If you have a laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port and you want to boost its graphics performance, you might be interested in the Razer EGPU Box. This is an external GPU enclosure that lets you connect a desktop graphics card to your laptop via a single cable. But how does it work and is it worth it? Let’s find out in this review.
Design and Features
The Razer EGPU Box is a black or white metal box with a green Razer logo on the front. It has a handle on the top for easy carrying and a vent on the side for cooling. The box measures 9.06 x 14.74 x 6.62 inches and weighs 14.29 pounds.
The box has a 650W power supply that can power most graphics cards and also charge your laptop up to 100W via USB-C. The box supports PCIe desktop graphics cards up to 3-slot wide and up to 12.99 inches long. You can use NVIDIA GeForce, NVIDIA Quadro, AMD Radeon, or AMD Radeon Pro cards with the box, as long as they are compatible with your laptop’s operating system.
The box has a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port on the back that connects to your laptop with a 0.5m cable (included). The box also has four rubber feet on the bottom to prevent sliding.
The box is easy to set up and use. You just need to open the lid, insert your graphics card, close the lid, connect the power cord, and connect the Thunderbolt cable to your laptop. The box will automatically detect your graphics card and install the necessary drivers.
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Performance and Compatibility
The Razer EGPU Box can significantly improve your laptop’s graphics performance, depending on your laptop’s CPU and your graphics card. You can expect to run games at higher settings and resolutions, or use applications that require more GPU power, such as video editing or 3D rendering.
The box is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac OS laptops that have a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port with external graphics support. However, not all laptops and graphics cards are compatible with each other, so you need to check the compatibility list on Razer’s website before buying.
Some laptops may have reduced performance or stability issues when using the box, due to bandwidth limitations or firmware issues. Some graphics cards may also have driver issues or compatibility problems with certain games or applications. You may need to update your laptop’s BIOS, firmware, or drivers to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Verdict
The Razer EGPU Box is a great option for laptop users who want to upgrade their graphics performance without buying a new laptop. It is easy to set up and use, and it supports a wide range of graphics cards and laptops. However, it is also expensive, bulky, and noisy, and it may not work well with some laptops or graphics cards.
The Razer EGPU Box is not for everyone, but it is a good solution for those who need more GPU power for gaming or creative work. It can transform your laptop into a desktop-class machine with a single cable.