3D-Printed Steam Machine-Style Cube Packs an AMD Mini PC, Hits 105 FPS in Red Dead Redemption 2 with an OCuLink eGPU

A creative modder has built a compact “Steam Machine-style” gaming cube that pairs an AMD mini PC with a desktop graphics card, and the standout choice here is the connection method. Instead of leaning on USB4 or Thunderbolt, the build uses OCuLink to deliver higher bandwidth between the mini PC and the external GPU setup. For gamers and tinkerers chasing better eGPU performance in a small footprint, that decision is a big part of what makes this project so interesting.

The enclosure itself is fully 3D printed and intentionally kept simple. It’s split into just two main pieces, which helps reduce build complexity and makes the case feel more approachable for anyone familiar with DIY PC projects. The creator printed it using heat-resistant ASA filament, a practical pick for a system designed to sit near warm components like a GPU and power hardware.

To make assembly even easier, the design includes integrated rails. Rather than fiddling with lots of brackets, screws, or custom mounting plates, key components like the mini PC, GPU dock, and cooling parts slide into place. That rail-based layout also helps keep the interior tidy and supports cleaner cable routing, which matters in a small cube where clutter can quickly block airflow.

Cooling is handled with a large 120 mm fan mounted at the top of the case. While it’s powered over USB instead of using full PWM fan control, the builder reports that it stays quiet and still manages temperatures effectively, even during long gaming sessions. For a compact 3D-printed enclosure, maintaining stable thermals without excessive noise is a major win.

Power and cable management are also designed to stay streamlined. The external GPU setup synchronizes its power states with the mini PC, helping the whole system behave more like a unified desktop rather than a collection of separate devices. The result is a clean, compact, high-bandwidth mini PC and eGPU build that focuses on performance, practicality, and an eye-catching cube-like design that will appeal to PC modding fans and small-form-factor gaming enthusiasts alike.