Best External Graphics Cards (eGPUs) For Laptop

Before the introduction of external graphics cards, aka eGPUs, gaming on laptops was just a pipe dream. As soon as laptop gamers got easy access to the best external GPUs they are now better equipped to get the finest quality graphics, and they don’t need to upgrade the whole gaming setup.

In this guide for the best external GPU enclosures, we will discuss the premium quality eGPUs which deliver the highest performance, improve the graphics quality to an appreciable level, and are most economical, too. Besides, at the end of the article, we have answered some of the frequently asked questions that will help you to easily evaluate the most important features, price and performance comparisons, and related terms.

Best eGPU In 2022

  1. Cooler Master MasterCase EG200
  2. Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Gaming Box
  3. Razer Core X
  4. Akitio Node
  5. Alienware Graphics Amplifier
  6. Mantiz Venus MZ-02 eGPU
  7. Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box – GTX 1070
  8. ASUS ROG XG Station 2
  9. Sonnet eGFX Thunderbolt 3-to eGPU

1. Cooler Master MasterCase EG200

Cooler Master MasterCase EG200

Reasons to Buy

  • Delivers desktop-class PCIe graphics card performance
  • Best compatibility and reliability
  • Lowest noise level
  • Best for modern powerful GPUs

Reasons to Avoid

  • Requires a powerful PSU due to high power consumption
  • Bulky design
  • Installing the bigger card is a bit tricky

The Cooler Master Mastecase E200 is the newest addition to the eGPU family that can boost the performance and functionality of your gaming laptop by manifolds, and you can reach the levels of performance that you get from a gaming PC. By performance boost and adding power to the already present laptop, MasterCase E200 makes great sense.

It does not come with the bulky infrastructure, as the resemblance with the Mini-ITX PC redefines its dimensions. The slim design and compact dimension compared to other competitors already give EG200 a head start. It contains a swappable drive bay behind the front panel. You can pull down the front to reveal the SSD space that connects to the system without cabling. Aesthetically, it doesn’t offer more than that, but you may notice a nice flow of perforated spaces on both sides and top for better airflow.

Connectivity-wise, the box offers power and USB ports to connect to the laptop and other media. You can connect 2 GPUs in the cutout, which you need to consider before buying if you need more than that. Many popular GPUs are on the compatibility list of the E200, which makes it a better option. It can support GPUs from NVIDIA, MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, and EVGA from the RTX 3060 to 3090 series.

MasterCase E200 provides an extra boost to the gaming laptops by providing a comparable performance increase. If you have no space for extra GPU or need extra rendering power, E200 is perfect. It features Thunderbolt 3 making it possible to transfer data at the speed of 40Gb/s. Besides that, you get flexible performance where you can put a PCIe SSD and add or remove GPUs of your choice. Moreover, the 92mm fan and 500W power add to the gaming performance.

Finally, If you’ve been looking for a sleek, low-profile enclosure to turn your laptop into an unstoppable gaming rig by using the best RTX 3070 cards, the Cooler Master EG200 is what you need. Not only does it ship with everything necessary to get started, but it also includes storage space, so that even if your average computer can’t fit any more of those games, everyone seems to be playing nowadays, there’s still plenty of room in this case.


2. Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Gaming Box

Best ready to use eGPU box

Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Gaming Box

Reasons to Buy

  • Built-in GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card
  • Best portable eGPU
  • Supports quick charge
  • Multiple ports included for multiple displays

Reasons to Avoid

  • Difficult to Set-up for mac

Gigabyte is one of the best brand names in the gaming industry for graphical solutions. Whether these are the RTX graphics cards like the best RTX 2080 Ti, 2080 Super, or the eGPU enclosures, Gigabyte has proved its worth by developing outstanding products in its extensive range. The recently released Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 eGPU is one of those products, which are setting new precedents in gaming revolutions.

After the release of the Aorus GTX 1070, most of the power-hungry gamers were still demanding the advanced graphics card that could offer more than that of the previously released version. This is what the Aorus GTX 1080 gaming box offers. Instead of buying a premium gaming laptop, you can now get the same graphical performance with this external graphics card.

Equipped with Thunderbolt 3 technology, the model offers higher performance and allows data transfer of up to 40Gbps. Other connectivity options include 1 DVI-D port, an HDMI port, 3 DisplayPorts. Besides, you get the three USB ports to connect the headset, keyboard, and USB storage. This is actually a gaming box with maximum connectivity options and, other than the best gaming laptops, it also allows you to set up multiple monitors using.

Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Gaming Box image

In terms of performance, the gaming box comes with the latest built-in GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card from Nvidia. The card lets you run the 1080p, 2160p as well as VR games on your flat as well as a gaming monitor. Though the built-in card is excellent in performance and you don’t need to spend money for an additional graphics card, the gaming box is limited in the graphical cards option. You can’t use a graphics card other than the built-in card.

This external graphic card is amazing as it comes with a quick charge (QC) 3.0 port. Unlike other charging ports, the quick charge port recharges the device four times faster. The convenience is what you will get in the bonus.


3. Razer Core X

Insert high-end triple fan graphics cards at ease

Razer Core X

Reasons to Buy

  • Only GPU that can house triple-width graphics cards
  • Supports multiple GPUs
  • Clean exterior design
  • Comparatively affordable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Size and weight are a pain
  • Lacks extra ports

The next Gaming Box is from none other than the most popular and highly appreciated gaming brand: Razer. The Razer is already known for its excellent, albeit expensive, gaming products, the products which deliver efficiency, performance, and compatibility. This is what the Razer Core X offers as a powerful external GPU box we’ve ever reviewed.

Currently, Razer offers two of its eGPUs: the first one in our list is Core X, and the second one is Razer Core V2, which we will discuss later in this article.

At first glance, the Razer Core X looks like a simple external GPU lacking any trademark beauty of RGB by Razer. Yet, unlike Gigabyte Aorus, this isn’t what every gaming box should offer. Instead, the Razer Core X is built for performance-oriented gamers who want to convert their mini PC or laptop into a monster gaming PC that delivers everything a gamer needs.

Talking about its design, the Core X is spacious enough to support a triple-width graphics card, even from the RTX 3080 tier list. For power-hungry gamers, this is the best choice they can make as the box features a 650-watt power supply.

The gaming box is compatible and supports some of the laptops manufactured by Razer, such as Razer Blade, Blade Pro, and Blade Stealth. As it comes with a Thunderbolt 3 port, the Core X is equally compatible with all the Laptops having the Thunderbolt 3 feature.

In terms of compatibility, the Core X is compatible with a full range of Quadro, GeForce, and Radeon graphics cards. Further details about compatible cards can be confirmed from Razer’s official website. Just like Akitio Node, the only downside of Core X is the limited ports as it lacks any USB ports or any other ports for more connectivity options.

Overall, the Razer Core X is a relatively affordable external graphics card enclosure with the best features to support small as well as heavy graphics cards. The box, although lacks USB ports, supports the best graphics cards available in the market.


4. Akitio Node

Great compatibility in a bulky design

Akitio Node

Reasons to Buy

  • Accommodates almost all GPUs
  • Portable design

Reasons to Avoid

  • Large and heavy
  • Pricey

Admittedly the Akitio is an unfamiliar brand to most gamers. Based in California, the Akitio is an international brand, which offers its services ranging from external chassis to storage solutions. Prioritizing the performance, the company has produced some of the finest products available in the market; and the Akitio Node is one of them.

The Akitio Node is one of the best eGFX boxes we have ever reviewed. In the first impression the design looks like a full-sized Mini ITX computer chassis, that is to say, you will have to sacrifice a lot of space for this monster. The large size built with sheet metal also means the Akitio Node comes with a whopping weight of 14.7 pounds (almost 7kg). The size is actually a plus point; you can plug in any type and size of graphics card in this external GPU. Besides the handle over it lets you move the casing anywhere you want.

See best RTX 2060 GPUs

While the Node consumes a 400W power supply, it supports Radeon RX and R9 graphics cards as well as GTX 900 to onward series, thus making it the most compatible eGPU for all of the graphics cards. For a complete list of compatible graphics cards, you may visit Akitio Node’s website here.

The Node comes with a single Thunderbolt 3 port, which lets you easily upgrade your laptop or a mini PC to a high-end gaming PC or a professional workstation. The port offers lightning-fast speed up to 40GBps. The casing’s interior is spacious and offers enough space to insert any graphics card you want.

The good thing about the Node is that the dedicated GPU inside it makes the video editing and rendering powerful enough the support a VR headset and makes the system VR-ready. As the Node comes with one built-in PCIe x16 slot, and the back panel is removable that enables you to insert even the full-length, full-height double-width card.

Overall, the Akitio Node is a giant external GPU that supports almost all types of graphics cards. The size comes at both advantages as well as disadvantages. On the advantage side it can house any size of GPU; on the other side, its size and weight make it difficult to move, although the casing has a handle over it.


5. Alienware Graphics Amplifier

High-performance eGPU for Alienware laptops

Alienware Graphics Amplifier

Reasons to Buy

  • Supports multiple GPUs
  • Feature of upgradability
  • Four super speed USB 3.0 ports
  • Affordable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited compatibility
  • Restricted portability

Founded in 1996, Alienware soon became a notable company in laptops and external graphics solutions. Within a span of ten years, the company, however, was acquired by Dell in 2006. The real success and glory of the brand were then acknowledged with some of its best products, especially gaming laptops. However, keeping in view the company’s trust score and dedication, the Alienware Graphics Amplifier is one of the notable eGPUs worth buying.

Actually, the Alienware Graphics Amplifier is a GPU designed specifically for Alienware Laptops. The reason that it works only for Alienware laptops is that, rather than using a Thunderbolt 3 port, the GPU features Alienware’s proprietary port. In designing this GPU, the company has prioritized its laptops to use an external GPU that could skyrocket the graphics performance of its laptops. So, forget the portability options in this gaming box.

Wrapped in black-colored plastic material with an Alienware logo on the front side, the exterior looks something more appealing than other eGPUs. Weighing around 7.7 pounds, the product, just like Akitio Node, is too heavy to be used as a portable eGPU enclosure.

The box, sadly, lacks a built-in graphics card, but it does support a full-sized graphics card. The addition of a 460-watt power supply, in this case, can handle most of the graphics card requirements, but not the premium power-hungry graphics cards, whose average PSU requirement is 500-watt or above.

As mentioned earlier, it lacks Thunderbolt 3 port, which means this is an eGPU enclosure dedicated to Alienware due to the proprietary Alienware port. However, the case includes four USB ports to be used for different purposes. The compatible list of laptops for this model can be seen from the official product page.

Overall, this is a nicely built GPU enclosure that can handle most of the graphics cards. The only downside, however, is its limited compatibility. But, for those who own an Alienware laptop, and want something more than extra in terms of performance, the Alienware, Graphics Amplifier is the best choice for them.


6. Mantiz Venus MZ-02 eGPU

Best connectivity in a compact design

Mantiz Venus MZ-02 eGPU

Reasons to Buy

  • Simple and easy to setup
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Compatible with multiple GPUs

Reasons to Avoid

  • Noisy

Before the release of Mantiz Venus MZ-02 eGPU, gaming on Mac OS seemed quite difficult. People who want to get an impressive external GPU with all the required features might need this model, as it is easy to set up and doesn’t require any hard work to install the graphics card in it.

The MZ-02 features the most needed 550W power supply option, which is best for power-hungry gamers who simply want to use high-power graphics cards. Now just pick this box and go for whatever you want to do on your Mac laptop or Mini PC.

In terms of connectivity options, the MZ-02 has an additional 87W power delivery option is also available to charge the laptops. What’s more, you will also get five USB ports, one Gigabit Lan, and one SATA port to connect other devices.

The only downside about this box is the noise; even in some cases, it might produce so much noise to make you wake up from sleep. The best thing you could do to minimize the noise level is to keep it a bit away from your bed.

As already discussed, this is the only eGPU compatible with MacBook. Now gaming on MacBook is as easy and as comfortable as it is on high-end PCs. What you need to do is to check the setup details from the manufacturer’s official website. However, as per the company’s claims, the 2019 MacBook Pro and the latest macOS are fully compatible with this model. Not only it is perfect for Mac, but it also delivers simply excellent performance on the PCs, too.

Overall, this is one of the excellent external graphics card boxes which deliver impressive performance, come with all connectivity options, and are equipped with durable material.


7. Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box – GTX 1070

Best eGPU enclosure for entry-level gaming

Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Gaming Box

Reasons to Buy

  • Built-in GPU included
  • Most portable external GPU
  • Impressive performance

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited upgradability

For every gamer, the Gigabyte is not a new name in the gaming industry. Founded in 1986, the brand is popular among gamers for manufacturing outstanding hardware, especially graphics cards for gaming enthusiasts. Gigabyte is a registered company licensed to manufacture AMD and Nvidia cards as we can see the best graphics cards available today. The AORUS Gaming Box GTX 1070 is one of these external GPUs developed by Gigabyte.

The good thing about AORUS Gaming Box is that the box features Gigabyte’s dedicated Mini ITX GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card. The box is shrouded in a compact metal box and a transparent mesh on the front side to monitor the interior of the box with the help of LED lighting inside it.

Though the GPU box comes with a built-in GTX 1070 Mini ITX graphics card that is capable of running all titles without a problem, the card gets louder and possesses limited overclocking potential under high performance. Yet, it is still capable of running VR as well as 4K titles on the best 4K gaming TVs, provided that you can bear the noise.

In its interior, the box is minimal in size and equipped with a beautiful RGB lighting pattern that can be seen from the front side only. The RGB lighting pattern can be customized by the AuraSync utility software, which allows you to produce multiple lighting effects ranging from breathing and flashing to static and color cycling.

The Gigabyte Aorus Gaming box comes with all options for connectivity. The box features; a Thunderbolt 3.0 port for connecting it with a PC or laptop, a DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0 port, and two Dual-Link DVI-D ports. Besides, there are three USB 3.0  ports and one quick charge USB port. (If your device doesn’t support HDMI, you might need to get the best HDMI Switch for 4K gaming.

Unlike Akitio Node, the Gigabyte’s AURUS Gaming box weighs only 4.4 pounds (almost 2kg). This is three times less weight than Akitio Node (weighing around 7kg), making AURUS the most portable eGPU case that can be easily transported and managed on a gaming desk. The portability is even more affordable in this box as it comes with a small carry bag to cover this baby.

The only downside we experienced with AORUS is its limited upgradability. No doubt the graphics card it includes is capable of handling 1080p and 2160p games, yet it must have options to upgrade the card according to one’s personal choice. The Aorus, however, allows inserting other Mini ITX graphics cards only if you have removed the previously installed Mini ITX 1070. The other upgrading options are restricted in this box.

Overall, the Gigabyte Aorus Gaming is the best eGPU box that delivers an amazingly small design, impressive performance, and a myriad of connectivity options. Yet all these features in this box come at a higher price.


8. ASUS ROG XG Station 2

Most fascinating design with an extra premium

ASUS ROG XG Station 2

Reasons to Buy

  • Appealing RGB design
  • Can accommodate a full-size card

Reasons to Avoid

  • Pricey
  • Lacks built-in card

Asus is already the most reputable name in the gaming industry. The Taiwan-based company has earned its name in gaming hardware. The company’s real change came when it started introducing high-end gaming accessories under the umbrella of Republic of gamers aka ROG. The ASUS ROG-XG Station 2 external graphics card dock is a clear manifestation of the company’s fame and commitment to its dedication to perfection.

The eGPU is one of the most appealing external graphics enclosures, and allures every gamer who is looking for an attention-grabbing enclosure. In its design, the enclosure comes in black color with nice texture-styled stripes and holes on its exterior. The casing when running illuminates from the RGB lighting fitted on its front side. The design, whatsoever beast and pricey maybe, doesn’t include GPU with it and this is where ROG-XG Station 2 disappoints seriously.

In terms of sizing and space side, the box won’t let you down in any case. It supports a full-size graphics card, and the good thing is that the casing is compatible with all new as well as old graphics cards especially Radeon R9/RX series, and GTX 9/10 series. Did I mention that the box comes with multiple fans inside it to provide extra cooling to the cards while they are running?

Unlike other good eGPUs, the ROG XG Station 2 comes with better and improved connectivity options. Other than a standard Thunderbolt 3 port, the case also comes with a USB type-B port, four USB 3.0 ports, and an Ethernet port. The case requires a 600W power supply for proper functioning.

Though the case is a bit heavy and overpriced like Akitio Node, it offers good cooling, better design, and more connectivity options than a standard GPU enclosure. Despite its heavyweight, it is still a portable GPU enclosure and easy to move. The case is compatible with Asus’s AURA software for RGB customization.

Yes, it is an attention-grabbing external GPU enclosure that offers dynamic connectivity and compatibility options. The only downside is that the price doesn’t suit it due to the lack of a graphics card. Remember, this is not an affordable eGPU that you can buy, yet this is an expensive one that you can buy for long-term use.


9. Sonnet eGFX Thunderbolt 3-to eGPU

High performance eGPU box for all the graphics cards

Sonnet eGFX Thunderbolt 3-to eGPU

Reasons to Buy

  • High data transfer speeds
  • Impressive fan and liquid cooling
  • Supports the popular graphics card
  • Quietest system

Reasons to Avoid

  • Incompatible with a few Mac OS

Sonnet eGFX Thunderbolt 3-to-eGPU is the most appealing eGPU for an intensive gaming experience. This is actually a full-fledged external GPU that can deliver everything in a little small.

Sometimes the good things come at an affordable price. At a reasonable price tag, the box is compatible with almost all of the major GPU brands especially the most demanding Nvidia and AMD. The company recommends using the Nvidia GeForce, Titan X, AMD Radeon, Radeon Pro, and Quadro graphics cards.

The enclosure is a better alternative if you don’t own a decent gaming laptop as you can upgrade graphics quality with such eGPU boxes. The box is portable and easy to manage due to its lightweight as compared to its competitors.

Unlike other GPU enclosures, this model comes with an impressive cooling system due to a cooling fan inside the box. To deliver extra cooling it also comes with a liquid cooling system which is best if you want to use the eGPU for overclocking.

The presence of standard Thunderbolt 3 cable delivers excellent data transfer of up to 40Gbps. As the box is spacious from the inside, you can easily install full-length x16 PCIe graphics cards, especially from AVID HDX and Red Rocket-X, without a problem. Not only the box offers 300W to the graphics card (with its 8-pin + 6-pin power connectors) it also has a 15W of power option to charge a laptop.

All in all, the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box, Thunderbolt 3 eGPU is the modern eGPU enclosure that delivers everything a high-end gamer would be looking to modernize its gaming laptop.

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Mathew Bradford

Hey! Mathew Bradford Here, A proud member of GamingExpert Team. I love playing games with new gaming gadgets. Our team is here to help you find the best gaming products, reviews of videos games and to help you decide which one is best for your. You can contact me if you need further assistance.

2 thoughts on “Best External Graphics Cards (eGPUs) For Laptop”

  1. Hi Mathew, i really excited to read your review especially the Aorus Gaming Box vs Razer Core X
    Here in Indonesia, one said that you can upgrade your GPU inside Aorus Gaming Box with the size of mini itx single slot for maximum 17cm. Is it True?

    I have checked the Computer shop, they say I can buy the Eagle Brand for that size for the same speed with other size.

    So in terms of upgradability, Aorus Gaming Box can compete to Razer Core X? eventhough not all type of GPU can be inserted.

    I just still confused which one to choose, maybe you can give me a hint, here i got Aourus Gaming Box RTX2070 / GTX1080 to choose

    THanks so much
    Putu

    • In future, if you plan to add large card like RTX 2080, i would recommend you to go for Razer Core X. Otherwise, Aorus is perfect in every sense.

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