Table of Contents
Do you have a laptop, but the problem is you can’t play high graphics games or do quality editing on it? One of the best External Graphics Cards for a Laptop could be your solution for it. Yes! There are external graphics cards available in the market, where you can plug it in, and after a couple of minutes, your laptop will be powered with high graphics.
External Graphics are one of the components in computer markets which are available at a meager stock limit. So it would be tough to choose a graphic card, and after all, you have to choose it wisely.
Components like External Graphics Cards are very rare in the computer market, and apparently, they are costly too. So it could be your one-time purchase, that’s why you have to make your one time purchase worth buying it.
There are many aspects about External Graphics Cards that a buyer should know. Firstly he/she should be aware of the compatibility of an External Graphics Card with their laptop. In many cases, eGPU (External Graphics Power Unit) is not compatible.
Basically, you should have a rough idea about what an External Graphics Card is ( according to a tech expert’s point of view). There are many conditions to use an External Graphics Card, and those conditions should be fulfilled in your case too. I’ll keep a few points in the buyer’s guide, which will definitely help you out for buying it or not.
Best External Graphics Card for Laptop | Buyer’s Guide
Features
Thunderbolt Connection
Thunderbolt 3 is the most important port for External Graphics Cards. Without it, you cannot connect any external graphic card. It is important because of its capacity to transfer data at ultra-high speed. No port can complete the thunderbolt 3 connection. Thunderbolt 3 is usually known as a type C port.
These ports are usually seen in mobile phones. But, in high end or expensive laptops, you can get thunderbolt 3 ports.
Extra Battery Life for Laptop
What is the extra battery life for a laptop here? Does it mean it will charge your laptop? The answer is, it will sort of charge your laptop. It will power your laptop to use high graphic cards smoothly. This usage can drain the battery quickly.
But an external graphic card has the feature to power your laptop constantly and maintain stability, which will help your laptop’s battery life. This solves the problem of mobility too. You can easily plug and play games anywhere you want.
Noise
Using a laptop at such high graphics can cause a high load on your CPU. This can result in an increase in sound. But this gets reduced or turns next to silent while using the External Graphics Card.
The whole system becomes quiet and runs the entire time smoothly. The GPU supports all functionality and up-gradation because of it.
Other Valuable Features
Apart from all primary features, there are many aspects that you should look for. Features like multiple USB slots and Thunderbolt 3 ports should be available. You can get access to multi-desktop because of it.
Value For Money
External Graphics Cards are not at all cheap. Sometimes they are so costly that you can buy a new laptop at such a price. If you pay such a huge amount, then getting a product that gives relaxation for spending such an amount on it will be your expectation.
There are very few External Graphics Cards which will disappoint you. Still, the decision is up to you. So choose wisely.
Compatibility
Compatibility is a big question mark when you buy an external graphic card. Many times you will find products which are compatible only with their brands. Some support windows and don’t support mac iOS; then it can go vice versa too.
Most importantly, Every External Graphics Card is compatible with your laptop only through Thunderbolt 3 ports. Without them, eGPU is useless for you.
Gigabyte Aorus gaming box
| Brand | GIGABYTE |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item weight | 13.31 pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 11.81 x 5.51 x 6.81 inches |
| Cheap Set | NVIDIA |
| RAM Size | 24 GB |
If you want to go for a water-cooled eGPU, AORUS RTX 3090 Gaming Box is the perfect external Graphic card. It is the world’s first graphics card that comes with a water cooling system.
Gigabyte has made this gaming box full of Key features. AORUS RTX 3090 External Graphic card comes with Thunderbolt 3 plug and play. It supports 3 USB 3.0, 1 Ethernet port, and supports Power Delivery 3.0 to charge the laptop. It comprises Waterforce all in one cooling system.
The utmost feature of this External Graphic card is that it has a Powerful Geforce RTX 3090, and this graphic card is the powerhouse to deliver high-end performance. Its thunderbolt dock has the capacity to transfer files at 40gbps speed as you will experience zero latency with a silky smooth experience while using it.
Currently, it is the newly launched product from Gigabyte on Amazon. Till now, they have only five products in stock, as because of its RTX 3090 power graphic card, gamers and editors love to pick it up for their portable set-up.
Speaking about the design, Gigabyte has molded it with sheets of aluminum, giving it a fine dark matte finish with 2.0 to 16.0 RGB fusion color synchronization. This will provide you with the cherry on top touch to your gaming setup. Mainly Gigabyte has upgraded it with current favorites; fortunately, you can run every High-end game or software on it.
Till now, people are purchasing it on Amazon, but no one has registered their review on it. But it is considered as one of the most popular External Graphics Cards for laptops. Now, Gigabyte has officially launched it on Amazon.com. From there, you can purchase it for $2,899.99.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has a Waterforce cooling system. | May cause leaking problems (Rare Case). |
| Thunderbolt 3.0 transfers data at high speed. | |
| It has a power delivery unit to charge laptops. | |
| It has storage to accept the future modification. | |
| It is compatible with any laptop with a better CPU unit. | |
| Every Editor can use it because of its classic design and powerful graphics card. | |
| It has extra USB slots and an ethernet port. |
FAQ’s
Q. Does this External Graphics Card have HDMI ports?
Ans. Yes! Gigabyte Aorus Gaming Box has an HDMI port to connect it to TV or other components.
Q. Is this Waterforce cooling system the same as other cooling systems?
Ans. Definitely yes! This cooling system is not adapted by many manufacturers other than Gigabyte. Other than that, this system consists of the same features available in other components with cooling systems.
Amazon Link: GIGABYTE Aorus Gaming Box
Alienware Graphic Amplifier
| Brand | Alienware |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 16.1 x 7.3 x 6.8 inches |
| Cheap set | AMD |
| Rating | 4.1 stars out of 5 |
Alienware Graphic Amplifier, technically it is not an External Graphics Card or something. Still, it’s a component like an External Graphics Card, which will boost your graphic card’s performance levels. It does all of the things, which an external graphic card can do. This is the only reason I’ve added it to my list.
Mainly it comes with 460 watts of internal power supply, at such a high power supply, you can easily run a graphics card without any shutter or any other interruption. Talking about the interruption, many wires can make a huge mess. Alienware Graphic Amplifier comes with one single cord to connect with your laptop, and it makes work much easier.
The amplifier is built with futuristic thoughts. New upgrades and new high graphics game launches are the most common things in the gaming world, because of it, Alienware has built it to support full length, double-wide, PCI Express x 16 Graphics Card. With such high technology, one can easily nail it with a high computing system.
The graphic Amplifier has a mission to provide mobility to gamers, which they never experienced other than desktop gaming. The Alienware powers 3 LCD at one go. It has a high power capacity with 4 extra USB hubs for more attachments. It can easily run 3D applications smoothly. It also supports desktop length graphic cards which do not exceed 10.5 inches of length limits.
It is compatible with only Alienware laptops. This is the biggest flaw to note. Other than that, some Dell units can support this Amplifier with a special attachment. The types of graphic cards it supports are NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600, AMD Radeon HD 5000 series, and graphic cards of up to 375W.
| PROS | CONS |
| Compatible with most of the Graphic cards. | It only supports Alienware laptops. |
| High enhancement in the gaming experience. | It is not compatible with commonly used graphic cards. |
| Extra USB Slots. | |
| It can power up to 3 LCDs. | |
| It is very handy and small in dimensions to take with you. | |
| It can support high upgraded graphics. |
FAQ’s
Q. Will it charge my laptop?
Ans. No! It will keep your laptop power supply stable, so it can feed it to graphic cards for a better gaming experience.
Q. Does this work with other Dell laptops, as the manufacturer is Dell?
Ans. No! Majorly, it only works with Alienware laptops that too with R series, in rare cases, it works with Dell laptops with special attachments.
Amazon Link: Alienware Graphic Amplifier
Akitio Node Duo
| Brand | Akitio |
| Material | Unknown |
| Item weight | 10.63 pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 16.6 x 11.5 x 8.2 inches |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD FirePro 2270 |
| Rating | 3.7 stars out of 5 |
Akitio Node Duo External Graphics Card is one of the most popular External Graphics Cards. The reason for its popularity is cost-effectiveness. This external graphic card comes under $299.75. Under this range, there are very few External Graphics Cards which deliver such high-end performance and Features.
Akitio Node Duo has handles on the top. From which it is easier to carry all around. This External Graphics Card has a USB port which is capable of delivering 60W of power. It has a Thunderbolt port, which can transfer data at the highest speed. Other than that, it has USB 3.1 and Display ports.
It has a PCI Express 3.0, and this interface comes with 2 lanes per slot. Along with it, it has 2 PCIs, which supports Double width, Half Length, and Full-height cards. So it is such good specs, that has made the customers rate it 3.7 stars.
Many reviewers have loved it because of its easy compatibility because of Thunderbolts. But some of them face severe technical errors. Some of them happen in very rare cases, but you can note it down.
Most of them faced power supply problems. Like you plugged in everything, and it worked, but after shutdown and removing the wires, but after assembling it again, the component stopped working. This incident happened with a buyer from Amazon, and it is the rarest case observed. One of the buyers experienced some problem with the power supply.
Apart from all over, the review section is filled with appreciation of Akitio Node‘s compatibility and smooth interference on any pc or laptop.
| PROS | CONS |
| For Extra monitors, it has a dedicated Display port. | Power Supply issues are reported. |
| USB slot, which Power delivers. | Troubleshooting takes a long time. |
| It has a wire mesh panel to dissipate heat. | |
| It has big handles. | |
| It has one Thunderbolt port, which can transfer data at 40gps. | |
| The second Thunderbolt supports Thunderbolt 3. |
FAQ’s
Q. What type of cooling system does it support, or it has?
Ans. It has an air cooling system, as it is the general and standard cooling system accepted by many manufacturers.
Q. Is it compatible with all of the laptops or desktops?
Ans. Mostly it supports all of the latest laptops and desktops. It can support the lowest of 2016’s or 2017’s laptops.
Amazon Link: Akitio Node
Asus Rog XG station 2
| Brand | ASUS |
| Material | Unknown |
| Item weight | 8.6 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 6.2 x 10.9 x 18 inches |
| Graphics Card RAM Size | 1 |
| Rating | 3.2 star out of 5 |
The ASUS ROG XG Station-2 2 Thunderbolt USB 3.0 external graphic card dok is very easy to install, and you can connect your Thunderbolt 3-enabled notebook or PC for a powerful and smooth gaming experience. Your device becomes VR-gaming ready, and the gaming performance will reach new levels of incredibility. You won’t even have to make do with the portability problems.
This graphic card helps to cope up with the speed that you require. The Thunderbolt 3 enables the transfer of the data almost 8 times quicker than it does in USB 3.0. This helps to boost the video bandwidth of HDMI 1.4 by 4 times. There is a supply of power to the devices you use for you to use your desktop for high-end jobs like 4K video editing and also helps to upgrade desktop performance.
It is feasible to upgrade your gaming experience and performance to its best. With the ASUS ROG-XG-Station-2, you get a wide range of options to choose from that best fit your needs. It also supports full-length desktop graphic cards along with coolers with about 2.5 slots wide.
You can connect or disconnect your ASUS ROG-XG-Station-2ROG XG Station-2 to your notebook or PC without having to restart it.
It comes with 4 USB 3.0 ports and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port with which you can connect a mouse, keyboard, monitor, internet, and VR headset.
You will be enabled for a powerful and efficient system. The internal power supply can provide about 500 watts for high-performance graphic cards. It can provide 100 watts to your notebook or PC, and this can be done via Thunderbolt 3. Apart from that, the need for a separate power cable is eliminated, which helps to keep your system neat.
The ASUS ROG-XG-Station-2ROG-XG-Station-2 enables you to choose from a wide range of colors and 5 different effects from the ASUS Aura RGB lighting. You can be as unique and creative as you wish to be.
If you pair it with a ROG Strix gaming graphics card that is Aura-enabled, it will help you to synchronize the lighting for a system that stands out.
Some of the users have found serious problems with ASUS ROG-XG-STATION-2. There have been problems reported about it not powering up. Heat issues also have been a major problem that has been reported. One of the customers said that the product stopped working after 2 months and needs major fixing.
On the contrary, there are also many customers who are highly satisfied with ASUS ROG-XG-STATION-2. Some of them have stated that this product has made their PC or laptop more versatile than it was before. There is a better-enhanced gaming experience that can turn any gaming laptop into a powerful gaming desktop.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has a wide range of colors and 5 different effects. | There may be some technical issues in rare cases |
| 4 USB 3.0 ports. | Audio problems reported |
| Easy installation. | |
| It provides eight times faster data transfer than USB 3.0. | |
| It Provides 500 watts of power to a high-performance graphics card. | |
| It has Enables 4K video editing. |
FAQ’s
Q. Does it include a Graphic card with the package?
Ans. No! It does not include a graphics card with the package. You have to buy it separately.
Q. What type of laptops or Computers is compatible with?
Ans. It is compatible with all types of laptop or computer which has thunderbolt 3 ports.
Amazon Link: Asus Rog XG Station 2
Razer Core X
| Brand | RAZER |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item weight | 14.3 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 9.06 x 14.74 x 6.62 inches |
| Motherboard Compatibility | ATX |
| Rating | 4.3 stars out of 5 |
If you want an External Graphics Card which supports your multiple monitors’ gaming setup, Razer Core X is just manufactured for you. This eGPU includes Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can boost your laptop experience at the desktop level; it will directly upgrade it to a high-end computer system.
This External Graphics Card has 650W ATX from which you can charge your laptop through Thunderbolt 3 ports. Apart from that, it is fully compatible with NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards. This is only for Windows; in Mac iOs, it doesn’t support NVIDIA.
After being such a popular product, it was drowned in the review section because of its build quality. Due to its magnetic sensor, some people have faced serious issues. Razer is built in such a way that without verifying the case is close, it doesn’t start PSU. So that’s the design drawback. Other than that, many people had some common issues related to its support team.
From my point of view, you will face general issues, but looking at the package, Razer is one of the best eGPU. It has rated 4.5 stars for quality material, 4.2 stars for noise level, 4.1 stars for gaming; this rating will be the perfect combo for any external graphic card.
Getting such high specs at $299.99 is a great deal. Because the type of features it offers are mostly available in expensive eGPU. It is one of the top-rated external graphics cards available on Amazon.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has Plug and play connection, no need to reboot your system. | NVIDIA is not available on Mac iOS |
| It has Thunderbolt 3 ports for faster data transfer. | It has some design flaws, which affects its magnetic sensor in case. |
| One can easily upgrade their graphic card while using Razer Core X. | |
| It provides desktop-class performance. | |
| It supports NVIDIA as well as AMD on windows. |
FAQ’s
Q. Is it compatible with every laptop or computer?
Ans. Yes! It is compatible with every laptop and computer, which has Thunderbolt 3 (USB C) compatibility.
Q. Does Razer Core X come with or without a graphic card?
Ans. Razer Core X comes without a graphic card, and it supports all types of graphic cards.
Amazon Link: Razer Core X
Razer Core X Chrome
| Brand | Razer |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item weight | 15.2 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 2.8 x 0.3 x 2.9 inches |
| Motherboard Compatibility | ATX |
| Rating | 4.3 stars out of 5 |
Again here, Razer has impressed us because of its pocket-friendly $ 399.99 price range and very high specs in it. Speaking about the power supply, it has a 700W ATX power supply unit, so the External Graphic Card can support up to 500 W easily. As its initial version, Razer Core X, it doesn’t include any graphics card with the package.
For gamers, you will love this portable graphic card unit because of its customizable RGB lighting. The lighting will sync with your gameplay or other systems because of its Synapse 3. It has 16.8 million different colors available for customizations.
It is compatible with Windows as well as Mac iOS. On windows, it supports both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards. But for Mac again, Razer doesn’t support NVIDIA. For compatibility, Razer Core X Chrome comes with Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can transfer data at 40gbps.
This External Graphics Card can fluently support PCIe Desktop graphics cards. For high-end performance, as mentioned above, it supports NVIDIA and AMD XConnect. It does have Plug and Play features like Core X, so what special features were added up in Chrome?
In Razer Core X Chrome, manufacturers have optimized Thermal performance, and it has some additional open vents and cooling systems. It shows better compatibility with all systems. Razer Core X has the same kind of ratings. It does have some minor flaws, but this a product that stocks out in minutes.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has cooling systems and vent for better optimized Thermal performance. | NVIDIA doesn’t pair in Mac iOS. |
| It has Plug and play features to avoid rebooting issues. | |
| You can easily upgrade your graphic card to boost your system. | |
| It solves the compatibility problem by pairing with every type of graphic card. |
FAQ’s
Q. Does the package include Thunderbolt Cable?
Ans. Yes! You will get a Thunderbolt cable with your package.
Q. Does the External Graphics card have an internal HDD?
Ans. No! It’s an eGPU.
Amazon Link: Razer Core X Chrome
Razer Core V2
| Brand | Razer |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item weight | 10.9 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 11.81 x 1.69 x 5.71 inches |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Rating | 3.6 stars out of 5 |
The Razer Core V2 is said to render plug and play support that is compatible with graphic cards. This eliminates the need to reboot the device or system every time the Razer Core V2 is plugged into your device.
You won’t have to worry about gaming and high-end editing performance. This system supports the latest graphic chipsets like AMD, NVIDIA, and GTX 10-series. It is capable of harnessing professional graphic performance. However, it does not include a graphics card like the other Razer model.
It is designed such that it is compatible with your laptop, notebook, and even PC. Well, you will have to check your laptop if it supports an external graphic card for this to work.
There are 4 USB 3.0 ports and an Ethernet that makes it compatible with all the devices you use. With a single Thunderbolt connection, you can rest assured about the data transfer as it will be carried out smoothly.
It is machined by CNC and is a compact design that renders 500 watts power supply. It also has additional cooling fans to prevent excessive heating.
The Razer Core V2 also comes with a wide range of customization for the two lighting areas it exhibits. It adds up to an incredible flawless gaming experience.
With 3.2 out of 5 stars, the Razer core V2 has mixed reviews from the customers. Some say the system failed within 8 months, while some are claiming that it works flawlessly for over a year now. Most people have faced problems regarding connectivity and durability.
However, many people who have enjoyed the product say that they experienced the best advancements with their gaming and editing. It certainly works with MacBook Pro and renders great power to the systems.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has a high 500W internal power supply for the GPU. | It comes without a graphic card. |
| It has 4 3.0 USB ports. | The system is too loud. |
| It supports all types of graphic cards. | Some rare glitches were reported. |
| It comes with thunderbolt 3 ports. | |
| It has an Ethernet port. |
FAQ’s
Q. How many Thunderbolt 3 ports does it have?
Ans. Razer Core V2 has only one Thunderbolt 3 port.
Q. Does it support every type of iOS?
Ans. Razer Core V2 mainly supports windows, and it also supports Mac iOS.
Amazon Link: Razer Core V2
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
| Brand | Sonnet Technologies |
| Material | Unknown |
| Item weight | 2.6 lbs. |
| Item Dimensions | 17.01 x 11.46 x 10.83 inches |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Rating | 4.4 stars out of 5 |
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box is a dedicated external graphic card that enhances gaming, videos, and graphic-intensive applications. It helps to power your desktop performance and adds up to your video editing and gaming performance overall.
You can connect your Thunderbolt 3 computer with a 0.5-meter cable and enable you to unlock a new level of gaming experience, video editing, graphic application, and much more.
With Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box, you will get higher frame rates that will smoothen the gameplay. It is the ideal choice to enable a high-performance gaming experience, which is not possible otherwise without a powerful graphic card.
It helps media professionals with keeping up with the production timelines. It supports and accelerates animation, rendering, special effects, high-end editing, and color grading.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box comes with an incredibly fast 40 Gps Thunderbolt 3 interface. It makes sure that the bandwidth you get is of the full 2750 MB/s and is dedicated to the card you install.
It has a x16 PCI Express 3.0 slot that is compatible with full-height, full-length, and single or double PCIe cards. This Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box system is best known to support chipsets like AMD and NVIDIA.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box renders power congruent to 500 to 600 watts, two 8-pin power connectors, laptop charging up to 87 watts, and support about 375-watt PCI-e card.
The product has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating with a total of 203 overall global ratings. Talking about the reviews, there are mixed reviews about Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box. Many people have loved the product along with all its features. While others faced some problems.
People have faced problems like getting an error code 12 and problems with the iOS system. It is reported that it may not work well with Mac. Other problems that were faced were related to power wattage. Out of 81 global reviews only, 43 people have rated it with 5 stars.
However, there are also good reviews who have mentioned that it is worth their money. The
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box seems to have some people’s computer problems. Some of them have even said that their experience with video editing and gaming has been boosted with this external graphic card.
| PROS | CONS |
| It comes with a 40 Gps Thunderbolt 3 interface. | It May not support the iOS system. |
| The eGPU Has a x16 PCI Express 3.0 slot. | An error code 12 is reported. |
| It Renders power up to 500 to 600 watts. | |
| It Supports AMD and NVIDIA chipsets. |
FAQ
Q. Is Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box compatible with laptops that already have a NVIDIA?
Ans. Yes, Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box is compatible with such laptops; all you have to do is change the settings when you want to use eGPU.
Q. Does it work with all Mac models?
Ans. It May not be with all Mac models, but it definitely works with Mac mini.
Amazon Link: Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
