The Best External GPUs for Your Laptop in 2022
External graphics processing units (eGPUs) are a fantastic way to breathe new life into your laptop. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or just someone who needs a bit more graphical horsepower, an eGPU can be a game-changer. By connecting an eGPU to your laptop, you can harness the power of a desktop-grade graphics card, enabling you to play the latest games at high settings, edit videos with ease, and run other demanding applications smoothly.
In 2022, the eGPU market is packed with exciting options, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the best external GPUs you can buy right now:
Top Picks for Performance:
- Razer Core X Chroma
The Razer Core X Chroma remains a top contender for the best overall eGPU in 2022. This sleek and stylish enclosure offers excellent compatibility with a wide range of graphics cards, thanks to its spacious interior and 700W power supply. The built-in Thunderbolt 4 connection ensures high-speed data transfer, while the integrated RGB lighting adds a touch of flair to your setup.
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 750ex
For those who prioritize pure performance, the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 750ex is a beast. This enclosure boasts a whopping 850W power supply, accommodating even the most power-hungry graphics cards. The rugged aluminum chassis ensures excellent cooling, and the Thunderbolt 3 connectivity provides plenty of bandwidth for smooth performance.
- Gigabyte Aorus Gaming Box 1700
Gamers looking for a pre-built solution will love the Gigabyte Aorus Gaming Box 1700. This eGPU comes equipped with a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, offering top-of-the-line performance for even the most demanding games. The Aorus Gaming Box 1700 also features a built-in 850W power supply, ensuring ample power for the RTX 3080 and other high-end graphics cards.
Great All-Rounders:
- ASUS ROG XG Mobile
If you’re a mobile professional who needs a balance of power and portability, the ASUS ROG XG Mobile is a compelling option. This unique eGPU utilizes a proprietary connector that attaches directly to compatible ASUS laptops, offering a more streamlined and compact solution. Despite its size, the ROG XG Mobile packs a punch, housing powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series graphics cards that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
- AKiTio Node Titan
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
For those on a tighter budget, the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 is a great option. This enclosure features a more modest 550W power supply, limiting its compatibility to less power-hungry graphics cards. However, it still offers excellent build quality and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, making it a solid choice for users who don’t need the most cutting-edge graphics card.
- Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Ti Gaming Box
While not the latest and greatest, the Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080 Ti Gaming Box can still be a good value proposition for budget-minded gamers. This pre-built eGPU comes equipped with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics card, which is still a capable performer for many modern games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. The Aorus GTX 1080 Ti Gaming Box also features a 600W power supply, ensuring enough juice for the GTX 1080 Ti and other mid-range graphics cards