3 best external graphics enclosure

An external graphics enclosure, also known as an eGPU (external graphics processing unit) enclosure, is a device designed to enhance the graphics performance of a laptop or small form-factor computer by allowing you to connect an external graphics card (GPU) to it. This can significantly improve the graphics capabilities of a system that may have limited onboard graphics or an integrated GPU that is not powerful enough for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering.

Here are some key points about external graphics enclosures:

Enhanced Graphics Performance: The primary purpose of an eGPU enclosure is to provide better graphics performance. It allows you to use a desktop-class graphics card with your laptop or compact computer, giving you access to more GPU power for graphics-intensive tasks.
Connectivity: eGPU enclosures typically connect to your laptop or computer via high-speed interfaces like Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4. These connections provide sufficient bandwidth for data transfer between the computer and the external graphics card.
Compatibility: Most eGPU enclosures are designed to be compatible with a range of graphics cards from various manufacturers, although there might be some limitations based on the power supply and physical dimensions of the enclosure.
Hot-Plugging: Some eGPU enclosures support hot-plugging, which means you can connect or disconnect the external GPU without needing to restart your computer. This makes it convenient to switch between integrated and external graphics on the fly.
Portability: External graphics enclosures are relatively portable, making them suitable for users who want to have both the portability of a laptop and the performance of a desktop GPU. You can disconnect the enclosure and take it with you when needed.
Supported Applications: External graphics enclosures are popular among gamers, content creators, and professionals who require high-performance graphics for tasks such as gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations.
Operating System Compatibility: eGPU support varies by operating system. While macOS and Windows have made significant strides in supporting eGPUs, not all applications and workflows are optimized for external GPU setups.
Power Supply: The power supply unit (PSU) in an eGPU enclosure is crucial because it needs to provide enough power for the graphics card. Some enclosures come with their own PSU, while others rely on the laptop or computer's power supply for some of the power requirements.
Cost: External graphics enclosures can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your computer's graphics performance without having to invest in an entirely new system. However, they can still be a significant investment when combined with a high-end GPU.

Overall, an external graphics enclosure can be a valuable addition to your computing setup if you need more graphics power for specific tasks, but your laptop or compact computer lacks the necessary GPU performance. It provides a flexible and upgradable solution for improving graphics performance without the need for a full desktop PC.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best external graphics enclosure on the market

Razer Core X Aluminum External GPU Enclosure (eGPU): Compatible with Windows & MacOS Thunderbolt 3 Laptops, NVIDIA /AMD PCIe Support, 650W PSU, Classic Black

Razer

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Razer Core x Thunderbolt 3 external desktop graphics enclosure enables full transformation of your compatible laptop into a desktop-class gaming or workstation setup. The Thunderbolt 3 design provides dedicated lanes for both graphics and I/O ensuring fluid gameplay. Connect to the future with the most advanced and versatile eGPU solution available.

Desktop Grade Performance: Boosts Thunderbolt 3 laptop performance with support for up to 3 slot wide PCIe full sized desktop graphics cards (graphics card NOT included)
Built-In Power Supply: Includes a 650W ATX PSU with 100W laptop charging via Thunderbolt 3
Compatibility (Windows): Requires Thunderbolt 3 external graphics (eGPU) support with RS45 or later and compatible NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards
Compatibility (macOS): Requires Thunderbolt 3 and High Sierra 10.13.4 or later and compatible AMD graphics cards only (NVIDIA cards not supported)

User questions & answers

Question:	South korea working on at 220v. this product support 220v
Answer:	A little bigger than a regular mouse pad
Question:	Does the razer core x come with a thunderbolt 3 cable
Answer:	There is no texture. Nice flat surface for you to operate your mouse on.
Question:	Does it come with a graphics card
Answer:	I just measured it, it is 26.75 inches wide. I really like the pad, it's not real thick, but that is fine.
Question:	So this is basically a portable graphics card enclosure? I struggle to understand what this actually does
Answer:	Hi, It doesn't come with a mouse. You can plug it in your PS4

Product features

Ultraboost Your Ultrabook

The Razer Core X Thunderbolt 3 external desktop graphics enclosure turns your compatible Windows 10 or Mac laptop into a desktop-class gaming machine by adding external NVIDIA GeForce, NVIDIA Quadro, or AMD Radeon graphics. The massive 650W power supply fuels the graphics card and provides 100W power delivery to compatible laptops via USB-C. Beauty meets beast with the ultimate external graphics solution.

Note: Graphics card sold separately.

For Desktop-Class Performance

The Razer Core X features support for the latest PCIe desktop graphics cards including NVIDIA GeForce and AMD XConnect enabled Radeon cards. Highly mobile developers can now harness the power of compatible NVIDIA Quadro cards for professional graphics performance.

Windows 10 or Mac eGFX Systems

The Razer Core X is incredibly versatile and compatible with Thunderbolt 3 systems running Windows 10 RS1 or later and Macs running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or later. Laptops require a Thunderbolt 3 port with external graphics (eGFX) support.

To Secure Future Proof Performance

Stay at the top of your game by keeping your performance maxed. Razer Core X lets you easily upgrade your graphics card, so you can instantly give your laptop a boost and get access to the 650W ATX power supply anytime.

StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis w/DisplayPort PCIe x16 External PCIe Slot for Thunderbolt 3 Devices (TB31PCIEX16)

StarTech

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis lets you add an external PCIe x16 slot to your laptop or desktop computer, through an external Thunderbolt 3 connection. Expand the Capabilities of Your Thunderbolt 3 Computer This Thunderbolt 3 PCIe enclosure makes it easy to expand your system with the capabilities you need to work at peak productivity. You can add many types of PCIe cards or video capture cards. And, with the speed and bandwidth support of Thunderbolt 3 and PCIe 3.0, you can enjoy many of the same port additions you would from the PCIe expansion slots of a desktop system. Extend Your Workstation This external PCIe expansion box features a dedicated DisplayPort output that lets you add an additional display to your laptop or desktop computer. The PCIe enclosure features a second Thunderbolt 3 port, that you can use to connect a secondary display. With multiple extended displays, you can work more efficiently by multitasking faster, and avoid the hassle of continually repositioning several open programs. Increase Productivity At up to 40Gbps this Thunderbolt 3 expansion chassis gives you the throughput to add displays to your laptop, access files quickly, and work without disruptions. It’s easy to access and edit large uncompressed files such as videos and images on the fly, making it ideal for dynamic on-site production. This external Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis is backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support. OS compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10; macOS 10.12 - 10.15, Cable Length: 19.7 in [500 mm], Material: Aluminum and Steel.

User questions & answers

Question:	On macos, will the ssd be recognized as a trim-enabled drive? (this assumes you've issued the "sudo trimforce enable" command from the terminal
Answer:	Not sure , Windows HATES this thing, esspcially with a GPU
Question:	What is maximum throughput on 4 lanes of data? i assume this is pcie 2.0 (4 lanes) connected to tb3. i want to know if it can do 40gbe
Answer:	The TB31PCIEX16 has a bandwidth of 3.94 GB/s (x4 PCIe 3.0 ). Atha, StarTech.com Support
Question:	I'm trying to use a pci-e x1 scsi card in this enclosure and am encountering errors. the same card works in a pc. is this not supported
Answer:	This is not a known incompatibility with the TB31PCIEX16. We'd be happy to look into this further with you. Please contact us at 1-800-265-1844 where our Technical Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week to provide support. Matt, StarTech.com Support
Question:	Can this be used on an older thunderbolt 2 system with a thunderbolt 2 / 3 adapter like the apple thunderbolt 3 (usb-c) to thunderbolt 2 adapter
Answer:	yes it will run using adapter thuderbolt 2 to 3

Product features

Expand the capabilities of your Thunderbolt 3 computer

The Thunderbolt 3 PCIe chassis makes it easy to expand your system with the capabilities you need to work at peak productivity. You can add many types of PCI Express cards, such as a PCIe USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 and USB-C, SSD, network, eSATA, FireWire or video capture cards.

With the speed and bandwidth support of Thunderbolt 3 and PCIe 3.0, you can enjoy many of the same port additions you would from the PCI Express expansion slots of a desktop system.

Extend your workstation

The external PCIe enclosure features a dedicated DisplayPort output that lets you add an additional display to your laptop or desktop computer. The enclosure features a second Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, that you can use to connect a secondary display (a USB-C video adapter may be required).

You can also use the second Thunderbolt 3 port to connect additional Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort devices to your system.

You can daisy chain up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices and expand your workstation to suit your specific requirements.

Increase productivity with faster speeds

Thunderbolt 3 is the fastest connection available, which means you don’t have to deal with the performance bottlenecks of a slower connection, and can accomplish more in the same amount of time.

At up to 40Gbps this Thunderbolt 3 expansion chassis gives you the throughput to add displays to your laptop, access files quickly, and work without disruptions.

It’s easy to access and edit large uncompressed files such as videos and images on the fly, making it ideal for dynamic on-site production.

Highpoint RocketStor 6661A Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe 3.0 X16 Expansion Chassis

High Point

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ultra-compact & portable Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis - transform your notebook into a compact media workstation! the RocketStor 6661A allows you to quickly add any PCIe X4, X8 or X16 card to your Thunderbolt 3 capable computing platform; such as media capture, Ethernet, fiber channel, or external storage/RAID controller cards. Like it's processor, the lightweight, small-footprint design is ideal for compact workstations and mobile computing platforms such as iMacs, MacBook's pros and Razor notebooks. At just 7 inches tall, and less than 3 inches wide, the RocketStor 6661A is small enough to pack into a laptop bag, yet is capable of supporting full-sized PCIe 3.0 add-in cards. Efficient chassis design keeps temperatures in CHECK during heavy workloads: PCIe devices, such as networking, video and hardware RAID cards can generate a great deal of waste heat during heavy I/O; an efficient, reliable, cooling system is an essential component of any PCIe expansion solution. The RocketStor 6661A was designed to accommodate performance intensive applications. The ventilated, all-aluminum chassis and dual cooling fans keep temperatures in CHECK during high-stress workloads. Simple plug and play installation: the RocketStor 6661A can be easily added to any Thunderbolt 3 capable Mac & PC platform via a single cable connection. Quick release thumbscrews and a Slidable chassis Cover make adding or removing PCIe cards a snap!.

Thunderbolt 3 40GB/s Ports/daisy chain support for up to 6 devices
Dual ultra-quiet, High-efficiency cooling fans
Easily install nearly any Full-height/full-length PCIe 3.0 card (storage I/O, networking, video, sound)
Versatile storage & connectivity expansion; NVMe RAID drives, USB/eSATA/Mini-SAS connectivity

User questions & answers

Question:	Will the sabrent usb 3.1 aluminum enclosure for m.2 nvme ssd in silver (ec-nvme) work with this
Answer:	No, since the HPT RS6661A is the thunderbolt 3 to PICe 3.0x16, so any device that inserts into RS6661A should have PCIe 3.0 x 8 or x16 interface.
Question:	Which converter is needed for connecting to thunderbolt 2? Thunderbolt 3 needs power
Answer:	The power is confusing for all USB-C related stuff. But for Thunderbolt 2 search Amazon site for Sonnet Technologies. They have a wide variety of these kind of interfaces.
Question:	Is this connected 'radeon rx 580' gpu
Answer:	6661A is just a case with No display card
Question:	Does the 6661a-msas2 support tape drives (e.g. lto
Answer:	Unfortunately, we do not qualify LTO/Tape Drives with our products anymore.