The worthiness of external GPUs remains a question in 2025.

In the realm of technology, external GPUs (eGPUs) continue to be a viable option for those seeking a performance boost over integrated graphics. These devices offer approximately 70–80% of desktop GPU performance when connected properly, making them useful for gaming, 3D rendering, and AI workflows without the need for laptop or PC disassembly[1][3].

Performance and Limitations

While Thunderbolt 4 has been common in eGPU connections, Thunderbolt 5 is now emerging, reducing bottlenecks and improving frame rates at high resolutions[3][5]. However, even Thunderbolt 5 falls short of matching the performance of GPUs installed in native desktop PCIe x16 slots, which remain the gold standard. Performance can also suffer if the laptop’s internal display is used instead of an external monitor due to additional data "double-hopping", leading to extra latency and overhead[1].

Cost and Portability

eGPU setups remain costly, requiring the purchase of an enclosure (often $200–$400 or more), a desktop-class GPU, and potentially a separate power supply. For example, the popular Razer Core X V2 enclosure costs around $350 alone, excluding the GPU and PSU[1][5]. Portability is a significant downside, as full-size desktop GPUs in eGPU enclosures are bulky and designed for fixed locations, unlike gaming laptops with integrated powerful GPUs.

Comparison with Integrated Graphics and Cloud Gaming

Compared to integrated graphics, eGPUs offer a dramatic upgrade, transforming thin-and-light or ultrabook laptops into much stronger gaming or GPU-accelerated machines without replacing the whole device. In contrast, cloud gaming requires only a network connection and works on essentially any device, but demands a consistent internet speed and low latency.

Notable eGPU Docks

The Minisforum DEG1, an open-air eGPU dock using the OCuLink standard, delivers good real-world performance with minimal impact, even when paired with high-end GPUs. The latest variant of the ROG XG Mobile dock from Asus uses Thunderbolt 5, expanding compatibility to a wider range of devices[1][5].

The Core X V2 eGPU

The Core X V2 eGPU, requiring users to bring their own power supply unit and optionally buy a separate dock for connectivity, is more expensive than its predecessor despite being more stripped down. It adopts the latest Thunderbolt 5 interface, offering up to 80Gbps bi-directional bandwidth or up to 120Gbps for video-intensive tasks in one direction[1]. However, compatibility is limited to devices running on Windows with either a Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4 port.

eGPUs: A Niche Solution

eGPUs remain a niche tool, useful if you already have a compatible laptop and an extra graphics card you want to reuse. Stuttering remains a major bottleneck that undermines the eGPU experience, and it is recommended that eGPU users pair their enclosures with upper mid-range cards to mitigate this issue. Advances in laptop hardware and cloud services have only chipped away at the appeal of eGPUs.

[1] [TechRadar] (https://www.techradar.com/news/best-egpu) [3] [Tom's Hardware] (https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-egpu,6542.html) [5] [PC Gamer] (https://www.pcgamer.com/best-egpu/)

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