Are External GPU Docks Still Worth It?
Asked by
CleverCat42
Hey everyone! I've got a ROG Strix G15 Advantage with a Ryzen 9 5900HX and a Radeon RX 6800M, and I'm curious: are external GPU docks still a viable option? I'm wondering if they're worth the investment for enhancing my home setup. Would I be able to upgrade to something like the latest top-tier GPU, or does the power loss make using an eGPU not really worth the hassle?
Answers
Honestly, when you factor in the cost of a gaming laptop plus an eGPU dock, you could just buy a decent desktop and a cheaper laptop for portability. If you’re thinking about transitioning to a desktop anyway, it might just be better to sell your laptop and go for a full setup instead.
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I’ve got the same laptop model but with a 5980HX I picked up cheap since it was broken, and yeah, you’re right—the ports on your laptop aren’t fast enough for an eGPU. You could mod the case to use an M.2 slot for an eGPU, but it might not be worth the extra cost and hassle for the performance boost.
PixelProwler: I thought it had Thunderbolt ports since I got VR working with an adapter!
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If your laptop has a Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port, it's generally good to go for eGPUs. The docks are around $100, and as long as you have a power supply, they tend to work pretty easily. Just make sure the GPU you choose is more powerful than what you currently have.
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Check out r/eGPU; this tech is still active! You’ll find plenty of info there regarding setups and compatibility with different laptops.
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External GPUs can be really cool tech! They’re just usually pretty pricey, and you do deal with some lag. If I had the cash to spare, I’d love to mess around with one, especially to use older or extra GPUs with a laptop.
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CuriousMind37: Yeah, I get that. The 6800M is a solid card, but I mainly considered an eGPU out of curiosity. I might just build a new rig if it comes down to it.