External graphics cards, or eGPUs, are special units that boost a laptop’s graphics. They’re great for laptops with weak graphics, letting users enjoy better gaming and video editing. The demand for these cards has grown as they’ve become more powerful and affordable.
By adding an external graphics card to a laptop, users can turn their portable PCs into powerful machines. This article will look at the best external graphics cards for laptops in 2024. We’ll cover what to look for in an eGPU enclosure and the top picks available.
Key Takeaways
- External graphics cards, or eGPUs, can significantly boost the graphical performance of laptops with integrated or low-end graphics.
- The rise of eGPUs has been driven by their increasing power, affordability, and the growing demand for high-performance graphics on the go.
- Connecting an external graphics card to a laptop via Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, or other interfaces can transform a portable PC into a powerful workstation or gaming rig.
- Factors to consider when selecting an eGPU include enclosure design, included GPU, pricing, weight, power supply, power delivery, and I/O ports bandwidth.
- Top external graphics card picks for laptops in 2024 cover a range of options from AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce, catering to various budgets and performance needs.
The Rise of External GPUs for Laptops
Laptops are getting more powerful, but they still can’t handle all the graphics tasks. That’s where eGPUs come in. These external graphics cards boost your laptop’s performance for games and demanding tasks.
Introduction to External Graphics Cards
External graphics cards are separate units that plug into your laptop. They use Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C to connect. This way, your laptop’s graphics can handle more, making games and videos smoother.
Benefits of Using an eGPU with Your Laptop
- Enhanced Graphics Performance: eGPUs make games and videos look better and run smoother.
- Increased Portability: You get a powerful graphics card without the bulk of a desktop.
- Upgradability: You can change the graphics card in your eGPU, keeping up with new tech.
- Thermal Management: eGPUs help your laptop stay cool, improving its performance and life.
- Multi-Monitor Support: eGPUs can handle multiple screens, boosting your productivity and fun.
The growth of eGPUs is thanks to fast connections like Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. These connections make using an eGPU fast and reliable. As tech keeps improving, eGPUs will become even more important for gamers and professionals.
Choosing the Right External Laptop Graphics Cards
When picking an external graphics card (eGPU) for your laptop, think about a few things. Look at eGPU compatibility, power requirements, and how it connects, like Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C. Also, think about what you need your laptop to do and how well the eGPU will perform.
eGPU Compatibility
First, check if your laptop can use an external GPU. About 70% of laptops with Thunderbolt™ 3 or USB-C ports can connect to an eGPU. Look at your laptop’s specs to see if it has the right ports and can handle an eGPU.
eGPU Power Requirements
External graphics cards need different amounts of power. Make sure your laptop can give the eGPU the power it needs. The power needs are usually listed on the eGPU enclosure or in its specs. Make sure your laptop’s power adapter can give the eGPU enough power.
Connectivity Options
Most eGPUs use Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C for fast data transfer. Check your laptop’s ports and pick an eGPU that fits your laptop’s connection options.
Performance Needs
Think about what you’ll use your laptop for, like gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing. Look at reviews and benchmarks to find the best eGPU enclosures for your needs.
By thinking about these things, you can choose the right external graphics card. This will make your laptop better for tough tasks.
External laptop graphics cards: Top Picks for 2024
Finding the best external graphics card for your laptop in 2024 can be tough. But don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the top picks for external graphics cards and eGPU enclosures for your laptop this year.
TREBLEET Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure
The TREBLEET Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure is a strong choice. It has a 600W power supply and supports triple-slot GPUs. It’s great for those who need top-notch graphics power for their laptop.
TREBLEET Thunderbolt 3 Mini eGPU Enclosure
If you’re looking for something smaller, check out the TREBLEET Thunderbolt 3 Mini eGPU Enclosure. It’s compact but still supports triple-slot GPUs. It’s perfect for those with limited space.
Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Enclosure
The Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Enclosure has a unique design. But, it only works with OCuLink connections and doesn’t come with a power supply. It might be right for certain laptops.
Top eGPU Enclosure Picks
- Razer Core X Chroma: The best overall eGPU enclosure, priced at $500 on Amazon.
- Razer Core X: The best eGPU enclosure for gaming, priced at $365 at B&H.
- Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex: The best eGPU enclosure for creators, available at $350 on Amazon.
- Akitio Node Titan Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure: The best minimalist eGPU enclosure, priced at $280 on Amazon.
The external graphics card market has shrunk lately, with fewer new models. But, AMD and Nvidia’s latest cards like the RX 7600 and RTX 4060 offer great performance for laptops in 2024.
| eGPU Enclosure | Power Supply | GPU Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Core X Chroma | 750W | Triple slot | $500 |
| Razer Core X | 650W | Triple slot | $365 |
| Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex | 750W | Triple slot | $350 |
| Akitio Node Titan Thunderbolt 3 | 650W | Up to 2.5 slot | $280 |
Conclusion
External graphics cards are now a top choice for laptop users needing more graphics power. They let users connect an eGPU to their laptop for better performance. This is great for gaming, content creation, and other tasks that need lots of graphics.
When picking the best external graphics card, look at connectivity, the graphics card, the enclosure, and if it fits your budget and needs. The best picks for 2024 offer a variety of options. You can find compact, portable solutions or high-end, powerful enclosures.
Using an external graphics card can greatly improve your laptop’s performance. It combines the portability of a laptop with the graphics power of a desktop. Whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or professional, an external graphics card can be a big upgrade.
Understanding external graphics cards, how to use them with your laptop, their benefits, and how to choose the right one can help you make a smart choice. This way, you can fully use your laptop’s graphics capabilities.
FAQ
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