If you’re a gamer or a professional who needs powerful hardware to work with graphics, you’ve probably heard of external graphics cards. It’s a solution for those who want a powerful GPU without having to upgrade their entire PC build. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at external graphics cards, their advantages, disadvantages, how they work, and recommend the best models on the market even in 2025.
What are external graphics cards and how do they work
External graphics cards (eGPUs) are devices that contain a separate graphics card housed in an external box. This box connects to a laptop or desktop computer via a high-speed interface, most commonly Thunderbolt 3 or 4. This setup allows you to significantly increase the graphics performance of the device, making it ideal for demanding applications and games. External graphics cards are especially ideal for those who own laptops with integrated graphics cards but need more power for graphics processing, gaming or video editing. These devices are becoming increasingly popular as they allow a combination of laptop and desktop performance.
External graphics cards consist of three main components: an external box (eGPU enclosure) that contains a slot for the graphics card and ports to connect to the PC, the graphics card as the GPU itself, and connectivity, most commonly Thunderbolt 3 or 4, which provides fast data transfer between the eGPU and the PC.
Once connected, the external GPU integrates into the system and operates as an internal graphics card. For optimal performance, it is important to have compatible hardware and updated drivers. The process is simple: once the box is connected to the computer via the Thunderbolt interface, the device is automatically detected and made available. The user can then start using the card immediately.
Benefits of external graphics cards
External graphics cards offer a number of advantages that make them a solution for many users.
- Flexibility allows powerful graphics cards to be used on devices that would not otherwise support them. For example, laptops without a dedicated GPU can handle demanding tasks thanks to eGPUs.
- Mobility is another advantage, as laptops retain their portability and eGPUs can be easily unplugged when not needed. This means you can have a powerful system at home and an easily portable laptop on the go.
- The ease of upgrading is a big plus, as when a new generation GPU comes out, you can just swap the card in the box. This process is significantly easier and cheaper than buying a new laptop or desktop.
- Performance improvements should also not be overlooked, as external cards can significantly boost the performance of even older systems, extending their life.
Disadvantages of external graphics cards
Despite the many advantages, external graphics cards also have their disadvantages that need to be considered.
- Lower performance can be due to limited bandwidth over Thunderbolt, which can reduce eGPU performance by several percent compared to dedicated GPUs.
- Price is another factor as external boxes are quite expensive, which will increase the overall investment. When adding the price of the graphics card itself, the total cost can be comparable to buying a powerful desktop PC.
- Compatibility is also an issue as not all laptops support eGPUs, so it is important to verify compatibility before purchase.
- Interface dependency is another limitation, as Thunderbolt ports are not standard equipment on all devices, which can limit their usability.
The best external graphics card models on the market
There are many external graphics solutions on the market that vary in price, performance and functionality. Some of the best models available are:
Razer Core X
Supports a wide range of GPUs including NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4000 and AMD Radeon RX 7000 gaming series. This model features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, allowing for high-speed transfer capacity. It costs around €300 without the GPU and has a 650W internal power supply, which is sufficient for most modern GPUs. Its rugged design makes it a must-have for serious gamers and professionals who need reliable performance. The price/performance ratio is very favorable, especially for those who already own a GPU and are looking for a way to use it on a laptop.
ASUS ROG XG Station 2
This model is optimized for high-end graphics cards and supports the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX and AMD Radeon models. It includes a 680W internal power supply, which is more than most competitors, and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. In addition, it has 4 USB 3.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port, improving connectivity. It costs about €500 without the GPU. It’s an ideal choice for professionals and serious gamers who need to connect their powerful GPU to a laptop. Although the price is higher, it’s a great investment for those who need extra ports and stable performance.
Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box
This model comes preloaded with a GPU like the RTX 3080 and features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. It includes a 650W internal power supply, which is sufficient for most GPUs. It costs from €1000 with GPU and is a plug-and-play solution, meaning it’s easy to set up and start using. An excellent choice for gamers who don’t want to deal with compatibility and installing a separate GPU. Considering the included GPU and ease of use, the price/performance ratio is excellent. It’s the perfect choice for gamers who want high performance without the hassle.
Comparison of external graphics cards
| Feature | ASUS ROG XG Station | Gigabyte AORUS | Razer Core X |
| GPU support | NVIDIA and AMD (full high-end GPU support) | NVIDIA and AMD (pre-installed GPUs, sometimes optional) | NVIDIA and AMD (max 3-slot GPUs) |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Power | 600 W PSU | Integrated PSU (450W or 500W depending on model) | 650 W PSU |
| Cooling | Dual fan heat dissipation | Integrated cooling (included) | Passive cooling (without fans) |
| Expandability | USB 3.0 x 4, Ethernet port | USB 3.0 x 3, Ethernet port | No additional ports |
| Dimensions and weight | 456 x 158 x 278 mm; ~5 kg | 212 x 96 x 162 mm; ~2.4 kg | 168 x 374 x 230 mm; ~6.9 kg |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 10, macOS (limited support) | Windows 10, macOS (depends on GPU model) | Windows 10, macOS, Linux |
| Price (approx.) | 700 – 800 € | 900 – 1200 € (depending on GPU) | 350 – 400 € |
| Benefits | Wide compatibility, additional ports | Compact design, pre-installed GPU | High performance at a lower price |
| Disadvantages | Higher price, larger size | Limited customizability (depends on version) | No additional ports, larger size |
What to consider when choosing an external graphics card
When choosing an external graphics card, there are several factors to consider to get the best result. It is important to verify that your device supports Thunderbolt 3/4 and that the manufacturer offers drivers for the eGPU. The power supply must be sufficient for the GPU you choose, with some models offering integrated power for the laptop. GPU size is another factor, as some boxes don’t support large cards such as the NVIDIA RTX 4090. You need to check the maximum dimensions of supported cards before purchasing. If you plan to connect multiple monitors, you need to check the availability of ports on your chosen graphics card.
The future of external graphics cards
External graphics cards have not been used as much as they used to be in recent years. This is partly due to the fact that graphics chips in laptops are constantly moving forward. However, with the development of interfaces such as Thunderbolt 5, and advances in GPU manufacturing, external graphics cards will still hold a certain place in the market. The future of eGPUs promises even more flexibility for gamers and professionals alike.
Conclusion
External graphics cards are a smart solution for anyone who needs powerful hardware without having to interfere with the internal architecture of the device. While their price can be high, their flexibility and ability to adapt to a wide range of needs make them an invaluable tool for gamers and graphics pros alike. Whether you’re looking for a way to upgrade your laptop or need graphics power for professional work, external graphics cards are an investment worth considering.