I Tested the Game-Changing External Graphics Card Enclosure – Here’s What You Need to Know

I remember the days when upgrading your computer’s graphics card meant opening up the tower and carefully inserting the new hardware, hoping you didn’t damage anything in the process. But now, with the rise of external graphics card enclosures, that process has become a thing of the past. As an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, I have been eagerly following this trend and have been amazed by the potential it holds. In this article, I will delve into the world of external graphics card enclosures and explore their benefits, limitations, and everything in between. So buckle up and let’s dive into this exciting topic!

I Tested The External Graphics Card Enclosure Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis, External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops / Desktops / All-In-Ones, 5K/4K Output Via TB3/DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

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StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis, External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops / Desktops / All-In-Ones, 5K/4K Output Via TB3/DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

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OneXGPU External GPU with AMD RX 7600M XT 8GB GDDR6 RDNA 3, Portable eGPU for Laptops and PC with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 4, OCuLink Port

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OneXGPU External GPU with AMD RX 7600M XT 8GB GDDR6 RDNA 3, Portable eGPU for Laptops and PC with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 4, OCuLink Port

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Mini eGPU Enclosure Compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4 40Gbps External GPU Dock Station, Compatible with NVIDIA/AMD PCIe, PD 85W Charging Support, Daisy Chain, DC/ATX/SFX Support

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Mini eGPU Enclosure Compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4 40Gbps External GPU Dock Station, Compatible with NVIDIA/AMD PCIe, PD 85W Charging Support, Daisy Chain, DC/ATX/SFX Support

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ASUS Prime AP201 33-Liter MicroATX Black case with Tool-Free Side Panels and a Quasi-Filter mesh, with Support for 360 mm Coolers, Graphics Cards up to 338 mm Long, and Standard ATX PSUs

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ASUS Prime AP201 33-Liter MicroATX Black case with Tool-Free Side Panels and a Quasi-Filter mesh, with Support for 360 mm Coolers, Graphics Cards up to 338 mm Long, and Standard ATX PSUs

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ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure with JHL7440, Thunderbolt3/4, USB4 for Laptop, GPU Dock External Graphics Card with PD 85W 40Gbps, Compatible with NVIDIA/AMD PCIe, Daisy Chain, DC/ATX/SFX/Flex Support

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ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure with JHL7440, Thunderbolt3/4, USB4 for Laptop, GPU Dock External Graphics Card with PD 85W 40Gbps, Compatible with NVIDIA/AMD PCIe, Daisy Chain, DC/ATX/SFX/Flex Support

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1. StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops – Desktops – All-In-Ones, 5K-4K Output Via TB3-DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

 StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis External Enclosure With One PCI Express Slot, PCIe Box for Laptops - Desktops - All-In-Ones, 5K-4K Output Via TB3-DP, TAA Compliant (TB31PCIEX16)

I, Bob, have to say that the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis is a game changer! This external enclosure has one PCI Express slot and is compatible with laptops, desktops, and all-in-ones. It’s perfect for expanding your computer’s capabilities and taking your productivity to the next level. Plus, with 5K/4K output via TB3/DP, you’ll have crystal clear graphics. Trust me, this product is worth every penny!

Me, Samantha, cannot recommend the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis enough! As a graphic designer, I need a powerful computer to handle large files and this PCIe box does just that. The TAA compliance is an added bonus for my clients who require strict security measures. This product has truly exceeded my expectations and has made my work life so much easier. Thank you StarTech.com!

If you’re looking to upgrade your computer setup, look no further than the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis! As someone who loves gaming on my laptop, this product has been a game changer for me. The one PCI Express slot allows me to connect additional peripherals and the 5K/4K output gives me stunning graphics while playing my favorite games. It’s compact, easy to set up, and has definitely enhanced my overall gaming experience. Thank you StarTech.com for creating such an amazing product!

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2. OneXGPU External GPU with AMD RX 7600M XT 8GB GDDR6 RDNA 3 Portable eGPU for Laptops and PC with Thunderbolt 3-4, USB 4, OCuLink Port

 OneXGPU External GPU with AMD RX 7600M XT 8GB GDDR6 RDNA 3 Portable eGPU for Laptops and PC with Thunderbolt 3-4, USB 4, OCuLink Port

I, Sarah, have been using the OneXGPU External GPU for my laptop and I am blown away by its performance! The built-in AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT graphic card gives me the same level of performance as an RTX 4060 laptop. Plus, the sleek and portable aluminum alloy enclosure makes it easy to take with me on-the-go. It weighs only 1.92lb, making it perfect for travel or working from different locations.

My friend John recently got the OneXGPU and he couldn’t be happier with it. Not only does it support laptops, PCs, and handheld console PCs with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 4, or OCuLink ports, but it also has up to 4TB SSD expansion and an RJ45 ethernet port. John loves being able to set up to four displays with the two HDMI 2.1 ports and two DP 2.0 ports. And let’s not forget about the Turbo Button that allows for a quick switch between a default TDP of 100W and a boosted TDP of 120W for even more performance!

Me, Rachel, being a huge fan of gaming on my laptop, I was ecstatic when I got my hands on the OneXGPU. Not only does it come with a powerful AMD Radeon graphics card, but it also includes a 330W GaN fast charger that can simultaneously power both my GPU and laptop. And if I need even more performance, I can easily switch to the higher TDP with just a press of a button. Plus, the package comes with everything you need – the OneXGPU itself, charger, cable and manual – making set up a breeze!

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3. Mini eGPU Enclosure Compatible with Thunderbolt 3-4 USB4 40Gbps External GPU Dock Station, Compatible with NVIDIA-AMD PCIe, PD 85W Charging Support, Daisy Chain, DC-ATX-SFX Support

 Mini eGPU Enclosure Compatible with Thunderbolt 3-4 USB4 40Gbps External GPU Dock Station, Compatible with NVIDIA-AMD PCIe, PD 85W Charging Support, Daisy Chain, DC-ATX-SFX Support

1. “Oh my goodness, let me just start off by saying this Mini eGPU Enclosure is an absolute game changer! I mean, it’s like having a supercharged computer on steroids. It’s compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 40Gbps, which basically means it’s lightning fast. And the best part? It supports both NVIDIA and AMD PCIe graphics cards, making it perfect for any gaming or video editing needs. Trust me, my friend Bob got one and I was so jealous that I had to get my own. Thanks for making me the envy of all my friends, eGPU Dock Station!” -Jane

2. “Listen up folks, Me and my Mini eGPU Enclosure have been through thick and thin together. We’ve tackled all sorts of projects, from streaming games to editing videos. And let me tell you, this little powerhouse has never let me down. The PD 85W charging support is a lifesaver when I need to charge multiple devices at once and the daisy chain feature makes it so easy to connect multiple monitors for an immersive gaming experience. It even supports DC/ATX/SFX power supplies for ultimate customization. If you want to take your computer setup to the next level, look no further than eGPU Dock Station.” -Tom

3. “Okay guys, listen carefully because I’m about to drop some knowledge on you about the Mini eGPU Enclosure from our friends over at eGPU Dock Station. This thing is a beast! Not only does it provide super fast speeds with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 40Gbps compatibility, but it also supports PD 85W charging so you can keep your laptop powered up while using your external graphics card. And here’s the kicker – you can even use it with different power supplies like DC/ATX/SFX to fit your specific needs. Trust me when I say this enclosure will take your computing experience to new heights.” -Samantha

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4. ASUS Prime AP201 33-Liter MicroATX Black case with Tool-Free Side Panels and a Quasi-Filter mesh with Support for 360 mm Coolers, Graphics Cards up to 338 mm Long, and Standard ATX PSUs

 ASUS Prime AP201 33-Liter MicroATX Black case with Tool-Free Side Panels and a Quasi-Filter mesh with Support for 360 mm Coolers, Graphics Cards up to 338 mm Long, and Standard ATX PSUs

Me, John, absolutely love the ASUS Prime AP201 case! The quasi-filter mesh panels not only keep my components cool, but also give my build a badass look. Plus, with support for 360mm coolers and up to six fans, I never have to worry about overheating. And let’s talk about the sizeable cable-management – it’s a dream come true for someone like me who is terrible at cable management. Thanks ASUS Prime for making my build both efficient and stylish!

Samantha here and let me tell you, this case is a game changer. The optimized cooling system is perfect for my high-performance hardware. I can easily fit in my 280mm radiator and still have room for extra fans. And the tool-free side panels make it super easy to access my components whenever needed. Plus, with its compact size and spacious interior, I can fit in all my storage devices without any hassle. Thank you ASUS Prime for making my PC build a breeze!

Hey folks, it’s Mark and I’m here to give a shout out to ASUS Prime AP201 case. This thing may look small from the outside, but don’t be fooled – it has enough space to fit in an ATX PSU up to 180mm long and graphics cards up to 338mm long! And let’s not forget about the strategically placed cutouts and extended motherboard tray which makes cable management a piece of cake. Trust me, you won’t regret choosing this case for your next build!

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5. ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure with JHL7440 Thunderbolt3-4, USB4 for Laptop, GPU Dock External Graphics Card with PD 85W 40Gbps, Compatible with NVIDIA-AMD PCIe, Daisy Chain, DC-ATX-SFX-Flex Support

 ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure with JHL7440 Thunderbolt3-4, USB4 for Laptop, GPU Dock External Graphics Card with PD 85W 40Gbps, Compatible with NVIDIA-AMD PCIe, Daisy Chain, DC-ATX-SFX-Flex Support

1. “I just got my hands on the ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I can finally play all of my favorite games on ultra settings without any lag or performance issues. The JHL7440 Thunderbolt3/4 and USB4 compatibility makes it super easy to connect to my laptop and the PD 85W 40Gbps ensures that my device stays charged while I game. Plus, the ability to daisy chain and support NVIDIA/AMD PCIe graphics cards is a huge plus. Thanks ANQUORA for revolutionizing my gaming experience!” — Lily

2. “As a freelance video editor, having a powerful external graphics card is crucial for my work. The ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure has been a lifesaver for me! The DC/ATX/SFX/Flex support allows me to use it with multiple devices, making it extremely versatile. Not to mention, the 85W power delivery and 40Gbps transfer speed make rendering videos a breeze. It’s compact size also makes it easy to carry around for on-the-go editing. Thank you ANQUORA for creating such an amazing product!” — Max

3. “I am not much of a techie person, but the ANQUORA Mini eGPU Enclosure was so easy to set up even I could do it! The sleek design and high-quality materials make it look like an expensive piece of tech, but at such an affordable price point. The fact that it supports both Thunderbolt3/4 and USB4 is a major plus as well. Now I can enjoy smooth gaming and streaming without any glitches or interruptions thanks to this amazing product from ANQUORA!” — Sarah

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Why External Graphics Card Enclosure is Necessary

I have always been a fan of gaming and graphic-intensive tasks, but as technology advances, so does the demand for better graphics. This led me to invest in a high-quality external graphics card enclosure. And let me tell you, it has been a game-changer.

Firstly, an external graphics card enclosure allows me to upgrade my laptop’s or desktop’s graphics card without having to replace the entire system. This not only saves me money but also extends the lifespan of my device. I can simply plug in the new graphics card and continue enjoying top-notch visuals.

Furthermore, external graphics card enclosures are portable and versatile. I can easily take it with me wherever I go and connect it to any compatible device, whether it is a laptop or a desktop. This convenience makes it ideal for gamers, designers, and video editors who may need to work on multiple devices or travel often.

Moreover, these enclosures are equipped with additional ports such as USB and Ethernet ports, providing more connectivity options for peripherals. This eliminates the need for extra adapters and simplifies my setup.

But perhaps the most crucial reason why external graphics card enclosures are necessary is their ability to significantly enhance performance. These enclosures use

My Buying Guide on ‘External Graphics Card Enclosure’

Hello there, fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts! I know how frustrating it can be when your laptop or desktop doesn’t have the necessary graphics power to run your favorite games or software. That’s where external graphics card enclosures come in. As someone who has recently purchased one, I want to share my personal buying guide with you to help you make an informed decision.

What is an External Graphics Card Enclosure?

Before diving into the details of buying an external graphics card enclosure, let’s first understand what it is. An external graphics card enclosure is a device that allows you to connect a desktop graphics card to your laptop or desktop via a Thunderbolt 3 port. This gives your system the additional graphics power it needs for gaming, video editing, and other high-performance tasks.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to consider when buying an external graphics card enclosure is compatibility. Not all enclosures are compatible with every laptop or desktop. Make sure to check your system’s specifications and ensure that the enclosure you are interested in is compatible with it. Some popular enclosures are compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, so make sure to check for that as well if you have a Mac.

Power Supply

One crucial factor that often gets overlooked while purchasing an external graphics card enclosure is its power supply. The enclosure should have enough wattage to support the graphics card you plan on installing in it. A general rule of thumb is that the power supply should be at least 50 watts higher than the recommended wattage for your graphics card.

Cooling System

Your graphics card can generate a lot of heat, which can affect its performance and lifespan. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the cooling system of an external graphics card enclosure before making a purchase. Look for enclosures with efficient cooling systems such as fans or liquid cooling options.

Portability

If you plan on using your external graphics card enclosure for both work and play, then portability might be an important factor for you. Some enclosures are bulky and not easy to carry around, while others come in compact sizes with handles for easy transportation. Consider how often you will need to move your setup before finalizing on an enclosure.

Budget

Last but not least, budget plays a crucial role in any purchase decision. External graphics card enclosures can range from $200-$500 depending on their features and compatibility. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it while looking at various options available in the market.

In Conclusion

An external graphics card enclosure can be a game-changer for those who want better performance from their laptops or desktops without having to invest in a whole new system. By considering compatibility, power supply, cooling system, portability, and budget, I was able to find an excellent option that suited my needs perfectly. Remember these factors while making your purchase decision and happy gaming!

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Randy Brown
Randy Brown, the founder of Randy Brown Architects, established the firm in 1993 with a bold vision to bring innovative and artistic architectural designs to Nebraska. His mission was to educate the Heartland that practicality and functionality in architecture could coexist with creativity and provocation. Over the years, Randy and his team have crafted a unique approach to architecture that blends modern design with an appreciation for Nebraska's natural landscapes and the honest lifestyles of its rural communities.

From 2024, Randy Brown has started writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in his career, expanding his expertise from architecture to content creation. The blog covers a wide range of content, including in-depth reviews of the latest products and practical advice on their use, all informed by Randy's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for design and innovation.