Best External Graphics Card Dock (eGPU) from AMD & Nvidia for Laptops

If you are into desktop building and stuff, or even if you are an average computer user, you know the difference between an external and Internal SSDs and HDDs. The same way there are External Graphics Cards. Yes, they are a thing, and there are many reasons or say advantages why you would want to use one. Most of the people use them because they make gaming on the laptop efficient. Following are main components of an external graphics card dock:

• Independent Enclosure
• Independent Power Supply for GPU
• Dedicated Cooling System
• Desktop Version of Graphics Card

When you use these with a Laptop, it merely generates less heat while performing graphics intensive operations since graphics card is in a dedicated enclosure, thus, ultimately boosting the overall performance. Other than for laptops, many people also use it to spare more space for their airflow intake system, in their main cabinet. It all depends on what you are expecting from these docks.

External Graphics Card Dock: The List

To use an eGPU, you need an External Graphics Dock that supports the GPU you are willing to use. Most of these graphics card docks support all modern GPU (PCIe) based graphics card. However, to make your task easy, we have prepared a list of top graphics dock available out there in the market. Since we have covered all the essential technical aspects along with what GPUs they support, this post will help you to find the right product for yourself:

1. Asus ROG XG Docking Station 2:

Check On Amazon Check On Newegg

It is a fabulous docking station that can even handle a GTX 1060 FW2 level video card. Moreover, you can also connect your USB devices. If you own an Asus device, the setup will be even more straightforward. It is a hot-swap-able device. In other words, you can plug it in and out while Windows is running. It seems costlier compared to other similar models, but it provides a Type B USB cable, which is more future proof. Thunderbolt connection enables all USB connections. However, you can use a Type B cable to separate the bandwidth and improve performance. The guild shipped with the unit is pretty detailed and includes most of the standard FAQs.

Power Device

Miscellaneous

Interface Provided

Networking

Header

System

Audio Output

Dimensions & Weight

Expansion Slots

Cable Details

General

2. Alienware Graphics Amplifier – System Bus Extender:

Check On Amazon Check On Newegg

It is quite a powerful Graphics Enclosure that is capable of handling an EVGA GTX 1080 Founders Edition. It is specially designed for the longest possible graphics card. With this unit, you will have least cable management issues. It does not support hot swap, which means you need to plug it in before you run your machine and also start the unit and your laptop nearly at the same time. Once done, there are no issues while it’s running. However, the height of the graphics card should be within 5 inches to fit in this beast house. Here are some other technical aspects:

Power Device

Miscellaneous

Interface Provided

Header

System

Audio Output

Input Device

Dimensions & Weight

Expansion Slots

General

3. PowerColor DEVIL BOX Thunderbolt 3 eGFX Enclosure:

Check On Amazon Check On Newegg

Being a budget graphics card dock or enclosure, it has its pros and cons. First of all, unlike most of the other similar products, the initial installation and running for this one are pretty simple, and anyone can do it without much technical knowledge. Most of the screws used on the unit are thumb screws, which makes it pretty easy to assemble and disassemble. With some simple methods, you can implement a liquid cooling since it has pretty enough room for the purpose. A 500W 80Plus gold rated PSU is enough for it to work perfectly. There are some cons too, but they are quite considerable. It does not have screws for 2.5″ drive mount, there are no SATA cables, it is pretty bulky, and fans are quite noisy. Here is a look at technical aspect:

 Model

Details

4. Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box:

Check On Amazon Check On Newegg

If you are on Windows 10, the installation is going to be a piece of cake for you, regardless of what product/brand you are using. Windows will automatically detect it and install drivers for the card you have put in the dock. The process may take some time, but once done, there will be no issues. Just reboot the system, and it will be up and running. The only con we would like to point out that the Graphics card slot it lose. We don’t mean that its too lose, but if you move it around while it’s turned on, it will possibly turn itself off due to graphics card break-off. It is not a major issue if you put it on a steady, dedicated place. Following are some technical aspects you should consider:

Power Device

Interface Provided

System Requirements

Environmental Parameters

Header

System

Audio Output

Dimensions & Weight

Expansion Bays

Expansion Slots

Slot Required

Cable Details

Service & Support

Service & Support Details

General

Conclusion:

Before purchasing any of these products, please ensure that you confirm that it supports the GPU you own or are going to purchase or use. Moreover, you should also keep in mind the GPU length that they support. The cooling system should be the least of your concerns. It only matters if you are going for massive high-end GPUs. If you have any question, query or suggestions, feel free to use the comment box below. We are happy to help you! Thanks for visiting!