Previously, it was considered that a computer graphics card was virtually unchangeable. Along with the CPU, these were among the most complex components to repair, and unlike RAM or storage space, you were generally stuck with a “What you see is what you get” approach. New technologies and the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, on the other hand, have drastically changed the market.
While eGPUs can significantly improve performance in games, video editing, and other graphics-intensive jobs, they are not cheap. We are, nevertheless, here to help you navigate the market. We not only assess ten of the top eGPU models available today, but we also give you with the information you need to decide whether you need an eGPU and what features to look for.
What is eGPU?
External graphics processing unit (eGPU) is a self-explanatory phrase. An external graphics card may be connected to your computer in the same way that an external hard drive can, and the enclosure provides all of the cooling and electricity needed to protect your laptop from overheating.
So, who would be in need of this? In general, an excellent eGPU is beneficial to gamers who want to play the latest AAA games at the highest graphics settings, as well as creative professionals who work in highly detailed visual art, design, or cinematography.
An external graphics card may let any computer execute graphical tasks that are above the capabilities of its built-in graphics card, but these intriguing gadgets get the most use when connected to laptops. Even high-end gaming laptops might fall behind the pack in terms of performance due to the small size of laptops and the large power consumption required by a high-end graphics card.
An eGPU enclosure with a powerful processor, such as the Nvidia Geforce GTX 1070 setup, will supply you all the power you need without risking the components in your laptop being fried.
1. Blackmagic eGPU Pro
The octagonal tower design of the BlackMagic Radeon Pro 580 is gorgeous, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts with this top eGPU. In terms of raw power, the built-in RX Vega GPU isn’t the best, but it’ll be more than plenty for most gamers, and unlike the Razer eGPU, you won’t have to buy a second card for this model.
The built-in cooling systems are practically silent, and the 85 watt power supply system allows you to charge your laptop at full speed while still getting the great graphics performance given by this finest eGPU. HDMI and DisplayPort adapters are available in addition to the two Thunderbolt connections and four USB ports.
2. Razer Core X
Razer is a well-known gaming brand, and you can expect their usual bright swagger to be on show with this top eGPU. It boasts full RGB lighting that you can sync with your other Razer accessories, as well as a 700 watt power supply that can handle even the most powerful graphics cards.
It also features a significant number of port hubs. While the Core X is connected through Thunderbolt, you’ll have access to an ethernet port and four USB connections. The container is well-built and well-designed, with some impressive cooling systems.
3. AORUS Gaming Box GTX 1070 Graphic Card
This eGPU enclosure is no exception to Aorus’s penchant for squeezing as much technology as possible into their devices. It has a respectable Nvidia GTX 1070 that should provide a significant graphical improvement for most users looking for the best external graphics enclosure, as well as a very simple plug-and-play design that allows even the most technically challenged users to get this Aorus GTX external graphics enclosure up and running in minutes. Because this external GPU has three USB 3.0 ports, it may also serve as a charging or storage hub for your gaming gear.
4. Alienware Graphics Amplifier (9R7XN)
An external GPU enclosure does not necessarily have to be prohibitively costly, contrary to common assumption. While the storage capacity and maximum wattage of the Alienware Graphics Amplifier fall short of the finest versions, it can still provide a lot of power to your graphics performance for a relatively modest price of around $250.
Furthermore, the support for double-wide cards means you’ll be able to keep expanding your graphics even if technology progresses beyond what you’re using now. It also has some of the most advanced RGB lighting features, such as a wide range of colours and the ability to create incredibly complex lighting triggers.
5. ASUS ROG XG Station 2
The “Republic of Gamers” is known for making some of the toughest gear on the, so it’s no surprise that their eGPU is a tough container with some of the greatest features. When I first saw the Asus RoG XG Station 2, the first thing that springs to mind is how beautiful it is.
The entire shell opens upward, like the mouth of a crocodile, allowing you to easily insert your card and access the insides, but the maximum PSU of 680 watts is incredible, and the compatibility is excellent. The Asus RoG XG Station 2 comes with five USB 3.0 ports for high-speed connectivity.
6. Razer Core V2 eGpu
Although the Razer Core V2 is a high-priced best eGPU, you get what you pay for. This is one of the greatest eGPUs we’ve seen, and despite its extensive capabilities, it’s very adaptable and usable even by folks with no technical knowledge. Connecting this device to a Thunderbolt 3 port is all that’s required for setup, but you have a lot of alternatives for which cards to use.
This eGPU is compatible with a broad range of systems, so you can count on it to remain in your collection even if you find yourself needing to replace cards on a frequent basis in the future. It works with AMD Radeon RX series and later GPUs, as well as Nvidia GTX 10-series and later cards.
7. PowerColor Mini Pro RX570
It’s reasonable that the majority of eGPUs with built-in graphics cards use an Nvidia CPU. If you prefer an AMD CPU, the PowerColor Mini Pro is a good option. The AMD Radeon RX570 in our study has a total of 8 GB of RAM for graphics processing and is rated for temperatures between 0 and 45 degrees Celsius.
It also offers a gigabit ethernet port and two USB 3.0 connections for charging your devices or plugging in your most important gaming gear without using up your laptop’s limited ports.
8. Akitio Node
Another low-cost option with above-average performance is the Akitio Node. The Akitio Node may not be the most well-known brand in IT, but it delivers. Although this top eGPU employs a 400 watt power supply to give sufficient performance, it does not work with Mac computers.
The Akitio Node only supports AMD graphics cards, but if you’re going to use AMD anyway (or if you’re using a Windows PC, where compatibility is much broader), it’s a great deal. The Akitia Node incorporates a carrying handle for easy mobility, and the Thunderbolt connection offers connection speeds of up to 40 megabytes per second.
9. OMEN HP Accelerator Shell GA1-1000
The HP Omen series produced one of the greatest laptops of 2020, therefore it’s no surprise that it also produced one of the best eGPUs currently available. The Accelerator Shell is a rectangular container placed on two legs with an exceptionally dramatic design.
It is, however, more than just a beautiful face. If you wish to expand your storage at the same time, this eGPU offers enough room for a 2.5 slot GPU as well as a solid state drive or regular hard drive. Installing your GPU and hard drive is also a simple and uncomplicated process owing to the large and easy-access door.
10. Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box proves that a competent eGPU enclosure can be had for a modest price, and it’s a strong contender for the best eGPU for budget-conscious users. The 550 watt power supply ensures that even high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX series can be supported without breaking the bank, and the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box also comes with its own Thunderbolt 3 connector so you can get started using it right away. It doesn’t offer the finest raw performance, but it does support some respectable graphics cards and uses a Thunderbolt 3 connector to allow continuous charging for your laptop.
Conclusion:
If you want to increase your laptop gaming experience, invest in a good eGPU. We’ve given you our picks for the finest on the market right now, and now it’s up to you to figure out which one is suitable for you.
