD inside the NAS, and the GPU runs externally through the extension cable.