5 best external graphics card enclosure
An external DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) for a PC is a device used to improve the audio quality of your computer's sound output. It's especially useful for audiophiles, music producers, and anyone who wants to enhance their audio experience. Here's what you need to know about external DACs:
Purpose: External DACs are designed to convert digital audio signals from your computer into analog signals that can be played through headphones, speakers, or other audio equipment. They are often used to bypass the internal sound card of a computer, which may not provide the best audio quality.
Audio Quality: External DACs are known for their superior audio quality. They can provide cleaner, more accurate sound with less interference and distortion compared to built-in sound cards.
Connection: External DACs typically connect to your computer via USB, although some may use other connections like optical or coaxial. USB is the most common choice as it provides a stable digital signal and is easy to set up.
Compatibility: Most external DACs are compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. They may also work with smartphones and tablets, depending on the model.
Features: Depending on the model, external DACs may come with additional features like headphone amplifiers, volume controls, and multiple output options. Some may support high-resolution audio formats like DSD and FLAC.
Use Cases:
- Audiophiles: Audiophiles often use external DACs to get the best possible audio quality from their music.
- Music Production: External DACs can be used by music producers for accurate monitoring and sound production.
- Gaming: Gamers can benefit from improved audio quality and spatial awareness when using an external DAC.
- Home Theater: External DACs can enhance the audio experience when connected to a home theater system.
Price Range: External DACs come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. The price often correlates with the quality and features of the DAC.
Brands: Various reputable brands manufacture external DACs, including but not limited to, AudioQuest, Schiit Audio, FiiO, Chord Electronics, and Cambridge Audio.
Setup: Setting up an external DAC is usually straightforward.You connect it to your PC, install any necessary drivers or software, and select the DAC as your audio output device in your computer's settings.
Maintenance: External DACs are generally low-maintenance devices. Keeping them clean and periodically updating drivers (if needed) is usually sufficient.
In summary, an external DAC is a valuable addition for those seeking higher audio quality from their PC. It can significantly enhance the listening experience, making it a popular choice among audiophiles and anyone looking to elevate their audio setup.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best external graphics card 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
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
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.
- 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.
- Expand your connectivity: Add an external PCIe (PCI Express 3.0) x16 slot and a DisplayPort connection to your Thunderbolt 3 equipped MacBook or laptop with this Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis.
- High speeds: Experience increased productivity with Thunderbolt 3 and up to 40Gbps bandwidth which is twice the speed of Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) and eight times faster than USB 3.0 (5Gbps).
- Broad compatibility: For ultimate convenience, this Thunderbolt 3 external PCIe enclosure works with both your Mac and Windows computers so you’re not limited to what systems you can use with the expansion box.
- Displayport connection: This Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion slot supports one 4K DisplayPort monitor, and a second extended monitor display through the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port.
- Reliable support: Backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty, this Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis has free lifetime technical support.
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.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550W (GPU-550W-TB3)
Sonnet Technologies
- Connects High Performance GPU cards (up to 312mm x 160mm) to computers with a Thunderbolt 3 port. Also supports AVID HDX, Red Rocket-X and other x16 full-length PCIe cards (must have a Thunderbolt 3 connection, USB3C connection and Thunderbolt 2 adapters do not work)
- 550W power supply supports up to 375W card (up to 8-pin + 8-pin power connectors), and provides up to 87W of Power Delivery to charge a laptop.
- Breakaway Box 550 has one Thunderbolt 3 port, includes a 0.5m 40Gb Thunderbolt 3 cable
- Mac: Supports AMD RX 470,480,570,580/Vega 56 on Thunderbolt 3 Macs with macOS High Sierra (Boot Camp not supported). macOS supports two Breakaway Boxes.
- Windows: Supports NVIDIA GTX 1060,1070,1080,1080ti/Titan X, Xp,V/Quadro P4000,P5000,P6000 or AMD Radeon RX 570,580/Vega 56/WX 5100,7100 on Thunderbolt 3 computers with Windows 10.
User questions & answers
| Question: | The rx570 fans turn on to 100% and display goes black during exporting a video in adobe! during editing works fine. anyone could help, please |
| Answer: | Fans revving up during editing is normal. The display going black is not. Please contact Sonnet technical support for comprehensive troubleshooting assistance. Our support contact information is on our web site. You may want to simultaneously open a support ticket with your GPU card supplier. |
| Question: | does this product support the 2080ti |
| Answer: | Yes the 550 Breakaway Box does support the GeForce RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti. |
| Question: | Is this compatible with amd radeon r9 270x |
| Answer: | You can go onto apple's support site and search Sonnet Breakaway box or eGPU. This page will tell you which Graphics cards are recommended for Mac and this specific breakaway box. |
| Question: | I saw a question about the gtx 970? is there enough clearance to use this card |
| Answer: | Not sure about 970, but a Founder's 1080 and an RTX 2060 fit perfectly if those work for a size cmoparison. |
Product features
Desktop Graphics Power – On a Notebook
Nothing impacts gaming, videos, or graphic-intensive applications as much as a dedicated graphics card. Today's all-in-one and notebook computers may be sleek and thin, but their modern designs with integrated GPUs comes with the lack of high-performance graphics. Sonnet's eGFX Breakway Box brings the power of a dedicated graphics card to your system; simply add your compatible video card of choice, connect your Thunderbolt 3 computer with the included 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable, and enjoy desktop class level gaming performance and video acceleration in your favorite graphic applications.
Power to Play. Power to Work.
Add Your Own Graphics or PCIe Card
Highpoint RocketStor 6661A Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe 3.0 X16 Expansion Chassis
High Point
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. |
Laptop External Independent Video Card Dock,for Mini PCI-E,Expresscard,6Pin+8Pin Interface Output,Without Power Supply
Diyeeni
Product description
Specifications
8P Power Supply Interface: Equipment Power Supply Interface/Laptop Power Switch(1.Use a special 220W power supply 2.Use desktop ATX power supply with ATX cable)
DC Power Interface: DC 12V Power Supply(Maximum power is 150W)
USB Interface: This interface only provides 500mA voltage output and does not have any other functions(The interface of M.2 M Key and PCI-E X4 is data cable interface, and the type of the interface is HDMI.)
Data line Interface: For Mini PCI-E, Expresscard, NGFF(M.2)A/E Key or M Key, PCI-E X4 Converter Cable
Note:
The switch of ATX PW, PTD, Slim Line is OFF by default. Please not move it.
HDMI is non-standard interface, and other HDMI will be prohibited, otherwise the device will be damaged!
Instructions:
To better use the external graphics card, please read the instructions carefully before installing the external graphics card, and do the following operations (unload all built-in independent graphics driver).
Disable the built-in independent graphic card in the BIOS and turn off the network. Update BIOS of the notebook to the latest version. (You can see the update method in the official website of your laptop.)
Enter in Computer-Device Management-System. Disable PCI related port until the built-in independent graphics card is gone.
Restart the notebook after the hardware installation is complete. The external graphics card power supply is controlled by the laptop, the external graphics card start when the laptop is activated, the external graphics card can close when the laptop is closed. The 6Pin interface of the graphics card must be connected correctly, otherwise the power supply is insufficient.
Package Includes:
1 x Laptop External Independent Video Card Dock
1 x MINI PCI-E Data Line
1 x ATX Power Supply Cable(8pin power supply cable can be split into 6pin cable)
- 【Support Interface】Support dual TD compatible switch (hardware conflict resolution), multistage anti-interference circuit and data line reinforcement;Compatible with graphics card, sound card, array card, video card, collect card, etc.
- 【Data line Interface】For Mini PCI-E, Expresscard, NGFF(M.2)A/E Key or M Key, PCI-E X4 Converter Cable; Supports RTX.T(make sure you have correct connections)
- 【Support 6Pin+8Pin Interface Output】8Pin power output interface can connect 220W power supply and ATX cable with ATX desktop power.High quality electronic components,Reinforcement design for data transfer line,Isolation protection circuit function.
- 【USB Interface】This interface only provides 500mA voltage output and does not have any other functions(The interface of M.2 M Key and PCI-E X4 is data cable interface, and the type of the interface is HDMI.)
- 【Laptop External Independent Video Card Dock】Use for engineering measurement, data collection, server debugging, GPU computing and other industrial applications, most of the graphics card to play the game.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can i use this on a dell desktops to make my graphics better |
| Answer: | This is just an external graphics card adapter for laptops to be able to use full sized cards. A desktop should have a pcie slot that a graphics card should fit in. If you are upgrading an office computer look into something like a gtx 1050ti. |
| Question: | can the power supply be more than 220W? can it be 650w no problem? thanks |
| Answer: | yes i ran 650 corsair connected fine |
| Question: | Can it be used on laptops made before |
| Answer: | all laptops |
| Question: | What is the most powerfull GPU and external power supply that can be used with this adapter? thanks |
| Answer: | i ran 1080 ti and rtx 2080 ti u need at least 600w to run these cards. |
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