5 External GPUs to Supercharge Your Laptop Graphics Performance in 2023

Published: 28 April 2023

Last Updated: 12 June 2023

Photo by Nathan Watson

If you're a gamer, graphic designer, or video editor, you know how important it is to have a laptop with high-quality graphics performance. Fortunately, you don't have to settle for the graphics card that comes with your laptop. External GPUs, or eGPUs, can be used to boost your laptop's graphics capabilities and take your work or gaming experience to the next level.

In this article, we will showcase the top 5 external GPUs to supercharge your laptop graphics performance in 2023. Whether you need to run demanding software, edit videos, or play the latest games, these external GPUs will give you the power you need. We have carefully selected the best external GPUs based on performance, price, and compatibility.

So, let's dive into the world of external GPUs and see how they can transform your laptop's graphics performance in 2023.

External GPU #1: Razer Core X Chroma

Razer Core X Chroma is an impressive external GPU that can significantly enhance your laptop's graphics performance in 2023. It's compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops, making it a versatile option for anyone looking to upgrade their graphics capabilities.

This external GPU features a powerful 700W power supply and supports most full-length GPUs, including NVIDIA GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon graphics cards. In addition, it comes with four USB-A 3.1 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port, which makes it a convenient option for those who need to connect multiple peripherals to their laptop.

Notable Features:

  • 700W power supply
  • Four USB-A 3.1 ports
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
  • Compatible with most full-length GPUs

Pros:

  • Easy to set up
  • Versatile compatibility with Windows and Mac laptops
  • Convenient ports for connecting peripherals
  • Powerful 700W power supply for running demanding software

Cons:

  • Can be quite heavy and bulky
  • Expensive compared to other external GPUs on the market
  • Fans can be quite loud when running at full speed

Price Point:

Razer Core X Chroma is priced at around $599, which makes it a premium option for those looking for high-quality graphics performance. While it is more expensive than some other external GPUs on the market, its powerful features and compatibility make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers and professionals.

External GPU #2: Asus ROG XG Mobile External GPU Dock

Asus ROG XG Mobile External GPU Dock is a high-performance external GPU that can take your laptop's graphics performance to the next level in 2023. It's a sleek and portable option that's ideal for gamers and professionals who are always on the go.

This external GPU features a built-in 280W power supply and comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, which delivers outstanding graphics performance. Additionally, it has a versatile Thunderbolt 4 port that supports fast data transfer speeds and can charge your laptop at the same time.

Notable Features:

  • Built-in 280W power supply
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card included
  • Versatile Thunderbolt 4 port

Pros:

  • Portable and easy to carry
  • High-performance NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card included
  • Versatile Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfer and charging
  • Built-in power supply eliminates the need for additional power cords

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other external GPUs on the market
  • Limited compatibility with laptops that have Thunderbolt 4 ports
  • Can get quite hot during extended use

Price Point:

Asus ROG XG Mobile External GPU Dock is priced at around $1,499, which makes it one of the most expensive external GPUs on the market. However, its high-performance graphics card and versatile Thunderbolt 4 port make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers and professionals who need top-of-the-line graphics performance in a portable package.

External GPU #3: Gigabyte AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box

Gigabyte AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box is a powerful and compact external GPU that can enhance your laptop's graphics performance in 2023. It's a great option for gamers and professionals who need high-quality graphics performance on the go.

This external GPU features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card and a built-in 550W power supply, which delivers outstanding graphics performance. Additionally, it has a Thunderbolt 3 port for fast data transfer speeds and can charge your laptop at the same time.

Notable Features:

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card
  • Built-in 550W power supply
  • Thunderbolt 3 port

Pros:

  • Portable and compact design
  • High-quality graphics performance with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card
  • Built-in power supply eliminates the need for additional power cords
  • Versatile Thunderbolt 3 port for fast data transfer and charging

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other external GPUs on the market
  • Limited compatibility with laptops that have Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • Fans can be loud when running at full speed

Price Point:

Gigabyte AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box is priced at around $1,499, which is a premium price for an external GPU. However, its high-performance graphics card and versatile Thunderbolt 3 port make it a great investment for those who need top-notch graphics performance on the go. Its compact design and built-in power supply also make it a convenient option for those who want to minimize cable clutter.

External GPU #4: Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex

Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex is a powerful and versatile external GPU that can give your laptop's graphics performance a significant boost in 2023. It's designed for professional-grade applications and demanding games, making it a great investment for power users.

This external GPU features a 750W power supply and supports full-length, full-height, and double-width PCIe cards, giving you the flexibility to use a wide range of graphics cards. Additionally, it has two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining multiple devices and can charge your laptop at the same time.

Notable Features:

  • 750W power supply
  • Supports full-length, full-height, and double-width PCIe cards
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports

Pros:

  • Powerful and versatile external GPU
  • Supports a wide range of graphics cards
  • Multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining devices
  • Built-in power supply eliminates the need for additional power cords

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other external GPUs on the market
  • Large and heavy design may not be ideal for portability
  • Some compatibility issues with certain laptops and graphics cards

Price Point:

Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex is priced at around $799, which is a premium price for an external GPU. However, its high-quality features and support for a wide range of graphics cards make it a great investment for professionals and power users who demand top-notch graphics performance. Its built-in power supply and multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports also make it a convenient option for those who want to simplify their setup.

External GPU #5: Akitio Node Titan

Akitio Node Titan is a powerful and popular external GPU that can give your laptop's graphics performance a significant boost in 2023. It's designed to be a portable and versatile option for those who need top-notch graphics performance on the go.

This external GPU features a Thunderbolt 3 port, allowing for lightning-fast data transfer speeds and low latency. It also has a 650W power supply and supports full-length, full-height, and double-width PCIe cards, giving you the flexibility to use a wide range of graphics cards.

Notable Features:

  • Thunderbolt 3 port
  • 650W power supply
  • Supports full-length, full-height, and double-width PCIe cards

Pros:

  • Portable and versatile design
  • Thunderbolt 3 port for lightning-fast data transfer speeds
  • Supports a wide range of graphics cards
  • Includes a 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable for easy setup

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to some other external GPUs on the market
  • Some compatibility issues with certain laptops and graphics cards
  • Only one Thunderbolt 3 port

Price Point:

Akitio Node Titan is priced at around $499, making it a mid-range option compared to other external GPUs on the market. While it's not the most affordable option, its powerful features and portability make it a great choice for those who need top-notch graphics performance on the go. Its included Thunderbolt 3 cable also makes it easy to set up and use right out of the box.

Conclusion

Overall, if you're looking to boost your laptop's graphics performance in 2023, an external GPU is an excellent investment. In this article, we've reviewed five of the best external GPUs on the market and highlighted their key features and specifications.

To summarize:

So, which one is the best for you? It ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the most powerful and feature-rich option, the Razer Core X Chroma or the Gigabyte AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box might be your best bet. However, if you need something more portable, the Asus ROG XG Mobile External GPU Dock or the Akitio Node Titan might be a better choice.

These five external GPUs are all great options for boosting your laptop's graphics performance in 2023. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to notice a significant improvement in your gaming and graphics-intensive applications. Just make sure to check the compatibility with your laptop before making a purchase, and consider factors like price, portability, and specific features to find the one that's right for you.

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