How to Turn an Ordinary Laptop Into a Gaming Laptop with an External Graphics Card (eGPU)

A laptop is a very practical and flexible device because you can take it anywhere and use it for various purposes. However, laptops also have limitations, especially when it comes to graphics performance.

If you are a gamer or a heavy user of graphics applications, you may find it frustrating that your laptop not being able to run those games or applications smoothly and optimally. Do you have to replace your laptop with a more expensive and sophisticated one? No need. There is a cheaper and easier solution, which is to use an eGPU.

What is an eGPU?

eGPU stands for external graphics processing unit, which is a device that contains a graphics card that can be connected to a laptop via a connection such as Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, or HDMI. By using an eGPU, you can take advantage of the higher graphics processing power of an external graphics card to run games or other graphics applications on your laptop.

This means you can enjoy games with higher resolutions, frame rates, and graphics settings than your laptop’s built-in graphics card can.

Why Do You Need an eGPU?

There are several reasons why you might need an eGPU for your laptop, among which are:

• You want to play PC games at better quality but don’t have the budget to buy an expensive gaming PC. With an eGPU, you can turn your laptop into a capable gaming machine, without having to spend a lot of money.
• You have a laptop that’s good enough for work and daily activities, but it’s not capable of running the latest games smoothly. With an eGPU, you can improve your laptop’s graphics performance without having to replace your laptop. This can save you cost and time, as well as extend the service life of your laptop.
• You want to use graphics-heavy applications, such as design, editing, rendering, or animation, but your laptop doesn’t have enough specs. With an eGPU, you can enhance your laptop’s ability to process complex and large graphics data, so you can work faster and more efficiently.
• You want to enjoy VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality) experiences with your laptop, but your laptop doesn’t support those technologies. With an eGPU, you can run a VR or AR headset compatible with your laptop, and experience great thrills.

How to Choose the Right eGPU?

Before you buy or build an eGPU, you need to consider a few things, such as:

• Compatibility. You should make sure that your laptop and eGPU are compatible with each other, that is, have the same ports and connections, and support the necessary drivers and firmware. You should also check the specifications and requirements of the laptop and eGPU before buying or building one.
• Budget. You have to determine how much money you are willing to spend on an eGPU. The price of an eGPU can vary depending on the type and quality of components you choose, but it usually ranges from 3 million to 10 million dollars or more. You should choose an eGPU that suits your needs and budget.
• Performance. It’s important to know how much graphics performance you want from an eGPU. You should choose an external graphics card that can run your desired graphics games or applications smoothly and optimally. You should also pay attention to other factors that affect graphics performance, such as resolution, frame rate, graphics settings, and cooling.
• Portability. You should consider how often you’ll take your eGPU elsewhere. If you want to stay mobile with your laptop, you should choose an eGPU that is lightweight and easy to carry. If you’re only going to use an eGPU at home or work, you can opt for a larger, heavier eGPU.

How to Connect eGPU to Laptop?

Once you have chosen the right eGPU, you need to connect it to your laptop in the right way. There are several ways to connect an eGPU to a laptop, depending on the type of port your laptop and eGPU have. The following are some of the most common ways:

Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt 3 is the most ideal type of port for eGPUs, as it has very high data transfer rates, which are up to 40 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 also supports power, video, and audio in a single cable, so you don’t need additional cables or adapters. Thunderbolt 3 typically uses a USB-C connector, which you can easily connect to your laptop and eGPU.

To connect an eGPU with Thunderbolt 3, you just need to follow these steps:

• Make sure your laptop and eGPU support Thunderbolt 3. You can check the lightning bolt logo on your port or cable, or look at your product’s specifications and manual.
• Plug the Thunderbolt 3 cable into the Thunderbolt 3 ports on your laptop and eGPU. Make sure your cable is of sufficient length and not folded or bent.
• Turn on your laptop and eGPU. Wait until your laptop detects your eGPU, and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. You may need to install the necessary drivers or firmware or set your graphics preferences.
• Once done, you can start running games or other graphics applications by using your eGPU.

USB-C

USB-C is a type of port that is often found in modern laptops because it has a small shape and can be connected to various devices. USB-C also supports power, video, and audio in a single cable, but its data transfer rate is lower than Thunderbolt 3, which is only up to 10 Gbps. USB-C is also not always compatible with eGPUs, as it depends on whether the USB-C port on your laptop supports the DisplayPort alternative mode or not.

To connect an eGPU with USB-C, you need to follow these steps:

• Make sure your laptop and eGPU support USB-C, and the USB-C port on your laptop supports DisplayPort alternative mode. You can check the DP or D logo on your port or cable, or view your product’s specifications and manual.
• Plug the USB-C cable into the USB-C port on your laptop and eGPU. Make sure your cable is of sufficient length and not folded or bent.
• Turn on your laptop and eGPU. Wait until your laptop detects your eGPU, and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. You may need to install the necessary drivers or firmware or set your graphics preferences.
• Once done, you can start running games or other graphics applications by using your eGPU.

HDMI

HDMI is a type of port that is often used to connect a laptop to a monitor, TV, or projector. HDMI also supports video and audio in a single cable, but its data transfer rate is lower than USB-C, which is only up to 4.95 Gbps. HDMI also can’t provide power to the eGPU, so you’ll need an additional cable or adapter to connect the eGPU to a power source.

To connect an eGPU with HDMI, you need to follow these steps:

• Make sure your laptop and eGPU support HDMI, and the HDMI port on your laptop supports DisplayPort alternate mode. You can check the DP or D logo on your port or cable, or view your product’s specifications and manual.
• Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your laptop and eGPU. Make sure your cable is of sufficient length and not folded or bent.
• Plug the power cable or adapter into your eGPU, and plug it into a power outlet. Make sure your cable or adapter matches your eGPU specifications.
• Turn on your laptop and eGPU. Wait until your laptop detects your eGPU, and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. You may need to install the necessary drivers or firmware or set your graphics preferences.
• Once done, you can start running games or other graphics applications by using your eGPU.

What Examples of eGPUs Can You Buy or Make?

There are many eGPU options you can buy or make, depending on your needs and budget. The following are some examples of popular and recommended eGPUs:

Razer Core X

Razer Core X is one of the most popular and recommended eGPUs because it has an elegant design and high quality. Razer Core X supports graphics cards with up to 3 slots, with a maximum power of 500 watts. The Razer Core X also has a Thunderbolt 3 port that can provide up to 100 watts of power to your laptop. Razer Core X is compatible with Windows 10 laptops and Mac OS that support Thunderbolt 3. The price of the Razer Core X is around 5 million rupiah.

Akitio Node

Akitio Node is an eGPU that is quite affordable and easy to use, because it has a simple and practical design. Akitio Node supports graphics cards with up to 2 slots, with a maximum power of 400 watts. Akitio Node also has a Thunderbolt 3 port that can provide up to 15 watts of power to your laptop. Akitio Node is compatible with Windows 10 laptops and Mac OS that support Thunderbolt 3. The price of Akitio Node is around 3.5 million rupiah.

DIY eGPU

DIY eGPU is an eGPU that you create yourself by selecting and connecting the components you want. DIY eGPU allows you to customize the eGPU according to your needs and budget. You can choose the graphics card, enclosure, cable, and adapter you want. You can also add other components such as fans, lights, or speakers. However, DIY eGPUs also require considerable skill and knowledge, as well as more time and cost. You should also be careful with the compatibility and security of your eGPU. DIY eGPU prices can vary depending on the components you choose, but are usually more expensive than ready-made eGPUs.

Conclusion

eGPU is a solution that can improve your laptop’s graphics performance without having to replace your laptop. With an eGPU, you can play games or use graphics applications with better quality.

However, eGPUs also have advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider. You should also choose and connect the right eGPU for your laptop. Hopefully, this article can help you understand and make good use of eGPU. Good luck!