GamingLaptopsPCTech PostsBest External Graphics Card Dock (eGPU) from AMD & Nvidia for Laptops February 27, 20187412 views0Share By IG ShareIf 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:Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our disclosure statement.Independent EnclosureIndependent Power Supply for GPUDedicated Cooling SystemDesktop Version of Graphics CardWhen 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.Table of Contents ToggleExternal Graphics Card Dock: The List1. Asus ROG XG Docking Station 2:Power DeviceMiscellaneousInterface ProvidedNetworkingHeaderSystemAudio OutputDimensions & WeightExpansion SlotsCable DetailsGeneral2. Alienware Graphics Amplifier – System Bus Extender:Power DeviceMiscellaneousInterface ProvidedHeaderSystemAudio OutputInput DeviceDimensions & WeightExpansion SlotsGeneral3. PowerColor DEVIL BOX Thunderbolt 3 eGFX Enclosure: ModelDetails4. Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box:Power DeviceInterface ProvidedSystem RequirementsEnvironmental ParametersHeaderSystemAudio OutputDimensions & WeightExpansion BaysExpansion SlotsSlot RequiredCable DetailsService & SupportService & Support DetailsGeneralConclusion:External Graphics Card Dock: The ListTo 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 NeweggIt 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 DeviceTypepower supplyPower Provided600 WattMiscellaneousCables Included1 x USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 type B cable 1 x Thunderbolt cableColormatte blackInterface ProvidedTypeSuperSpeed USB 3.0, networkInterfaceEthernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-TQty1, 4Connector Type9 pin USB Type A, RJ-45NetworkingData Link ProtocolEthernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit EthernetHeaderBrandASUSProduct LineASUSModelROG XG STATION 2Packaged Quantity1CompatibilityPCSystemDevice Typethe docking stationAudio OutputTypenoneDimensions & WeightWidth6.2 inDepth18 inHeight10.9 inWeight11.24 lbsExpansion SlotsTypePCI Express x16Total Qty1Cable DetailsTypeThunderbolt cable, USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 type B cableIncluded Qty1GeneralManufacturerAsus2. Alienware Graphics Amplifier – System Bus Extender:Check On Amazon Check On NeweggIt 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 DeviceTypevideo card power supplyPower Provided460 WattMiscellaneousFeaturesAlienFX Lighting ZonesColorstealth blackInterface ProvidedTypeSuperSpeed USB 3.0Qty4HeaderBrandAlienwareProduct LineAlienwareModelGraphics AmplifierPackaged Quantity1CompatibilityPCSystemDevice Type:system bus extenderAudio OutputTypenoneInput DeviceTypenoneDimensions & WeightWidth7.3 inDepth16.1 inHeight6.8 inWeight7.72 lbsExpansion SlotsTypePCI Express x16Form Factorfull-lengthTotal Qty1Free Qty1GeneralManufacturerDell, Inc.3. PowerColor DEVIL BOX Thunderbolt 3 eGFX Enclosure:Check On Amazon Check On NeweggBeing 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: ModelBrandPowerColorPart NumberDEVIL BOX Thunderbolt 3 eGFX EnclosureDetailsConnection to Host PCThunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps cable)FeaturesExternal Graphics for high-performance Gaming, Supports Radeon RX480 and Nvidia Geforce GTX 10 series ultra-fast 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface PCI Express x16 slot support high-performance graphics card (Max Gen3 x4 speed) Diverse and extension I/O port Thunderbolt 3 U5B-C port support USB Power Delivery (PD) for charging compatible laptops up to 60WExpansion Graphics cardTYPE: PCI-Express x16 graphics cards Max Dimensions: 310 x 140 x 50mm 2-slot bracket Max GPU Power: 375 WattsGPU SupportQualified PowerColor graphics cards PowerColor RX 570 PowerColor RX 400 Series PowerColor R9 Fury PowerColor R9 Nano AMD Radeon R9 300 Series Supported NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards (finder edition) NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan X NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series NVIDIA GeForce GTX 700 seriesI/O portsThunderbolt 3 x 1 (for connection to PC) Ethernet 10/100/1000 SATA III x 1 (internal for 2.5″ HDD/SSD) USB 3.0 x 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C x 1Internal Power Supply500 WattsChassis Size400 x 172 x 242mmOperating System RequirementsWindows 10 64-bit onlyHost SupportIntel NUC(NUC6I7KYK) Razer Blade Stealth Not all computers with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports support gfx PowerColor can only assure proper operation of our DEVIL BOX with systems in our compatible PC list If your PC is not on the compatible PC list, please check with your PC manufacturer on support for external graphics4. Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box:Check On Amazon Check On NeweggIf 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 DeviceTypepower adapterPower Provided500 WattNominal VoltageAC 110/240 VFrequency Required50/60 HzInterface ProvidedTypeThunderbolt 3Qty1System RequirementsOS RequiredApple macOS Sierra 10.12.6 or later, Windows 10 64-bit EditionEnvironmental ParametersMin Operating Temperature32 °FMax Operating Temperature95 °FHeaderBrandSonnetProduct LineSonnet gfxModelBreakaway Box 350Packaged Quantity1SystemDevice Type:system bus extenderAudio OutputTypenoneDimensions & WeightWidth7.3 inDepth13.4 inHeight8 inWeight7.05 lbsExpansion BaysTypenoneExpansion SlotsTypePCI Express 3.0 x16Form Factorfull-length, full-heightTotal Qty1Free Qty1Slot Commentsx4 modeSlot RequiredTypenoneCable DetailsTypeThunderbolt cableForm FactorexternalIncluded Qty1Length1.6 ftService & SupportType1-year warrantyService & Support DetailsFull Contract PeriodFull Contract PeriodGeneralManufacturerSonnet Technologies, Inc.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! Affiliate Disclosure: Faceofit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Share What's your reaction? Excited 0 Happy 0 In Love 0 Not Sure 0 Silly 0
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