Best External GPU in 2022
We find the best external graphics card on the market
If you are shopping around for a new graphics card, you’ll no doubt see there’s also a choice for external so we look at the best external GPU. Not only are there hundreds of different cards and manufacturers, but there are also different types of GPUs and graphics solutions.
In this post, we’ll be covering external GPUs, including what they are, why you may want to choose them, and some of the best options out there.
Our Top Picks
Best External GPUs
In-depth Review
ASUS ROG XG Station 2
ASUS ROG XG Station 2
ASUS ROG was bound to be on this list somewhere, and here it is, right at the top. This model has a hefty price tag attached, which may put off those looking for a budget deal. However, if you’re already a fan of ASUS ROG graphics cards, this could be perfect for you.
This eGPU is one of the easiest ones on the market to open up and features enough ports to support a solid graphics card and other connectivity solutions. The ports include four USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.0 Type-B port, as well as Gigabit Ethernet and a Thunderbolt 3 to connect your eGPU to your laptop.
This eGPU can support a powerful enough graphics card to comfortably let you play VR games, connecting to devices such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
In terms of design, ASUS has really got this nailed down. The eGPU has an eye-catching, futuristic design that looks like something out of a modern art exhibit. When a graphics card is added to the box, and it’s connected to a laptop, the red Tesla coil springs into life, and the box is lit up with a pulsating red glow.
This external GPU supports the latest Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon graphics cards with no issue.
Razer Core V2
Razer Core V2
The Razer Core V2 is a great solution for those who wish to turn their laptops into a VR-ready desktop-style gaming rig.
This external GPU is built to support the larger and more powerful graphics cards you’ll find on the market, so it’s a good move for anyone looking for top performance or for those who are struggling to fit a monster graphics card in their machine.
This model features the world’s first dual Thunderbolt 3 design, which provides dedicated lanes for graphics and I/O.
One good thing about the Razer Core V2 is that it allows you to plug in and game, which means you won’t need to reboot your laptop every time you connect it to the eGPU.
In terms of connectivity, the Razer Core V2 offers four USB 3.0 ports and Ethernet ports alongside the dual Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1070 Gaming Box
Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1070 Gaming Box
Now, if you’ve been looking at the above options and wondering how much it’s going to set you back to buy an eGPU box AND a graphics card, this next option comes with both.
The AORUS GTX gaming box from Gigabyte comes with a GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card installed already. So if you were wondering why the price tag is so much, it’s because this one actually comes with the graphics card already.
If you’re looking to invest in both a graphics card and a case to hold it for your laptop, this is one of the best value solutions for you. If you already have a graphics card you want to use, this might not be the best option for you.
Value aside, this is an impressive eGPU in itself. The case is a more portable size than some of the others on this list, which makes it perhaps better suited for those who wish to game on the move.
For connectivity, there are three USB 3.0 ports for several peripheral devices as well as a Thunderbolt 3 port to plug and play quickly.
The design is equally impressive, featuring Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion 2.0 technology to give you a lot of customization freedom.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
If you are looking for more of a budget solution, you might want to consider the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box.
Described as a “no-frills” solution, the Sonnet eGFX won’t stand out on your desk for its design. However, it’s a practical solution in terms of price and the ability to open it up and connect a graphics card with ease.
Connectivity options are minimal, including a Thunderbolt 3 port and a port for the AC power cord. However, the box supports a range of the latest graphics cards, including AMD Radeon RX, RX Vega, and Pro WX lines plus GeForce GTX 10 and RTX 20 series from Nvidia.
It also boasts a good cooling solution onboard, which will work together with the graphics card to keep the whole box cool. For more options, Sonnet offers two types of Breakaway Box, the 550 and the 650 which support different types of cards
Final Word
If you are looking for an alternative GPU solution, it’s always worth looking into the external GPU market. There are plenty of options out there that can suit several different cards, from budget lines to more powerful GPUs from the big names like AMD and Nvidia.
While you won’t get the same performance out of an external GPU as you would from an installed GPU, it should be enough to improve gaming performance on your laptop beyond the standard in-built card it came with.
The main thing to consider when looking at external graphics card solutions is that, in most cases, you will still need to fork out to buy a graphics card separately. That can end up setting you back a significant chunk. That’s why it’s important to spend some time weighing up the pros and cons of eGPUs versus gaming laptops, and desktop builds in terms of price and performance.
If you do go ahead with an external graphics card, the best value one is probably the Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1070 Gaming Box, because you don’t have to worry about buying a separate card. If you have a graphics card already, the ASUS ROG is an impressive solution with design and performance to match.