The 21 best external graphics card brands
GIGABYTE, EVGA and NVIDIA lead our ranking of 21 external graphics card brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
External Graphics Card brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
GIGABYTE
Water-cooled and air-cooled Gaming Box enclosures take desktop cards over Thunderbolt 3 to laptops.
Top products: AORUS RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Box· GeForce GTX 1660 Super· AORUS RTX5090 AI BOX
Website: gigabyte.com |Brands like GIGABYTE
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
EVGA
Sells NVIDIA GeForce cards with its own coolers and warranty support, not external enclosures.
Top products: UV Plus+ 19· GeForce GTX 1070· GeForce GTX 750 SC
Website: evga.com |Brands like EVGA
Popularity 6.0/10
-
3
NVIDIA
NVIDIA is advancing visual computing. As a world leader in graphics processing, they develop groundbreaking, award-winning solutions for PC gaming, mobile devices, and cloud servers. The visual and interactive experiences found in laptops, desktop computers, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and self-driving cars are powered by NVIDIA's graphics processing units (GPUs). G-Sync, Shield, GeForce Experience and Ansel are a few innovative technologies the business has introduced. Programmers and gamers have embraced their hardware, and every central operating system uses its drivers.
Website: nvidia.com |Brands like NVIDIA
Popularity 5.9/10
-
4
StarTech
Cheap USB-to-display adapters for adding a second monitor, not true GPU power, from a connectivity specialist.
Top products: USB 3.0 to VGA Adapter
Website: startech.com |Brands like StarTech
Popularity 5.8/10
-
5
AMD
Supplies the Radeon GPU chips that many external enclosures are built around, rather than making boxes itself.
Top products: Radeon RX 7600M XT
Website: amd.com |Brands like AMD
Popularity 4.7/10
-
6
IOGEAR
DisplayLink USB adapters add extra monitors through a USB port, so they suit office displays rather than gaming.
Top products: DisplayLink External DVI Video Card
Website: iogear.com |Brands like IOGEAR
Popularity 4.6/10
-
7
ASUS
Its ROG XG Station enclosure lets Strix and ROG cards plug into a laptop over Thunderbolt.
Website: asus.com |Brands like ASUS
Popularity 4.1/10
-
8
ZOTAC
The AMP Box enclosure pairs ZOTAC GAMING cards with a laptop, alongside its compact mini PCs.
Popularity 4.1/10
-
9
XFX
Radeon cards with custom coolers and mostly internal designs, rarely external boxes.
Website: xfxforce.com |Brands like XFX
Popularity 3.9/10
-
10
MSI
Gaming Dock enclosures house MSI GeForce cards with a Thunderbolt link back to a laptop.
Website: msi.com |Brands like MSI
Popularity 3.6/10
-
11
Razer
Core X enclosure is a widely used Thunderbolt 3 chassis for dropping a full-size card into a laptop.
Website: razer.com |Brands like Razer
Popularity 3.4/10
-
12
Diamond Multimedia
Diamond Multimedia has been around for about two decades and has become widely recognized in the video, audio, and communications industries. The innovation and high-quality stuff offered by the brand are aided by state-of-the-art technology, making it sound in every...
Website: diamondmm.com |Brands like Diamond Multimedia
Popularity 3.2/10
-
13
PNY
Packages NVIDIA-based cards in retail boxes, with gaming and workstation options.
Website: pny.com |Brands like PNY
Popularity 3.2/10
-
14
VisionTek
USB and Thunderbolt display adapters for adding screens, plus add-in cards for budget upgrades.
Website: visiontek.com |Brands like VisionTek
Popularity 3.0/10
-
15
Sonnet
Breakaway Box range covers Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosures for Mac and PC with added power options.
Top products: eGFX Breakaway Box 550
Website: sonnettech.com |Brands like Sonnet
Popularity 3.0/10
-
16
HP
Omen Accelerator is its Thunderbolt eGPU box, with the card sold separately rather than bundled.
Website: hp.com |Brands like HP
Popularity 2.5/10
-
17
Mad Catz
Gamers who want better control over racing, console, and tablet play can find controllers and steering wheels from Mad Catz. Its products span PlayStation 2, PC, and mobile gaming setups.
Website: madcatz.com |Brands like Mad Catz
Popularity 2.3/10
-
18
Matrox
Pro video capture and display cards, with a niche in broadcast and vision hardware rather than gaming.
Website: matrox.com |Brands like Matrox
Popularity 2.0/10
-
19
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire makes graphics cards built around AMD Radeon chips. The company is a long-standing AMD partner that has released overclocked editions. Its main business is GPUs, and its graphics card lineup reflects that focus on AMD-based hardware.
Website: sapphireav.com |Brands like SAPPHIRE
Popularity 1.6/10
-
20
Dell
Michael Dell founded PC’s Limited in 1984 with the intent of providing customized upgrades for computers. The initiative was successful, and Dell dropped out of college to start building computers. Soon, he started selling his designs, which were met with...
Website: dell.com |Brands like Dell
Popularity 1.6/10
-
21
Lenovo
From China, Lenovo sells laptops, desktop computers, tablets and monitors, along with PC parts such as AC adapters and USB 3.0 accessories. The company traces its roots to 1984, when it was founded as Legend Holdings. It later took over...
Website: lenovo.com |Brands like Lenovo
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIGABYTE | gigabyte.com | /GIGABYTEofficial | gigabyte_official | – | GIGABYTEChannel |
| EVGA | evga.com | – | – | – | – |
| NVIDIA | nvidia.com | /NVIDIA | nvidia | @nvidia | nvidia |
| StarTech | startech.com | /Startechdotcom | – | @STARTECHdotCOM | StarTech.com |
| AMD | amd.com | – | – | – | – |
| IOGEAR | iogear.com | /IOGEAR | iogear_official | @IOGEAR | iogearfreak |
| ASUS | asus.com | /AsusIndia | asusindia | @ASUSindia | – |
| XFX | xfxforce.com | /xfxglobal | xfx_usa | @xfx_playhard | – |
| MSI | msi.com | – | – | – | – |
External Graphics Card Buying Guide
Many computers and laptops come with onboard or integrated graphics, which are great for your everyday tasks like browsing the web or working with documents. However, if you're into gaming or other heavy-duty tasks like video editing, you'll need a graphics card that can handle the processing power needed to complete these tasks.
An external graphics card, also known as an eGPU, is a great way to upgrade the graphics performance of your laptop or desktop computer. An eGPU is a separate graphics card that connects to your laptop or desktop via a Thunderbolt 3 port, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a dedicated graphics card without having to replace your entire system.
Buying an external graphics card can be intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with the technical specifications and features of these devices. In this buying guide, we'll take a closer look at what to consider when buying an external graphics card.
Compatibility
The first thing you need to consider when buying an external graphics card is compatibility. Not all eGPUs work with all laptops and desktops. The most important factor is the type of connection port. Thunderbolt 3 is the most common port used by external graphics cards. If your computer doesn't have a Thunderbolt 3 port, then you won't be able to use an eGPU.
Another compatibility factor to consider is the power supply. External graphics cards require a lot of power, and your computer's power supply might not be strong enough to handle it. Some eGPUs come with an external power supply to make up for this.
Performance
The main reason to buy an external graphics card is to improve the performance of your computer. This means you need to consider the performance specs of the eGPU you're considering.
One of the most important performance specifications is the graphics processor unit (GPU). The GPU is the main component responsible for processing graphics data. The higher the number of cores in the GPU, the better its performance. Look for eGPUs with at least 4 cores for optimal performance.
Another important specification to consider is the clock speed. The clock speed determines how fast the GPU can process data. A higher clock speed means better performance. A good clock speed for an external graphics card is around 1.5GHz or higher.
Memory is also important when it comes to eGPU performance. The more memory a graphics card has, the more data it can process at once. Look for eGPUs with at least 4GB of memory for optimal performance.
Portability
If you're looking for an eGPU that you can take with you on the go, then portability is an important factor to consider. Some eGPUs are designed to be portable, while others are more suited to stationary use.
When it comes to portability, size and weight are the most important factors to consider. Look for eGPUs that are small enough to fit into a backpack or laptop bag without taking up too much space. Some eGPUs are designed to be compact and portable, while others are bulkier.
You'll also want to look for an eGPU that is easy to connect and disconnect. Some eGPUs require additional power cables or drivers to be installed, which can make them more cumbersome to use on the go.
Price
The price of an external graphics card can vary widely depending on its features and specifications. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $1000 for a high-end eGPU.
If you're on a budget, then you'll need to prioritize which features are the most important to you. It's possible to get a decent eGPU for less than $500, but if you want top-of-the-line performance and features, you'll need to be prepared to spend more.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying an external graphics card, there are several factors to consider, including compatibility, performance, portability, and price. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to find an eGPU that meets your needs and budget.
Remember that not all eGPUs are created equal, and you'll need to do your research to find the one that's right for you. With the right external graphics card, you'll be able to take your computer's performance to the next level, whether you're a gamer or a graphic designer.
Brand and Quality
When buying an external graphics card, it's important to pay attention to the brand and quality of the device. There are many well-known brands in the market that make high-quality eGPUs, such as ASUS, Razer, and Gigabyte. These brands have a history of producing reliable and powerful devices that are worth the investment.
It's also important to consider the build quality of the eGPU. Look for devices that are made from high-quality materials and have a sturdy feel. A well-built eGPU will last longer and provide higher performance than a poorly made one.
Noise and Heat
External graphics cards can produce a lot of heat and noise, which can be a problem if you're using them in a quiet environment or if you want to avoid overheating your laptop. It's important to consider the noise and heat output of the eGPU when making your purchase.
Look for eGPUs that have built-in cooling solutions, such as fans or liquid cooling systems. These will help to reduce heat and noise levels and keep your device running smoothly. Some eGPUs are also designed to be quieter than others, so pay attention to reviews and specifications to find a device that's suited to your needs.
Upgradability
Another factor to consider when buying an eGPU is upgradability. As technology advances, you may want to upgrade your graphics card to keep up with the latest software and games. Make sure the eGPU you buy is compatible with future upgrades, and that it's easy to replace or upgrade the GPU when the time comes.
Warranty and Support
Finally, it's important to consider the warranty and support that comes with your eGPU. Look for devices that come with a warranty of at least one year, and make sure the manufacturer offers good customer support in case you run into any issues.
Before you buy an eGPU, read reviews online and do your research to find out what other users are saying about the device. This will give you a good idea of any common problems or issues that might arise, and help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Buying an external graphics card is a great way to upgrade your computer's performance, whether you're a gamer, graphic designer, or just someone who needs more processing power.
When choosing an eGPU, consider factors like compatibility, performance, portability, price, brand and quality, noise and heat, upgradability, and warranty and support. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to find the right eGPU for your needs and budget.
At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide which features are most important to you, and which eGPU meets your needs. With the right device, you'll be able to take your computer to the next level and tackle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
