Until recently, desktop gaming was considered the gold standard for high-performance gaming. Powerful desktop GPUs blew all mobile graphics processors out of the water. Anyone looking to game seriously would need a desktop set-up and laptops were pushed to the side.
However, advancements in technology have made it more feasible than ever to play graphically-intensive games on a laptop. While mobile GPUs still can’t compare to desktop cards, another option has emerged: eGPU enclosures.
With the advancement of connection standards, it has become possible to connect a desktop GPU to a laptop to bolster its performance. This is where eGPU enclosures come in. eGPU enclosures are external machines that hold a desktop graphics card and provide power to it. They connect to your laptop and give it the juice it needs to run more demanding games. Some even have the option to fit an HDD or an SSD, giving you additional space to store games.
In this guide, we will cover the best external graphics card enclosures currently on the market. Then we’ll go over everything you need to know to make the best eGPU purchase for your situation.
Table of Contents
Best External Graphics Card Enclosures in 2019
Best Looking eGPU
ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 600W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 4 x USB 3.0, USB Type B, Ethernet
Great looks & performance
Razer Core V2
- Weight: 10.89 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 500W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 4 x USB 3.0, Ethernet
Power-packed performer
Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Weight: B00PCJXN0I
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 460W
- Ports: Proprietary Alienware connector, 4 x USB 3.0
Old-school design with modern features
Akitio Node
- Weight: 15.2 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 400W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3
Sleek, lightweight and classy
ASUS XG Station PRO
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 330W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1
Most Portable
Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1070 Gaming Box
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Mini ITX
- PSU: 450W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 3 x USB 3.0
Most Affordable
Sonnet EGFX Breakaway Box
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 350-650W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3
1. ASUS ROG XG Station 2
Best looking eGPU
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 600W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 4 x USB 3.0, USB Type B, Ethernet
- Aggressive RGB-heavy design
- Spacious Interior
- Extremely Expensive
- Not very portable
If you’re a gamer who strongly values the aesthetic appearance of your hardware and peripherals, then the Asus RoG XG Station 2 will appeal to you. This eGPU is sleek, angular, and comes fully rigged with RGB lighting in the plasma tube on the front; it honestly looks like one of the alien vaults in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
It is rather spacious and supports full-size graphics cards. It is compatible with a variety of newer GPUs from both Nvidia and AMD. Included within are several internal fans to assist in cooling.
Another strong suit for this eGPU enclosure is its connectivity. It obviously comes standard with a Thunderbolt 3 port, but also has four USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type B, and even an ethernet input.
However, the downside of this eGPU’s ample space and aesthetic is the size. It is heavier than many other enclosures and more difficult to move. This may be in part due to its monstrous 600W power supply, which should be able to handle almost anything you can throw at it.
2. Razer Core V2
Great looks with great performance
- Weight: 10.89 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 500W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 4 x USB 3.0, Ethernet
- Supports a wide range of GPUs
- Sleek design with RGB lighting
- Very expensive
- Limited portability due to size and weight
The Razor Core V2 looks sleek and smooth but also performs superbly under the hood. The design is not overly aggressive but instead goes for a more clean, minimalistic look. If you are looking to jazz it up though, this enclosure also includes Chroma RGB lighting.
This eGPU can house full-size graphics cards and fits up to double-width cards as well. For a full list of compatible cards, be sure to check the official product page.
On the back, there are four USB 3.0 ports, in addition to an Ethernet port and the ever-present Thunderbolt 3 input.
Unfortunately, this eGPU also suffers in the area of portability due to its size and weight. It comes with a 500W power supply, which is more than enough for most uses.
3. Alienware Graphics Amplifier
Power-packed performer
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 460W
- Ports: Proprietary Alienware connector, 4 x USB 3.0
- Supports a variety of GPUs
- Easy to upgrade to larger cards
- Four super speed USB 3.0 ports
- Fairly cheap for an eGPU case
- Only compatible with certain Alienware laptops
The Alienware Graphics Amplifier is an eGPU enclosure specifically designed for Alienware laptops, utilizing their proprietary port to connect, as opposed to the standard Thunderbolt 3 connection.
If you do not have an Alienware laptop, then, unfortunately, your device won’t be compatible. However, if you do own one of the following laptops, you should strongly consider this enclosure (As always, you can check the official product page for a full compatibility list.):
- Alienware 13 R1, R2, and R3
- Alienware 15 R1, R2, and R3
- Alienware 17 R2, R3, and R4
- Alienware X51 R3
- Alienware Alpha R2
Along with the proprietary connector, this enclosure also includes four USB 3.0 ports for enhanced connectivity.
Space-wise, this enclosure supports all full-sized graphics cards and the 460W power supply should be plenty for one card. All that space does make this eGPU larger and bulkier, reducing portability.
For those that own Alienware laptops and are interested in increasing their graphical performance, the Alienware Graphics Amplifier is a great choice. It has the added benefit of being relatively inexpensive compared to other eGPUs. As long as lack of mobility is not a critical problem, this case’s price makes it well worth it.
4. Akitio Node
Old-school design with modern features
- Weight: 15.2 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 400W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3
- Can accommodate GPUs of any size
- Carry handle helps with portability
- Large and heavy
- No USB ports
Visually, the Akitio Node is not very striking, almost resembling a small computer case rather than an eGPU. Its large size provides it with some upsides and some downsides. Overall, it is a no-frills, simple machine designed to get the job down.
At 15 pounds, it is certainly the largest enclosure on this list. This means there is enough interior space to house any graphics card. It supports Nvidia and Radeon GPUs, including models from the GTX 900 series and onward, as well as some Nvidia Quadro GPUs. On the Radeon side, it supports some R9 and RX cards.
While the ample space is great for housing cards, it makes moving it a much more difficult task. There is a carry handle included, which helps somewhat in this regard, but it is on the back meaning if you only carry by that, you will be awkwardly tilting the device forward. The Node also brings a 400W power supply to the table, enough to get the job done.
Disappointingly, the Node only comes with one Thunderbolt 3 port, so you won’t be daisy chaining these. Considering its massive size, this is rather lacking.
Many of these issues are actually fixed with the Akitio Node Pro. It is lighter (~10 lbs), has more Thunderbolt 3.0 connectors, its handle is on the top of the case meaning it is easier to carry, and its PSU is graded for an extra 100W (500W total). Obviously, all of these things mean it costs more, so it isn’t really a budget option at that point, but it is still a good price considering some of the more expensive enclosures on the list.
5. ASUS XG Station PRO
Sleek, lightweight, and classy
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Supported Graphics Card: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 330W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1
- Great-looking aluminum chassis
- Lightweight
- On the expensive side
In stark contrast to the previous model, the Asus XG Station Pro is sleek, lightweight, and slim. At 6.5 pounds, it’s much more portable and easier to take on the go; it’s actually one of the more portable options on this list.
Funny enough, it does look strikingly similar to the much-larger Akitio Node and Node Pro, with a toned-down aluminum chassis that looks great without overdoing it. (It’s almost like we get to control the order and thus fabricated this coincidence ourselves…)
While it is on the smaller side, it can still fit a full-sized graphics card. This enclosure is compatible with Nvidia GTX 900 series cards and onwards, and some Quadro GPUs. It also supports some Radeon cards, including the newest RTX models.
The XG Station Pro doesn’t have too many connectivity options, having just one USB 3.1 port along with the typical Thunderbolt 3 port. It does bring 2 internal fans to improve cooling, which is a solid addition for a smaller case.
One thing to watch out for is this case’s smaller PSU, performing at only 330W. If your intended graphics card pulls a lot of power, you may want to verify that the case can handle the load.
6. Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1070 Gaming Box
Most portable eGPU in the market
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Supported GPU Size: Mini ITX
- PSU: 450W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 3 x USB 3.0
- Excellent high-end GPU included
- Most portable eGPU around
- On the expensive side
The Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1070 Gaming Box is a highly portable eGPU for gamers on the go. It also includes a Gigabyte Mini-ITX version of the GTX 1070 graphics card, which is a huge bonus to this enclosure.
The enclosure itself is a small metal box with transparent mesh on the front displaying the graphics card. It also includes RGB lighting, which can be customized and modified with Gigabyte’s AuraSync software.
The case weighs just 4.4 pounds, making it the lightest on this list. It even comes with a carrying bag, making it practical to take anywhere. I’d like to take a moment to note how odd it is that this is the only eGPU on this list that is actually less than 6 pounds. Isn’t that a little weird? I mean these things are supposed to be portable.
The case comes equipped with the usual Thunderbolt 3 Port, as well as 3 USB 3.0 ports and a USB quick charge port. The graphics card itself includes an HDMI port, a Displayport, and two DVI-D ports. Overall, the variety of ports is impressive.
The only downsides to this case are due to the small size (you can check out the exact dimensions on their website). The GPU tends to run somewhat loud due to the small size and cooler. Additionally, if you want to upgrade, you can only fit Mini-ITX GPUs because of the case’s smaller size.
7. Sonnet EGFX Breakaway Box
Most affordable eGPU
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Supported GPU Size: Full-length, Full-height, Double-width
- PSU: 350-650W
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3
- Base version is relatively affordable
- Clean and simple design
- Compatible with a wide range of GPUs
- Fairly light
- 550W and 650W versions are on the expensive side
The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box is an affordable option that comes in multiple models with varying wattages. If your GPU is not too power-hungry, then purchasing the 350W model won’t break the bank.
The exterior of the enclosure is rather simple, with a clean design featuring the company logo lit by LED’s.
Moving to the interior, it is relatively spacious, and will fit and support various full-size GeForce, Quadro, and Radeon cards. We appreciate that, despite its large interior, it still comes in right around 7 pounds.
For connectivity, this eGPU offers just one Thunderbolt 3, which is fine for the price.
What to Look for in an eGPU Enclosure
Simply put, an eGPU enclosure allows one to get all the horsepower and graphical capabilities of a powerful desktop PC while using a light and sleek laptop. eGPUs are a relatively new tech to hit the market but are quickly becoming more common, especially now that Thunderbolt 3.0 USB-C is becoming a more standard connection interface on laptops.
Typically, eGPUs are best for tech enthusiasts who are already familiar with configuring their own computers and want a way to play the latest games on their laptops. eGPUs are also very useful for professionals who work in graphic design and need to get around frequently. An eGPU is a great choice for graphic designers who need something graphically powerful but do not want to shell out all of the money for an expensive desktop.
If you are serious about gaming on a laptop, then finding the best external video card enclosure for your personal needs is a great idea. Before buying, take into consideration the following features to find the best eGPU enclosure.
Dimensions
First and foremost, you have to make sure you buy an eGPU enclosure that your GPU will fit in. Desktop GPUs tend to be larger and heavier than dedicated laptop GPUs, so an eGPU case for a desktop GPU will be larger. Most available eGPU cases can fit a standard double width GPU with no problem, but some cases run smaller than others.
The size of the enclosure also determines where you can put it on your desk. Most of these cases come in at around a foot long so make sure to mark out a dedicated space on your desk to place it while in use.
Also, pick your brain to see if you want a more portable eGPU casing. Some cases have a handle for carrying, like the Akitio Node Pro, but most of them are designed to stay put and not be moved around too much.
Interface Compatibility
eGPUs work by providing an external rig to do the heavy work required to run a desktop GPU. They then transmit graphical data to the computer. In other words, an eGPU “offshores” the graphical processing aspect of computing which can let even a modest laptop take advantage of a powerful GPU. To do this effectively, the computer needs the right kind of interface that has a high bandwidth that can handle large packets of graphical data.
The most common interface in these eGPU cases is the Thunderbolt 3.0 connection interface which can communicate up to a whopping 40 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3.0 interfaces tend to be found on high-end laptops. USB 3.0 offers only 5 Gbps. This is nowhere near enough to transmit the required data.
Certain eGPU enclosures have proprietary connectors, like the Alienware Graphics Amplifier, making the pool of compatible devices smaller. So it is a good idea to check and make sure that the enclosure you want can communicate with your laptop fast enough to take full advantage of your powerful desktop GPU.
Some eGPU cases also double as external mounts for HDD or SSD devices. Adding an external SSD can turn an eGPU case into an almost functional rig, only requiring the laptop’s processor to run games and other apps.
It is also worth mentioning that many current models of eGPU enclosures are tailored to Windows devices and have trouble running on Macs, especially older models. Luckily, more and more manufacturers are starting to make eGPU cases that can work with Macs just fine.
Power Supply
You also should check product reviews to make sure the eGPU power supply is strong enough to fully use the graphics card inside. If the power supply unit on your eGPU enclosure is not up to snuff, then it won’t be strong enough to use the full power of your graphics card. Typically, for a good eGPU enclosure, you should aim for a power supply wattage between 300-500W. Higher wattages in general offer better performance, but at the cost of eating up more energy.
Purpose
Ask yourself what you will mainly be using the eGPU for. If you just want a decent rig that can play games well, then you might be better off just building your own desktop PC. That will be cheaper than buying an eGPU, a laptop with the right interface, and a separate graphics card.
eGPUs are best suited for tech enthusiasts who need a flexible set up that can potentially be moved around. As a general rule of thumb, an eGPU is about 10% less efficient than it would be if you used the card on a regular PC. Be sure to weigh your options carefully and figure out what equipment best suits your needs. As we said, you may find your best option to be just building a desktop from the ground up.