Best Portable External GPU for Laptops 2024
In 2024, the demand for portable external GPUs for laptops continues to grow as professionals and gamers seek to enhance their device’s graphical capabilities. Portable external GPUs, also known as external graphics card enclosures, allow users to connect a powerful graphics card to their laptop, providing a significant boost in performance.
Whether you’re a gamer looking to play the latest titles at higher settings, a video editor working with complex visual effects, or a rendering professional in need of accelerated processing power, a portable external GPU can make a world of difference.
These devices, equipped with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support, offer seamless connectivity and convenience. You can easily connect and disconnect the enclosure, allowing for flexibility in usage.
In this article, we will explore the top options for portable external GPUs in 2024. From versatile enclosures compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops to budget-friendly options, we will cover a range of choices to suit different needs and preferences.
Key Takeaways:
- Portable external GPUs provide a significant performance boost for laptops.
- Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support ensures seamless connectivity.
- These devices are ideal for gamers, video editors, and rendering professionals.
- There are various options available in 2024, catering to different budgets and specifications.
- Investing in a portable external GPU can unlock your laptop’s full graphical potential.
Top Thunderbolt 3 & 4 eGPU Enclosures
When it comes to portable external GPUs, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures are leading the way in terms of performance and versatility. These enclosures have gained popularity among gamers, video editors, and rendering professionals due to their high-speed connectivity and seamless setup. In this section, we will introduce you to the top Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures, providing you with an overview of their eGFX features, performance, and setup.
Razer Core X
The Razer Core X is a powerful Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure that offers exceptional performance and compatibility. With an ATX-int PSU delivering up to 650W of power, it can handle even the most demanding GPUs. The Razer Core X supports a maximum GPU power of 500W, ensuring smooth and lag-free graphics-intensive tasks. Its sleek design and compatibility with both Mac and Windows laptops make it a popular choice among professionals and gamers alike.
EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2
The EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 is a budget-friendly Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its ATX-ext PSU delivers 85W of power, making it suitable for a wide range of GPUs. With a 5Gbps I/O ports bandwidth, it ensures fast and efficient data transfer. The compact design of the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 makes it ideal for users looking for an affordable solution to enhance their laptop’s graphics capabilities.
Razer Core X Chroma
The Razer Core X Chroma is an upgraded version of the Razer Core X, offering additional features and capabilities. With an ATX-int PSU delivering up to 700W of power, it can handle even the most demanding GPUs. The Razer Core X Chroma supports a maximum GPU power of 500W, providing exceptional performance for graphics-intensive tasks. In addition to its power and performance, the Razer Core X Chroma also includes customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to add a personal touch to their setup.
ADT-Link R43SG-TB3
The ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 is a compact and affordable Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure that offers great value for money. With a unique design that enables easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of GPUs, it provides flexibility to users. The ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 features a GPU power delivery of 15W, suitable for low to mid-range graphics cards. With a 5Gbps I/O ports bandwidth, it ensures fast and efficient data transfer, making it an excellent option for users on a budget.
Sonnet Breakaway 350|550|650|750|750ex
The Sonnet Breakaway series offers a range of Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures to suit different needs and preferences. From the compact Sonnet Breakaway 350 to the larger Sonnet Breakaway 750ex, these enclosures provide excellent performance and reliability. With SFX-int or ATX-int PSUs delivering a maximum power of up to 750W, they can handle a wide range of GPUs. With a maximum GPU power of 300W, they ensure smooth and lag-free graphics-intensive tasks. The Sonnet Breakaway series is known for its high-quality construction and compatibility with both Mac and Windows laptops.
Gigabyte AORUS/Gaming Box
The Gigabyte AORUS and Gaming Box series offer compact and portable Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosures with excellent performance. Featuring fATX-int PSUs delivering up to 450W of power, they can handle most GPUs with ease. The AORUS and Gaming Box enclosures are compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops, providing flexibility for users. With a maximum GPU power of 225W, they offer a balance between performance and power efficiency. The Gigabyte AORUS and Gaming Box series have received positive reviews for their performance and ease of use.
Now that we have introduced you to the top Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures, you can make an informed decision based on their eGFX features, performance, and setup. Whether you are a gamer, video editor, or rendering professional, these enclosures will enhance your laptop’s graphics power and elevate your overall experience.
Razer Core X
The Razer Core X is a highly sought-after external GPU enclosure by professionals and gamers. Its sleek design and robust performance make it a favorite choice in the market. Equipped with an ATX-int PSU, the Razer Core X delivers a maximum power of 650W, ensuring compatibility with high-performance GPUs.
With a GPU max power of 500W, the Razer Core X can effortlessly handle demanding graphics-intensive tasks, providing a significant boost in performance for laptops. Whether you’re a video editor, gamer, or rendering professional, this external GPU enclosure offers the power you need.
Key Features:
- ATX-int PSU with 650W power delivery
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops
- Sleek and stylish design
- 500W GPU max power
“The Razer Core X has exceeded my expectations. It seamlessly connects to my laptop and provides the power I need for smooth gaming and video editing.” – Satisfied User
Razer Core X Specifications:
| Power Delivery | GPU Max Power | Compatibility | Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650W | 500W | Mac and Windows laptops | Sleek, stylish |
The Razer Core X has received rave reviews from users, emphasizing its reliability and exceptional performance. Whether you’re looking to enhance your gaming experience or streamline your video editing workflow, the Razer Core X is a top choice for a portable external GPU enclosure.
EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable portable external GPU enclosure, the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 is an excellent choice. This sleek and compact enclosure is designed to enhance your laptop’s graphics power, allowing you to enjoy a smoother gaming and multimedia experience.
The EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 features an ATX-ext PSU with a power delivery of 85W, which is suitable for most GPUs. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional video editor, this enclosure provides enough power to handle demanding tasks with ease. The ATX-ext PSU ensures stable and efficient performance, allowing you to focus on your work or play without any interruptions.
Equipped with 5Gbps I/O ports bandwidth, the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 allows for fast and efficient data transfer. You can easily connect external devices and peripherals without experiencing any lag or latency issues. This ensures a seamless and responsive user experience, whether you’re transferring files or connecting to additional displays.
One of the standout features of the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 is its affordability. This enclosure offers great value for money, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious users who want to enjoy the benefits of an external GPU setup. Despite its affordable price tag, the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 does not compromise on performance or quality, providing a reliable and durable solution for enhancing your laptop’s graphics capabilities.
With its compact design and powerful performance, the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2 is a popular choice among users seeking a portable external GPU enclosure. It allows you to transform your laptop into a gaming powerhouse or a multimedia editing station, all without the need for a bulky desktop setup. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, this enclosure offers the flexibility and convenience you need to take your laptop’s graphics to the next level.
Features at a Glance:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ATX-ext PSU | Delivers 85W of power for most GPUs |
| 5Gbps I/O Ports Bandwidth | Allows for fast and efficient data transfer |
| Affordable | Offers great value for budget-conscious users |
| Compact Design | Perfect for portable use |
Razer Core X Chroma
The Razer Core X Chroma is an upgraded version of the Razer Core X, designed to provide enhanced performance and versatility. This external GPU enclosure features an ATX-int PSU with a maximum power delivery of 700W, making it suitable for even the most power-hungry GPUs. With a GPU max power of 500W, it can handle demanding tasks, whether you’re gaming, video editing, or engaging in other graphics-intensive activities.
One of the standout features of the Razer Core X Chroma is its customizable RGB lighting. With this feature, you can personalize your setup and create a visually stunning gaming or workspace environment. Whether you prefer a subtle ambience or a vibrant display, the Razer Core X Chroma allows you to tailor the lighting to suit your style.
Compatibility is another key aspect of the Razer Core X Chroma. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops, providing flexibility and convenience for users across different operating systems. This means that regardless of the type of laptop you have, you can enjoy the enhanced graphics performance that the Razer Core X Chroma offers.
With its sleek design and powerful performance capabilities, the Razer Core X Chroma is a top choice for individuals who need a reliable and efficient external GPU enclosure. Whether you’re a professional designer, a hardcore gamer, or a content creator, this enclosure will elevate your laptop’s graphics capabilities and allow you to unlock new levels of productivity and entertainment.
Key Features of the Razer Core X Chroma:
- ATX-int PSU with 700W power delivery
- 500W GPU max power
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Compatibility with both Mac and Windows laptops
With its robust power delivery, customizable lighting, and broad compatibility, the Razer Core X Chroma is a top-tier external GPU enclosure that has garnered positive reviews and satisfied customers. Whether you’re a professional or an avid gamer, this enclosure will ensure that you have the necessary graphics power to tackle any task or game with ease.
ADT-Link R43SG-TB3
The ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 is an excellent choice for those in search of a compact and affordable external GPU enclosure. With its unique design, this enclosure offers easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of GPUs, making it highly versatile. The ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 features a GPU with a power delivery of 15W, making it suitable for low to mid-range graphics cards. Additionally, it provides a 5Gbps I/O ports bandwidth for efficient data transfer.
Designed specifically for budget-conscious users, the ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 allows individuals to enjoy the benefits of an external GPU without breaking the bank. Its affordability, combined with its compact form factor, makes it an appealing option for those seeking to enhance their laptop’s graphics capabilities.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| GPU Power Delivery | 15W |
| I/O Ports Bandwidth | 5Gbps |
| Compatibility | Wide range of GPUs |
| Design | Compact and sleek |
| Affordability | Great value for the price |
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual gamer, the ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 offers a cost-effective solution to boost your laptop’s graphics performance. With its impressive features and affordable price point, this external GPU enclosure provides a seamless and convenient upgrade for your portable setup.
Sonnet Breakaway 350|550|650|750|750ex
The Sonnet Breakaway series offers a range of options for portable external GPU enclosures. These enclosures are known for their reliability, high-quality construction, and excellent performance. Whether you need a compact solution or a larger enclosure, the Sonnet Breakaway series has you covered. Let’s take a closer look at the different models:
Sonnet Breakaway 350
The Sonnet Breakaway 350 is the compact option in the series. Despite its small size, it provides powerful performance with a maximum power delivery of up to 350W, making it suitable for a wide range of GPUs. This enclosure is perfect for users who value portability without compromising on power.
Sonnet Breakaway 550
The Sonnet Breakaway 550 offers a step up in power with a maximum power delivery of up to 550W. This makes it ideal for users who require high-performance GPUs for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and rendering. The Sonnet Breakaway 550 ensures smooth and efficient performance without any compromises.
Sonnet Breakaway 650
For those who need even more power, the Sonnet Breakaway 650 is the perfect choice. With a maximum power delivery of up to 650W, this enclosure can handle the most demanding graphics-intensive tasks with ease. It provides a significant boost in performance, giving users the ultimate GPU acceleration experience.
Sonnet Breakaway 750
The Sonnet Breakaway 750 takes the power delivery to the next level with a maximum of up to 750W. This makes it an excellent option for professionals and gamers who require top-of-the-line GPUs for their work or gaming sessions. With the Sonnet Breakaway 750, you can expect unparalleled performance and seamless graphics rendering.
Sonnet Breakaway 750ex
The Sonnet Breakaway 750ex is the largest and most powerful option in the series. With a maximum power delivery of up to 750W, it is capable of accommodating the most demanding GPUs on the market. This enclosure is perfect for users who need maximum power for tasks such as professional video editing, 3D modeling, and intensive gaming.
Overall, the Sonnet Breakaway series offers a wide range of options for portable external GPU enclosures, providing users with excellent performance and power delivery. Whether you need a compact solution like the Sonnet Breakaway 350 or the maximum power of the Sonnet Breakaway 750ex, these enclosures are designed to meet the needs of professionals and gamers who require top-notch graphics performance.
Gigabyte AORUS/Gaming Box
The Gigabyte AORUS and Gaming Box series are renowned for their compact and portable design, making them ideal choices for those seeking a portable external GPU enclosure. These enclosures are equipped with fATX-int PSUs, delivering up to 450W of power, thereby providing sufficient power for most GPUs.
One of the standout features of the AORUS and Gaming Box enclosures is their compatibility with both Mac and Windows laptops, ensuring flexibility in usage across different platforms. Whether you’re a Mac or Windows user, you can enjoy the benefits and enhanced graphics performance these enclosures offer.
With a GPU max power of 225W, the Gigabyte AORUS and Gaming Box enclosures are suitable for a wide range of graphics-intensive tasks, whether it’s gaming, video editing, or rendering. Rest assured, you can tackle demanding graphical workloads and enjoy a seamless experience.
These enclosures have garnered positive reviews from users who have praised their performance, ease of use, and reliability. The Gigabyte AORUS and Gaming Box series are trusted by professionals and gamers alike, offering a compelling solution for those seeking to elevate their laptop’s graphics capabilities.
Benefits of Gigabyte AORUS/Gaming Box:
- Compact and portable design
- fATX-int PSU with up to 450W power delivery
- Compatibility with both Mac and Windows laptops
- 225W GPU max power for graphics-intensive tasks
- Positive user reviews for performance and ease of use
Experience the power and convenience of the Gigabyte AORUS and Gaming Box enclosures, and take your laptop’s graphics performance to new heights.
| Gigabyte AORUS/Gaming Box | Features | Power Delivery | GPU Max Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte AORUS/Gaming Box | Compact and portable design | Up to 450W | 225W |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best portable external GPU options for laptops in 2024 offer exceptional performance and versatility. These devices, also known as external graphics card enclosures, provide an effective solution for users who require additional graphical power for gaming, video editing, and rendering tasks.
Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures, with their seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer capabilities, are the preferred choice for many users. The Razer Core X, EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2, Razer Core X Chroma, ADT-Link R43SG-TB3, Sonnet Breakaway series, and Gigabyte AORUS/Gaming Box series are among the top options available.
These enclosures come with various power delivery options, GPU max powers, and design choices, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you need a high-performance solution like the Razer Core X Chroma with its 700W power delivery or a budget-friendly option like the EXP GDC TH3P4G3/TH3P4G2, there is a portable external GPU enclosure to suit your requirements.
Investing in a portable external GPU is a practical way to enhance your laptop’s performance and unlock its full potential. With the best portable external GPU options, you can transform your laptop into a powerful gaming rig, a professional-grade video editing workstation, or a rendering powerhouse, giving you the freedom to pursue your creative endeavors with ease.
FAQ
What are portable external GPUs?
Portable external GPUs, also known as external graphics card enclosures, are devices that provide additional graphical power to laptops. They can be connected to laptops via Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports, offering a significant boost in performance for gaming, video editing, and rendering tasks.
What is the benefit of using a portable external GPU?
The main benefit of using a portable external GPU is that it enhances the graphical capabilities of laptops. This allows users to play demanding games, edit high-resolution videos, and perform GPU-intensive tasks smoothly and efficiently, even on laptops that do not have powerful built-in graphics cards.
Are portable external GPUs compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops?
Yes, many portable external GPUs are compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops. This versatility allows users to use the same eGPU enclosure with different laptops, regardless of the operating system they are using.
How do Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures connect to laptops?
Thunderbolt 3 and 4 eGPU enclosures connect to laptops through the Thunderbolt port. These ports provide a high-speed connection that allows for seamless data transfer between the laptop and the external GPU.
Do portable external GPUs come with a built-in power supply?
Yes, portable external GPUs typically come with a built-in power supply. The power supply provides the necessary power for both the external GPU and the connected laptop, ensuring stable and reliable performance.
Can I use any GPU with a portable external GPU enclosure?
Most portable external GPU enclosures are compatible with a wide range of GPUs. However, it is essential to check the compatibility of the enclosure with the specific GPU you intend to use. This information is typically provided by the manufacturer of the enclosure.
Are there budget-friendly options available for portable external GPUs?
Yes, there are budget-friendly options available for portable external GPUs. These options offer a more affordable price point while still providing a significant boost in graphical performance. Users can choose a budget-friendly option that meets their specific needs and requirements.
Can I use a portable external GPU for rendering and video editing?
Yes, portable external GPUs are excellent for rendering and video editing tasks. The additional graphical power provided by the external GPU allows for faster rendering times and smoother video editing workflows, enhancing productivity for professionals in these fields.
