The 5 Best External GPUs Reviewed
Gamers need the right setup in order to fully enjoy their games. It is no secret that some of today’s games require a lot, and are better suited to heavy and big desktop computers that are set up to have enough power to run them.
However, many gamers rely on their laptops to play at home or on the go, and most of the time, the graphics just aren’t good enough, which significantly lowers the overall enjoyment.
If your laptop doesn’t have a good enough graphics card integrated, there’s a solution: connecting an external GPU.
That way, you can use your laptop as normal, and depend on the external GPU to provide you with the necessary graphics power to enjoy all of the full visual effects of whichever game you’re playing.
Thanks to an external GPU, a gamer can maintain the mobile laptop setup, but be provided with as much power as if it was a heavy desktop setup, making gaming possible to the highest quality wherever you are.
There is plenty of external GPUs available in today’s market, as they are becoming more and more popular and in demand.
However, finding the best possible product amongst all the options can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time buying one.
There’s a lot of technical information in the descriptions, and unless you’re an expert, you probably won’t be able to easily discern which ones are the best.
To help out, we’ve compiled a list with our top five picks for the overall best external GPU.
In a hurry?
If you’re getting into the gaming world, the first thing you need is a powerful enough setup that is able to support your games.
You can stick with having a laptop, but you will likely need to boost it up a little to improve its capabilities.
If you’re in a hurry to improve the graphics, we recommend you check out our number one top pick for the overall best external GPU: the Razer Store Core X Chroma Aluminum External GPU.
This external GPU by the Razer Store is highly recommended to gamers of all levels, as it is ideal to fit in with any setup and provides a highly efficient and high-quality graphics upgrade to upgrade your gaming experience.
It boosts the graphics of your laptop and it supports up to 3 slot-wide PCle full-sized desktop graphics cards. With a built-in power supply, it runs very efficiently and has max power support of 500W.
It also looks great, as it features customizable RGB lighting with an incredible 16.8 million colors, to sync with the gameplay and the rest of your setup.
Compatible with both Windows and macOS, the Thunderbolt3 connection is especially efficient and high-quality, supporting fast speeds to handle all of the graphics data necessary.
Here are the main features:
Supports up to 3 slot-wide PCle full-sized desktop graphics cards
Built-in power supply – max GPU power support of 500W
Customizable RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors available
Compatible with Windows and macOS
Optimized thermal performance
Excellent Thunderbolt3 connection
Plug and Play, and Upgradeable anytime
Best External GPUs
1. Razer Store Core X Chroma Aluminum External GPU
The Razer Store Core x Chroma Aluminum External GPU is absolutely the best option when it comes to getting a high-quality and efficient external GPU, able to support the highest of graphics for excellent visual effects during your gaming experience.
It is highly popular amongst gamers of all levels and highly recommended even if you’re just starting out.
The Razer Store eGPU provides you with desktop-grade performance, by boosting your thunderbolt3 laptop performance and supporting up to 3 slot-wide PCle full-sized desktop graphics cards.
It comes with a built-in power supply, with a 700W ATX PSU and 100W laptop charging via the Thunderbolt3. The Max power support of the GPU is of 500W.
If you have a fancy setup for your gaming, you can rest assured that this external GPU will match it. It features customizable RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors available, capable of syncing with the gameplay and other Razer products.
It is compatible with both Windows and macOS, but it will require different setups for both, as is to be expected.
It’s very easy to use and has a plug and play feature, so that it instantly connects to compatible PC’s, allowing you to start gaming at once.
The Thunderbolt3 connection of the Razer Core X Chroma offers incredibly fast speeds, handling the data in a highly efficient way.
This product also features optimized thermal performance, with additional cooling and open vents to avoid it overheating while in use. It is also a small and compact size, perfect to fit in with your setup.
- Desktop Grade Performance: Boosts Thunderbolt 3 laptop performance with support for up to 3 slot wide PCIe full sized desktop graphics cards (graphics card NOT included)
- Built-In Power Supply: Includes a 700W ATX PSU with 100W laptop charging via Thunderbolt 3; GPU max power support up to 500W
- Customizable RGB Lighting: Includes 16.8 million colors available; capable of syncing with gameplay and other Razer peripherals through Synapse 3 (lighting customization not supported on macOS)
- Compatibility (Windows): Requires Thunderbolt 3 external graphics (eGPU) support with RS45 or later and compatible NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards
- Compatibility (macOS): Requires Thunderbolt 3 and High Sierra 10.13.4 or later and compatible AMD graphics cards only (NVIDIA cards not supported)
2. Sonnet Technologies eGFX Breakaway Box
The Sonnet Technologies eGFX Breakaway Box external GPU is another excellent option for gamers wanting to upgrade their setup so that it supports the more demanding graphics and visual effects.
This product connects high-performance GPU cards to computers by using a Thunderbolt3 port. It also supports AVID HDX, Red Rocket-X, and other x16 full-length PCle cards, giving it plenty of versatility and options.
It features a max power supply of 550W, able to support up to a 375W card, and providing up to 87W of power delivery to charge your laptop.
It is compatible with both Windows and macOS, with the obvious differences in setup and connections.
The Thunderbolt3 cable is connected for a fast and efficient connection, and the GPU is incredibly easy to use, as you simply have to plug it into a compatible laptop for it to start offering the boosted graphics.
What’s great about the Sonnet technologies external GPU is that it is highly efficient while remaining silent during operation, with an effective cooling system that keeps it running safely for as long as you need it for.
Customers are always truly impressed with the upgrade in graphics quality, which is what makes it one of the most popular options available.
- Connects High Performance GPU cards (up to 312mm x 160mm) to computers with a Thunderbolt 3 port. Also supports AVID HDX, Red Rocket-X and other x16 full-length PCIe cards (must have a Thunderbolt 3 connection, USB3C connection and Thunderbolt 2 adapters do not work)
- 550W power supply supports up to 375W card (up to 8-pin + 8-pin power connectors), and provides up to 87W of Power Delivery to charge a laptop.
- Breakaway Box 550 has one Thunderbolt 3 port, includes a 0.5m 40Gb Thunderbolt 3 cable
- Mac: Supports AMD RX 470,480,570,580/Vega 56 on Thunderbolt 3 Macs with macOS High Sierra (Boot Camp not supported). macOS supports two Breakaway Boxes.
- Windows: Supports NVIDIA GTX 1060,1070,1080,1080ti/Titan X, Xp,V/Quadro P4000,P5000,P6000 or AMD Radeon RX 570,580/Vega 56/WX 5100,7100 on Thunderbolt 3 computers with Windows 10.
3. Akitio Node Thunderbolt3 External GPU
If you’re looking for an extremely practical option, the Akitio Node Thunderbolt3 External GPU might be the product that you’ve been waiting for.
It is essentially a low-cost expansion, designed to house an external graphics card that will instantly boost the graphics speed and quality of your laptop, allowing you to significantly upgrade your overall gaming experience.
It connects via a Thunderbolt3 connection, and it features fast transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, reducing the time it takes for your computer to render the images and visual effects.
It features a built-in power supply of 400 SFX to provide the GPU with that extra power. It has a single PCle slot that supports full-length, full-height, double-width graphics cards.
It currently only supports AMD on macOS High Sierra, but multiple other GPU cards are supported over Windows.
Another thing that we love about the Akitio Node is the small and compact design, allowing it to fit perfectly with any setup, including with limited space.
It also has a carry handle, making it a lot easier to transport it to different locations and wherever you might need it.
Overall, it’s one of the most practical external GPUs in the market, simple and easy to use, and highly efficient when in use.
- Currently only supports AMD on MacOS High Sierra
- Multiple GPU cards supported over Windows
- Thunderbolt 3 for lighting fast transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps
- Built-in 400W SFX power supply to provide extra power to GPU
- 1 PCIe (x16) slot supporting full-length, full-height, double-width cards
4. Alienware Store Graphics Amplifier
The Alienware Store Graphics Amplifier is a highly popular choice, with some claiming it is out of this world in regards to performance and efficiency.
It instantly boosts and enhances your own laptop’s performance, able to support a full-length, double-wide desktop graphics card, so long as it doesn’t exceed 10.5 inches in length.
It includes 460W of internal power supply, and it features 4 built-in USB 3.0 ports. A single proprietary cable can be used to connect, which is included with the product and is exclusively made for Alienware R2 laptops.
It has compatibility for available GPUs compared to TBT3 options, and it offers support for a single full length dual wide PCle x16 graphics card.
It is really easy to use, as you just plug it in and can instantly enjoy a highly efficient upgrade in graphics and visual effects.
The Alienware store knows that gaming is evolving faster and faster, with more powerful capabilities required for playing all of the latest games.
That is why this product is accessible and designed to support evolving technology. Overall, a great option that will support your gaming needs!
- Amplify your performance Step up your graphics performance with support for a full length, double wide, desktop graphics card that do not exceed 10.5 inches in length
- Designed for Alienware 13 R2, 15 R2, 15 R3, Alpha R2, M17xR2, M17xR3, X51 R3, R2 notebooks LCD or on any external display connected to the amplifier
- Includes a 460 Watts internal power supply, GPU is not included, peripherals dock to the amplifer with 4 built in USB 3.0 ports
- Plug in with a single proprietary cable, included in box, exclusively made for Alienware R2 laptops, it is a system bus extender, has stealth black color
- Compatibility for available GPUs compared to TBT3 options and offer support for a single full length, dual wide, PCI Express x16 graphics card, support graphic cards of up to 375W and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600 as well as AMD Radeon HD 5000 series and newer
5. Asus XG-Station-Pro Thunderbolt3 External GPU
The Asus brand is a highly well-known name worldwide, with a wide range of different products.
The Asus XG-Station-Pro Thunderbolt3 External GPU is a highly efficient GPU that is able to instantly upgrade the graphics capabilities of your laptop, making it ideal for gamers on the go.
It is highly versatile, able to fit in with most major setups for an easy plugin and play operating system that is highly convenient.
It uses an external adapter which allows it to save a lot of desktop space, making it easier to fit into your own setup, as well as reducing the heat during operation which makes it a lot safer to use during prolonged periods of gaming time.
This is further enhanced by the superior cooling with dual 120mm exhaust fans that lowers the temperature and helps it run silently, so you barely notice it there.
The all-new aluminum chassis can hold full-length 2.7-slot graphics cards, for instant and efficient upgrading of the visual capabilities of your laptop.
It also features an internal power supply of 330W that delivers support for your graphics card and laptop, pc, or tablet.
It also has a sleek and modern design that makes it look good with any other equipment, which is a must for gamers that want to look cool.
- Compatible with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series, GTX 10 series, RTX 2070, RTX 2080, and AMD Radeon RX580, RX570, and Radeon Pro WX7100 and is mac OS certified with AMD Radeon RX580/RX570 and Radeon Pro WX7100 high sierra 10.13.4 and later
- All-new Aluminum Chassis for beauty and function designed by ASUS and In Win
- AURA Sync ready with the ASUS XG Station Pro's plasma tube
- 330W internal power supply delivers support for your graphics card and laptop/tablet
- Superior Cooling with dual 120mm exhaust fans with features 0db fan technology for silent performance at low temperatures
Buying Guide for External GPUs
Getting an external GPU can instantly boost and upgrade the graphics capabilities of your laptop, allowing you to enjoy better and more high-quality visual effects for gaming.
It’s the ideal solution for gamers that want to maintain a more mobile laptop setup, but that want the power and capabilities of a large desktop capability so that their more modern games are fully supported.
However, with so many options available in the market it can be overwhelming to try and discern which products are the best and most reliable for a high-functioning setup.
There are a few basic factors that you can take into consideration in order to determine if an external GPU is efficient and suitable for you.
We’ve summarized them in this small buyer’s guide, in the hopes that they help you when choosing!
Support and compatibility
External GPUs are a relatively modern piece of technology, and with how fast graphics are evolving, it’s super important to ensure the device you buy is compatible with your setup.
As a general rule, it’s a lot better and a lot more recommended to stick to the same brand or manufacturer across all of the equipment pieces of your setup, as that will guarantee that they support each other and are compatible.
There are ways to get around this, and some external GPUs will be able to have versatile compatibility, but it’s always safer to stick with the same.
Power
External GPUs have a built-in power supply that helps run the GPU and that also charges your laptop.
It’s important to check that your graphics card is compatible with the electrical settings of your GPU and laptop, to avoid any issues or damage from occurring.
Cooling features
In the same way that computers and laptops begin to heat up after intense use or long periods of active time, an external GPU can begin to overheat with prolonged use.
That is why it is so important to check that it has good and efficient cooling features, ensuring that it is safe to use for a long time (especially for those long-running games).
Size and design
The size and design of the external GPU are completely down to your personal preferences, but we always recommend you choose something that you like and that aesthetically matches the rest of your setup.
Some GPUs come with RGB lighting options to match the rest of your gaming equipment, and this can be a huge plus to make you feel like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do external GPUs work?
For a great explanation of how eGPUs work, watch this video:
Is an external GPU worth it?
If you’re planning on gaming on your laptop or a smaller desktop computer, you might not have powerful enough capabilities nor good enough graphics to support the visual effects of your game to their full potential.
In that case, getting an external GPU is 100% absolutely worth it, as it will instantly boost and upgrade your gaming experience. It will also allow for mobility and portability, without having to sacrifice high performance.