If you’re a gamer or a graphic designer, you know the importance of having a powerful graphics card. It’s what makes your games run smoothly and your designs come to life. But what if your laptop or desktop doesn’t have a powerful graphics card? This is where an external graphics processing unit (eGPU) comes in. But does an eGPU come with a graphics card? In this article, we’ll explore the world of eGPUs and answer this question.
What is an eGPU?
Before we dive into whether an eGPU comes with a graphics card, let’s first understand what an eGPU is. An eGPU is an external device that connects to your laptop or desktop and provides it with additional graphics processing power. It essentially acts as an external graphics card, allowing your computer to handle more demanding tasks such as gaming or graphic design.
How does an eGPU work?
An eGPU connects to your computer through a Thunderbolt 3 port, which is a high-speed data transfer port. This allows the eGPU to communicate with your computer and provide it with the necessary graphics processing power. The eGPU also requires a power source, which is usually provided through a separate power adapter.
Does an eGPU come with a graphics card?
The short answer is no, an eGPU does not come with a graphics card. An eGPU is simply an external device that provides your computer with additional graphics processing power. It does not come with a graphics card, but it does require one to function.
What graphics card should I use with an eGPU?
When it comes to choosing a graphics card for your eGPU, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll need to make sure that the graphics card is compatible with your eGPU enclosure. Most eGPU enclosures are compatible with a wide range of graphics cards, but it’s always best to double-check before making a purchase.
Next, you’ll need to consider the power requirements of the graphics card. The more powerful the graphics card, the more power it will require. Make sure that your eGPU enclosure can provide enough power for the graphics card you choose.
Lastly, you’ll need to consider your budget. Graphics cards can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. It’s important to find a balance between performance and cost that fits your needs and budget.
What are some popular eGPU options?
Now that you know what to look for in a graphics card for your eGPU, let’s explore some popular eGPU options.
Razer Core X
The Razer Core X is a popular eGPU enclosure that is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. It can support graphics cards up to 3 slots wide and provides up to 100W of power to charge your laptop while in use. The Razer Core X also has a sleek and minimalistic design, making it a great addition to any setup.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box is another popular eGPU enclosure that is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. It can support graphics cards up to 3 slots wide and provides up to 87W of power to charge your laptop while in use. The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box also has a built-in 120mm fan for cooling, ensuring that your graphics card stays at a safe temperature.
Akitio Node Pro
The Akitio Node Pro is a powerful eGPU enclosure that is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. It can support graphics cards up to 3 slots wide and provides up to 60W of power to charge your laptop while in use. The Akitio Node Pro also has a built-in 500W power supply, making it a great option for more demanding graphics cards.
What are the benefits of using an eGPU?
Now that you know what an eGPU is and what graphics card to use with it, let’s explore the benefits of using an eGPU.
Improved graphics performance
The most obvious benefit of using an eGPU is improved graphics performance. By adding an external graphics card to your computer, you can handle more demanding tasks such as gaming or graphic design without any lag or slowdown.
Cost-effective
Purchasing an eGPU and a graphics card is often more cost-effective than buying a new laptop or desktop with a powerful graphics card. This is especially true for Mac users, as most Mac computers come with integrated graphics cards that cannot be upgraded.
Portability
One of the great things about eGPUs is that they are portable. You can easily disconnect your eGPU from your computer and take it with you on the go. This is great for gamers or graphic designers who need to work on the go.
Future-proofing
As technology advances, so do graphics cards. By using an eGPU, you can easily upgrade your graphics card without having to purchase a new computer. This allows you to future-proof your setup and keep up with the latest graphics technology.
What are some drawbacks of using an eGPU?
While eGPUs offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Limited compatibility
Not all laptops and desktops are compatible with eGPUs. You’ll need to make sure that your computer has a Thunderbolt 3 port and is compatible with the eGPU enclosure you choose.
Additional cost
In addition to the cost of the eGPU enclosure, you’ll also need to purchase a graphics card. This can add to the overall cost of using an eGPU.
Performance limitations
While eGPUs can significantly improve graphics performance, they are still limited by the Thunderbolt 3 connection. This means that they may not perform as well as a dedicated graphics card installed directly into a computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an eGPU does not come with a graphics card. It is simply an external device that provides your computer with additional graphics processing power. When choosing a graphics card for your eGPU, make sure to consider compatibility, power requirements, and your budget. While eGPUs offer many benefits, they also have some drawbacks to consider. With the right eGPU and graphics card, you can significantly improve your computer’s graphics performance and future-proof your setup.
