Can I use an external graphic card for a laptop for gaming?
Some Of you guys ask us, Can I use an external graphic card for a laptop for gaming?
Well, Yes, Sure!
An external graphics card let you have your cake (no lie) and eat it too.
At the moment, the de fact standard for this high-bandwidth operation is Thunderbolt 3. With a 40 Gbps connection that can handle simultaneous video, audio, data, and an Internet connection, plus up to 100 watts of power on supported hardware, it’s a single cable that really can do it all.
And since it uses the standardized USB-C port (the one found on the new Macbook, later revisions of the XPS 13, and more and more laptops every day), it’s becoming more adaptable from a pure hardware perspective.
That said, software is another issue. Right now most external GPU systems rely on fairly complex and specific drivers, enabling laptops to hand over the load from their integrated graphics chip to the dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card.
This is some complex stuff, so universal solutions are rare, and companies like Dell and Razer only support external graphics on specific laptop models.
Some more general options, as well as older standards like USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2, offer more options but poorer graphics performance.
What Is an eGPU?
An external GPU (or eGPU for short) is a dedicated box that combines an open PCIe slot, a desktop-style power supply, and a full-sized graphics card that plugs into your laptop. When you do, you have gaming desktop power and connectivity without sacrificing those svelte modern laptop designs.
The Best eGPU Options are:
Unfortunately, external GPUs are still an emerging segment, and several years after the first models were introduced they remain thin on the ground. But Still These are pretty good options!
Razer Core.
Price: $500 Connection: Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility: Razer Blade and Blade Stealth.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
Price: $200 Connection: Proprietary Compatibility: Alienware 13, 15, 17.
PowerColor Devil Box.
Price: $450 Connection: Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility: any PC with Thunderbolt eGFX.
