Does the Surface Pro 8 finally support eGPUs?
Best answer: Yes. Microsoft has finally added Thunderbolt 4 to their Surface Pro 8, which allows you to connect an eGPU.
The Surface Pro 8 supports Thunderbolt 4
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Thunderbolt 4 combines USB 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, and PCIe into a single cable. PCIe is the key interface type you’ll care about if you plan on plugging in an eGPU to your Surface Pro 8. Thunderbolt 3, the previous iteration of the cable, supports eGPUs too, but no Surface Pro has that technology. So, if you want the capability to use an eGPU, you’ll have to pick up the latest Surface Pro 8.
Why should you use an eGPU?
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
For the Surface Pro 8 specifically, you’ll want an eGPU if you plan on playing anything more than playing games from several years ago or are doing intensive rendering work. For gaming specifically, trying to play a recent release on the Surface Pro 8’s 2880×1920 screen at a consistent 30 FPS will be tricky. And it’s probably not even worth thinking about trying to hit 60 FPS with anything that came out in the last few years either.
What you need to connect an eGPU to your Surface Pro 8
Source: Windows Central
Once it’s connected, you’ll be able to run more powerful programs and games according to whatever GPU you have in your eGPU enclosure. Even something modest can improve the Surface Pro 8’s capabilities a lot, considering its internal Intel Iris Xe graphics aren’t going to top a dedicated graphics card. From there, you might think about picking up a stand and connecting a keyboard, and you’ll barely know the difference between a gaming PC and your Surface Pro 8.
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