ld0891

Maybe, the bandwidth itself is not a big problem here while using eGPU. IMO, the real problem lies in the cost of converting protocols between TB and PCIe, as well as the lack of a direct route to CPU instead of a separate controller bypassing the chipset. Based upon this benchmark: https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GTX_980_PCI-Express_Scaling/21.html PCIe x4 3.0 has a efficiency of over 95% comparing to PCIe 3.0 x16, anything lower would be extra cost then.

http://beebom.com/intel-kaby-lake-vs-skylake/

Yes they are the "graphics score" parts. I don't know your performance need so I don't have a answer. Actually the performance hit using external monitor (10% ~ 15%) is acceptable to me. Maybe next year when Intel integrates TB3 controller into their CPU the efficiency would be over 90%, but that's a small increase.

The 40% loss happens when I connect the monitor to the miniDP port on the NUC, so it's normal to have much worse performance than output by GTX 1060 directly. The actual loss over TB3 is 10% to 15%.

In China, Akitio started pre-order on Nov 11th, and shipped on Nov 23rd. TB3 performs worse than PE4C because the latter connect the card directly to the PCIe interface, while the former has to pass through Intel Alpine Ridge thunderbolt controller. This situation will be better since Intel is going to integrate thunbderbolt 3 directly in the CPU instead of using a separate chip. eGPU means the monitor is connected to the GTX 1060 in Node, while iGPU means it is connected to the miniDP port on NUC. It's like using internal screen or external monitor while using laptops.

Some benchmarks, the graphic card used is MSI GAMING X GTX 1060 6GB. Midtower - i7 6700K/8G DDR4-2400 *2/Crucial M500 240GB SSD NUC - Intel Skull Canyon/8G DDR4-2133 *2/Samsung SM951 256GB SSD Fire Strike Extreme GPU score: Midtower @ PCIe 3.0 x16 - 6482/100% NUC with PE4C V4.1 @ PCIe 3.0 x4 - 6016/92.81% NUC with Akitio Node output by eGPU @ PCIe 3.0 x4 - 5707/88.04% NUC with Akitio Node output by iGPU @ PCIe 3.0 x4 - 3890/60.01% Time Spy GPU score: Midtower @ PCIe 3.0 x16 - 4193/100% NUC with PE4C V4.1 @ PCIe 3.0 x4 - 3990/95.16% NUC with Akitio Node output by eGPU @ PCIe 3.0 x4 - 3632/86.62% NUC with Akitio Node output by iGPU @ PCIe 3.0 x4 - 2974/70.93% CUDA-Z output: NUC with PE4C V4.1 NUC with Akitio Node

Got mine today, hands-on with benchmarks later. Package and size comparison with a 9.7' iPad Pro: Standard Akitio front face, TB3 port and a PSU with a separate switch, which is nice since the PSU fan would continue spinning if you leave the power cable connected. Internal 2pin connectors for power LED and front fan, which means the latter would not adjust speed. After first boot, I decided to pull it out to switch the fan off to eliminate the noise. Design flaw, the 6pin connector to power the TB3-PCIe board would conflict with those cards with thick backplates. You would have to push the card a little bit to properly install the screws. The card is a MSI GAMING X GTX 1060 6GB. Card installed and the space left is considerable, a water-cooling radiator is definitely possible. TB3 cable is 50cm long made by Akitio. I ordered a Belkin 2m 40Gbps cable and it works perfectly. The front fan comes with a tool-free mount and it blows out air by default, which is good for those dual or triple fan cards. PSU is a customized model and unfortunately, it does not come from any major suppliers. PSU fan is too noisy so I just switch it off by unplugging the connector. IMO fanless would not be a problem for a 400W PSU while delivering 120W. Inside PSU, for reference.

In China, we've already pre-ordered Node on Nov/11, estimated shipping date is late November. But it's another story in EU since you are in France.

@3RYL @bloodhawk They are moving their production line from Shanghai to Taiwan, and increasing the price to cover costs. I contacted them last week for PE4C V4.1 since I'm in Mainland China and their shipping cost is too high through official shop. A week passed without any reply and I have to call their Taipei headquarter about purchasing. Then the news came that they have just increased the price. So instead I bought the last PE4C V4.1 on Mfactors, but have to wait much longer before delivery.