If your laptop’s specs are not good enough to play high-end graphic displays or you are unable to watch 4K videos, you might need a good graphics processor. Adding an external graphics card is a solution without having to change your entire PC. The best external graphics card or external GPU provides an upgrade to your PC’s graphics configuration, improving your viewing experience for high-resolution videos and games that require high-end graphics cards.
Choosing the best external graphics card is time-consuming since there are numerous options available in the market. When picking the best one, the first thing to consider is its compatibility with your laptop’s operating system, especially if you are using both Windows and Mac OS. The hardware interface is another essential factor to keep in mind, and it is best to choose an external GPU with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C compatibility, even with Bluetooth and VGA support. Graphics support is also a crucial aspect, and the price should fit your budget.
Below are the top external GPUs for laptops:
- Razer Core X Aluminum External GPU Enclosure – best for laptops. This external graphics card provides desktop-grade performance with its Thunderbolt 3 compatibility and supports both Windows and Mac OS. It also features a built-in power supply and a 650W ATX PSU, with full-sized PCIe support for easy fittings. Consumers find it produces excellent graphic display performance.
- StarTech.com External Video & Graphics Card – best for dual monitor display. With its USB to VGA cable, you can use this product for dual monitor display. It has a 1920×1200 resolution support, which is good enough for your video needs.
- Razer Core X External Graphics Card Case with Thunderbolt 3 for Windows – best for gaming. It features a Bluetooth interface, and 16.8 million color pigmentation is an added advantage to the product. It is compatible with NVIDIA GeForce RT and has optimized thermal performance with its cooling fan installed.
- Akitio Node Thunderbolt3 eGPU for Windows – best for AMD cards. It comes with a Thunderbolt 3 support with a transmission rate of 40 Gbps, which reduces any lag time while playing games. It supports AMD on macOS High Sierra with 1 PCIe (x16) slot supporting full-length and a built-in 400W SFX power supply.
- The PowerColor Gaming Station Graphic Cards Thunderbolt EGPU is a great option for heavy gaming, offering an ultra-fast 40Gbps Thunderbolt3 interface and a PCI Express x16 slot. The Thunderbolt3 USB-C port supports USB Power, making it easy to connect to both gaming consoles and laptops. With a PSU of 550 watts and compatibility with both Windows and MacOS, this product is sure to provide the ultimate gaming performance. It is available on Amazon for $329.00.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q 1) What is an external graphics card, and how can it benefit me?
Ans: An external graphics card, or eGPU, is a device that can be connected to a compatible laptop or PC to enhance its graphics performance. If you want to watch 4K videos or play games that require high-quality graphics, an eGPU can help you achieve desktop-quality graphics on your device. They come with a compatible hardware interface that is easy to set up and use.
Q 2) Is an external GPU worth the investment?
Ans: Yes, investing in an eGPU can be worthwhile if you need additional graphic support for your laptop or PC. It works similar to a gaming laptop, providing the additional power and performance needed for high-quality graphics.
Q 3) Can I install an external graphics card on my laptop?
Ans: Yes, most laptops are now compatible with an external graphics card through multiple ports such as Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, VGA, or Bluetooth. It is easy to connect an eGPU with your laptop and achieve a powerful graphics display.
Q 4) Why are eGPU enclosures expensive?
Ans: The cost of an eGPU depends on the compatibility and performance it delivers. eGPUs are designed to provide the same graphics performance as a professional gaming laptop. They come with high graphic processors and PCIe support, which makes them expensive.
Q 5) Can I use an eGPU without Thunderbolt?
Ans: Yes, if your laptop doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3, you can use an eGPU that supports USB-C or other connectivity options like Bluetooth or VGA cable. Configuring your eGPU with wired and wireless options is easy and takes very little time to set up.
