SCAM ALERT! - eGryphon eGPU scam ... and a warning about kickstarter

Summary

Tech Guy Beau gives a follow-up warning about an eGPU project he previously reviewed. The unit he received was an engineering prototype featuring a desktop RTX 5060 Ti, OCuLink support, and an adapter for Thunderbolt 5. He says the sample worked as described, but emphasizes that a working prototype does not prove the company will deliver products to backers.

Beau says the company provided the sample, but he received no payment or sponsorship. In his original review, he also noted that he knew little about the company and that backing its Kickstarter involved substantial risk. The campaign reportedly had about 615 backers.

Later reports on Reddit and in the project’s community—including concerns about company replies and refunds—have made the project seem increasingly uncertain. Beau says he cannot confirm that it is a scam or explain the company’s intentions, but believes delivery may be at risk. He advises backers to check campaign and community updates and, if they do not receive the product, consider asking their payment provider about refund or chargeback options. He recommends against ordering unless the situation is resolved.

Key Points and Guidance

• Crowdfunding carries risk: Kickstarter and Indiegogo can help companies gauge demand and fund production, but backing a campaign is not the same as buying a finished product. Beau advises pledging only money you can afford to lose.
• Assess the company, not just the demo: A functional review sample and appealing specifications do not guarantee manufacturing or delivery.
• Consider the company’s track record: Beau contrasts the unfamiliar eGPU company with OneXPlayer, which he has backed before and considers lower-risk based on his experience and its established community presence. He notes that no crowdfunding pledge is risk-free.
• Beware of hype and FOMO: Polished videos, exciting specifications, and fear of missing out can encourage rushed decisions. Beau recommends taking time to investigate community discussions and the company’s responses.
• Market conditions may matter, but are unknown: Beau speculates that rising component costs, particularly for GPUs and memory, may have affected the project, but says he does not know what happened.

Reviews, Guides, and Tutorials

• Earlier review: Beau reviewed the prototype eGPU as received, focusing on that specific sample, its features, and its performance.
• Follow-up warning: This video is a cautionary update about the campaign’s apparent uncertainty and general advice for evaluating crowdfunding projects. It does not establish that the campaign is fraudulent.

Main speaker/source: Tech Guy Beau. He also refers to coverage by VideoCardz and reports and discussion from Reddit users and the project’s community.