Best eGPU Options for All Budgets

Gaming in a smaller form factor is increasingly feasible. While gargantuan gaming desktops still abound, mini gaming PCs and gaming laptops offer compromise-free play and portability. However, as great as gaming laptops are, upgrade options are limited. Although many offer the ability to add more RAM and storage, you can’t upgrade the CPU or GPU of most laptops. But external GPUs provide a means of utilizing desktop graphics cards with laptops. Check out the best eGPU options on the market!

What is an eGPU and Why Should You Buy One?

An external graphics processing unit, or eGPU, takes a desktop-class GPU and shoves it into an external box. Then, this connects to a laptop or a small-form-factor (SFF) desktop thereby affording more processing power. An eGPU pairs well with a gaming laptop as an upgraded graphics card over the built-in GPU, or as an add-on to a laptop with integrated graphics. For instance, you can benefit from a thin-and-light laptop on the go, but still game respectably at home with an external graphics card.

What is an eGPU: An external graphics card that connects to a laptop or desktop for using a desktop GPU.

Why buy an eGPU:

• Add dedicated graphics to a machine that has integrated graphics
• Upgrade over the dedicated graphics of an older gaming laptop
• Enjoy the portability of a think-and-light ultrabook on the go and desktop-caliber graphics at home

What to Look for in an eGPU

When selecting an eGPU, there are several considerations.

Support: First, there’s compatibility. Figure out what connector you’ll need to use an eGPU with your laptop. Most connect via Thunderbolt 3 which can be integrated into a USB-C port.

Graphics card included vs. barebones kit: You’ll also want to decide whether you want an external GPU enclosure sans graphics card, or an all-in-one bundle.

Connectivity: eGPU inputs/outputs (I/O) are important as well. Many external GPU boxes feature ports such as Ethernet, USB 3.0, USB-C, and audio/video (A/V) connectors.

Power delivery: Power delivery is crucial to think about with many eGPUs capable of charging laptops via Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.

Price: eGPUs range in cost from a few hundred dollars for a standalone option to several hundred to over $1,000 for an external graphics card processing unit that includes a video card.

eGPU buying criteria: 

• Bare enclosure vs. comes with a GPU
• I/O: onboard Ethernet, USB 3.0, USB-C, etc.
• Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3
• Compatibility with your laptop/desktop
• Price

What About Real-world eGPU Performance – Is an eGPU Worth it?

Unfortunately, eGPUs take a slight performance hit. Real-world external GPU performance hinges on several factors including the GPU being used, specific external graphics card enclosure, and the laptop it’s paired with. Overall for gaming, an eGPU will likely see around 80% of the performance of a certain GPU when compared to a more traditional desktop setup. Outside of PC gaming, external graphics cards perform extremely well at GPU-intensive processing tasks with minimal bottlenecking.

Best eGPU for Most People – Razer Core X Chroma

The Razer Core X Chroma is the best eGPU in 2020 for most users. Touting desktop-caliber performance from its Thunderbolt 3 with a boost for up to three slot-wide PCIe full-size desktop GPUs, it’s a beefy external GPU solution. There’s a built-in 700W power supply with 100W laptop charging via Thunderbolt 3 and a 500W maximum for GPU power.

In addition to Thunderbolt 3, you’ll find four USB 3.1 ports as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port. Razer’s customizable RGB Chrome lighting comes standard with up to 16.8 million color combos. Many Windows machines including Razer’s Blade Stealth, Blade 15, and Blade Pro work flawlessly with the Razer Core X Chroma. Furthermore, the Razer Core X Chroma works with macOS making it one of the best eGPUs for Mac.

Unfortunately, the Core Chroma X doesn’t come with a GPU. As such, you’ll have to purchase one separately. Moreover, while the Core Chroma X does play well with macOS, you’re limited to AMD graphics cards for macOS. For a cheaper alternative, Razer offers its Core X which loses out on Chroma RGB lighting as well as Ethernet and USB 3.1, but maintains the same GPU compatibility. If you’re looking for a large, well-built external graphics card enclosure that’s compatible with Windows and macOS, the Razer Core X Chroma performs great and looks gorgeous to boot.

Pros:

• Razer Chroma RGB lighting, up to 16.8 million colors
• Thunderbolt 3
• Great I/O – 4 x USB 3.1, Gigabit Ethernet
• Large – takes up to three slot-wide PCIe full-sized GPUs, can fit large GPUs
• 700W ATX PSU with 100W laptop charging via Thunderbolt 3 and GPU max power support of 500W
• Compatible with Windows and macOS

Cons:

• No NVIDIA support for macOS devices
• Doesn’t include a GPU, box only
• Expensive

Best External GPU With a Graphics Card – AORUS Gigabyte Gaming Box

The Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box is a solid eGPU that includes a graphics card. It’s available in different versions including a beastly RTX 3090 variant. The AORUS Gaming Box eGPu features some of the best graphics cards for gaming and excellent connectivity. Onboard, you’ll find dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, three USB 3.0 ports, and an Ethernet jack.

There’s power delivery for laptop charging, and the entire external GPU enclosure is watercooled. With up to an NVIDIA RTX 3090, you can max out most AAA titles and even use ray tracing.

Disappointingly, the Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box eGPU doesn’t come cheap. For the price, you can get a decent desktop and laptop. Granted, that’s to be expected since external graphics card enclosures typically run a premium, and high-end options like the RTX 3090 carry a hefty price tag. You could opt for the less costly RTX 3080 version. Nevertheless, if you demand a ton of power, the Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box packs quite a punch.

Pros:

• Includes GPU (RTX 30-series cards) with Ray-Tracing support
• Watercooled
• Great I/O – 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x Ethernet
• Power delivery for laptop charging

Cons:

• Expensive

Best eGPU for MacBook Pro and Mac Mini – Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5500 XT

Apple makes fantastic devices, and while macOS gaming is possible, many of its desktops and laptops lack dedicated GPUs. However, a solution for compatible MacBook Pro and Mac Mini PCs is an eGPU. The Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Puck is the best eGPU for MacBook Pro and Mac Mini computers. It features an AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT GPU and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.

Outside of the Sonnet Breakaway Puck, several eGPUs including the Razer Core X Chroma, HP Omen Accelerator, and PowerColor Game Station work with macOS devices. You may also consider the Sonnet Breakaway Box 750 external GPU chassis which lets you install your own AMD or NVIDIA graphics card.

Sadly, the Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Puck doesn’t work with M1 Macs. Likewise, there’s no support for Windows Boot Camp. And despite its Thunderbolt port, the Sonnet doesn’t interface with Windows PCs. Still, for its fantastic macOS support, great expandability, and modest pricing, the Sonnet Breakaway Puck is the best external GPU for MacBook Pro laptops and Mac Mini desktops.

Pros:

• MacBook Pro and Mac Mini eGPU support
• Includes AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT GPU
• Cool, quiet operation
• Small form factor
• Thunderbolt 3

Cons:

• Not compatible with M1 Macs
• No Boot Camp support
• Doesn’t work with Windows PCs

Best Cheap External GPU – PowerColor Mini Pro eGPU

The PowerColor Mini Pro is an awesome cheap external graphics card solution. An AMD RX 570 with 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM (video RAM) comes standard. Compatibility with Windows and macOS makes this an economical buy. Aside from Thunderbolt 3, you’ll find dual USB-A 3.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port. As the name suggests, the PowerColor Mini comes in a compact size with a small form factor. While this makes it incredibly desk-friendly, that somewhat limits expandability and upgrade options. You may also consider the PowerColor Gaming Station which comes sans GPU. Nevertheless, at about the same price as an eGPU without a GPU, the PowerColor Mini Pro with its included AMD RX 570 GPU is easily the best cheap external graphics card enclosure that money can buy.

Pros:

• Includes AMD RX 570 with 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM
• Great I/O – 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Gigabit LAN
• Thunderbolt 3
• Small footprint
• Good pricing

Cons:

• Not very expandable

Best Looking eGPU – HP Omen Accelerator

The HP Omen Accelerator certainly takes home the best-looking superlative among eGPUs. Its striking design features a cube positioned on its side with two legs holding it upright. HP’s Omen logo comes emblazoned on the front. But it’s not all about aesthetics, and thankfully the Omen by HP Accelerator Shell works wonderfully. Connectivity is top-notch with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C power delivery for laptop charging, four USB 3.0 headers, Gigabit Ethernet, and a USB Type-C. What’s more, the Omen Accelerator eGPU can house a hard drive or SSD.

Because of its length, the HP Omen Accelerator handles large graphics cards such as the NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti and AMD Radeon RX 580. However, despite the HP Omen Accelerator external GPU enclosure’s excellent compatibility with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, you won’t find support for AMD FirePro or NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards. As such, traditional workstation GPUs won’t work. Still, if you’re mostly in the market for a gaming eGPU, the HP Omen Graphics Accelerator is a beautiful and capable option.

Pros:

• Bold, striking design
• Ample room for large GPUs
• Excellent I/O – USB-C with Thunderbolt 3, 1 x USB Type-C, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
• Power delivery for laptop charging
• Room inside for a hard drive or SSD

Cons:

• Not compatible with workstation GPUs like NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro

Best eGPU FAQs

Best eGPU Solutions for All Budgets – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, an external graphics card is a worthy consideration that compromises only slightly on performance while allowing for future upgrades and maintaining laptop portability. You’ll find a bevy of different external graphics card enclosures at all prices. Razer’s Core X and Core X Chroma are fantastic choices that play well with Windows and macOS. Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box packs up to an NVIDIA RTX 3090 and watercooling for a high-end eGPU experience. On the flip side, you can pick up a great budget eGPU in the PowerColor Mini Pro. MacBook Pro and Mac Mini users can snag the Sonnet Breakaway Puck for a macOS-friendly external GPU option.

Your turn: which eGPUs are you using?