eGPU for QNAP Nas TV873A

[Enquiries]

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.

[ed]

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.