7 things you need to know about discrete GPUs

External discrete graphics processor (external GPU - eGPU) are graphics processors that are not built into the computer like iGPU (integrated GPU) or dGPU (dedicated GPU) that lies entirely inside outside the computer and connected to the computer via the mPCIe connector (wifi port on laptop), Express Card, M.2 (NGFF), thunderbolt 2, thunderbolt 3 . External GPUs are designed to overcome Computer limitations on graphics processing power, space, temperature, and battery life (for laptops).

But are these GPUs connected to the computer conflict with the built-in GPUs?Is it worth to spend several million, even tens of millions, to upgrade to the eGPU?Or what can you expect from the performance of these discrete GPUs?Here's what you should know before investing in an eEPU, and unfortunately what you expect and in fact can be quite different.

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How do external GPUs work?

As mentioned, in most cases, you will see an eGPU connected to a plug dock.On this dock there is a PCIe port for graphics cards and usually in the form of Thunderbolt or USB-C cables to connect to your computer.Using this dock is quite simple, like installing the card, installing the driver, rebooting and installing any custom software (of course, the method will vary depending on the hardware you use. use).

Once successfully installed, your computer will automatically set the graphics requirements to the discrete GPU instead of using the default built-in GPU with the computer.In theory, this process will significantly improve the graphics performance on your device.As we all know, the power of graphics processing is not the advantage of notebooks, so using discrete GPUs is an effective method (you can, of course, use discrete GPUs for machines). Their desktops, but in fact they are used much more commonly for laptops).

By using larger size cards that are more powerful, your device will get better graphics performance, depending on your eGPU type as well as your personal needs (for games or work).

Performance will not be accumulated

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Unfortunately, using an external GPU will not give you the same performance as when you have the same GPU but built in.The problem is how much performance will you lose?Estimates indicate that the loss level is set to be between 10 and 15 percent.That's not a big deal, especially if considering the terrible performance level of the latest high-end graphics cards today.

However, you should still know about this loss.For example, if you are hoping to experience the latest AAA titles on ultra-high graphics settings, a discrete GPU system connected to a laptop may not help you much.Saying so does not mean that discrete GPUs will not improve the graphics performance of your laptop;It definitely improves and even improves dramatically, but sometimes isn't as impressive as you think.

Why not?Mostly because laptops are not set up to function effectively with so much power.And if it does, it will usually be laptops with built-in GPUs that are strong enough and don't need external GPUs (which can be found on gaming laptops).Moreover, depending on whether a PCIe port can transfer a lot of data very quickly, even the latest Thunderbolt and USB-C ports can't catch up with that data transfer rate.

Chances are the CPU on your laptop is probably not designed to handle powerful removable GPUs.You can realize this through effects, especially true for older and slower CPUs.

The connecting dock of the removable CPU is quite expensive

Although a disconnected CPU dock is basically just a small part of the motherboard with a PCIe port and a connector and it costs up to several hundred dollars or more.Some docking stations are only compatible with certain laptop brands, which means you won't be able to use them with a new laptop, which will be another cost you need to up to.On the back of many notebooks there is no specific information about whether they can work with any specific removable GPU dock.You may have to spend a little more time on this issue.

It is important to understand carefully before using

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Removable GPUs have a variety of features and compatibility.Eg:

1. EGPU OWC Mercury Helios 3 will only receive cards up to 75 ″.
2. Alienware's Graphics Amplifier (Graphics Amplifier) ​​does not have any USB or Thunderbolt ports.Instead, it uses an exclusive connector.
3. HP Accelerator Omen has a SATA port to connect more with HDD or SSD hard drives.

In addition, each discrete GPU listed above comes with specific compatibility requirements that you may or may not need to consider.As mentioned before, Alienware Graphics Amplifier has a proprietary connector and will only work with Alienware laptops.The discrete GPU dock of the Razer Core only works with Thunderbolt 3. As for the ASUS ROG XG Station 2, the manufacturer does not specify what non-ASUS devices this GPU can work with.

In short, if you want to use discrete GPUs, you need to take some time to make sure it is compatible with your device.The good news is that you won't have to spend much time exploring yourself, there is a lot of information that you can easily find on the Internet.If you're not sure where to start looking, try accessing the eGPU section on Reddit, where many people can help you.

You will get better graphics performance

Although there are many limitations, but the discrete graphics cards still do very well in their main role, which is to improve the graphics processing capabilities of the system.You will get better graphics performance if your laptop is connected to a discrete GPU, this is not a table, and these GPUs will allow you to play games or run love applications. demand high graphics processing capabilities, which previously your laptop had to give up.There are a lot of tests that have shown that discrete GPUs provide a significant graphics power for devices, especially for MacBooks.

It will be difficult to say exactly how much the graphics processing power of the device will increase after being connected to a discrete GPU.However, if your laptop cannot run a game that requires a lot of configuration, you really want to play, upgrading to a discrete GPU is one of the most effective and feasible measures.

Removable GPUs will constantly be improved in the future

The discrete GPU hardware and software will continue to be improved as more and more people are interested in this expensive technology toy.A big reason is the development of games that require a lot of configuration, leading to an 'arms race' among hardware manufacturers.In addition, hardware manufacturers want their products to reach more customers.In summary, there are many reasons to encourage them to continue improving technology on discrete GPUs.

The best discrete GPU lines on the market today

These include some excellent discrete GPU lines, depending on your budget and requirements.Here are the outstanding names for your reference:

Nvidia's best discrete GPU: Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box

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Gigabyte is an old name among GPU makers, and AORUS Gaming Box is a manufacturer's trump card with outstanding performance, stylish design and fairly reasonable price.AORUS Gaming Box is equippedwith a GTX 1070 Mini ITX 8GB graphics card, which is smaller than the desktop version but still offers similar performance.

Gigabyte's Gaming Box is connected to the laptop via Thunderbolt 3. In addition, the GTX 1070 Mini ITX also supports one HDMI port, one DisplayPort and two DVI ports, as well as four USB 3.0 slots.Another plus point for Gigabyte's Gaming Box is very light weight.This device weighs just over 2 kg, relatively easy to move and convenience is not controversial.Furthermore,AORUS Gaming Boxis included in a single system, so there are not too many difficulties in the installation and usage process.

AMD's best discrete GPUs: Akitio Node Pro with AMD RX 580

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Akitio Node Pro may be a less familiar name, but still has many advantages worth money for rice.First, it supports an additional 500W power supply for discrete GPUs.When you need to mobilize maximum power from a discrete GPU, you can plug it into the power supply to get the best graphics quality.Moreover, you can easily change from your AMD GPU to an Nvidia GPU if you want.

You will see that Node Pro is a valuable upgrade based on the standard predecessor version of Akitio Node.The Pro Node weighs about 5 kilograms, not really light, but you can still carry it around without too hard.However, the biggest drawback of Node Pro is its overall size.Generally, this device is more suitable for fixed use.

Akitio Node Pro's discrete GPU slot also has a single DisplayPort, as well as two integrated Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Do you need to use a discrete GPU?

First, determine clearly what your needs are, to play games or work.Then consider the amount of money you can invest in this device.Finally, search for information online or seek advice from qualified people.Wishing you a suitable eGPU set for you.

See more:

1. How to choose to buy a GPU for a computer
2. AMD and Nvidia - who is the king of GPU dominance?
3. How to choose GPU for each application on Windows 10
4. Combination of restart key GPU driver on Windows
5. Overclock CPU, GPU and RAM easily and safely