Laptops are becoming integral in every aspect of our lives, such as work and entertainment. But with programs and applications becoming more demanding, a lot of laptops fail to keep up, especially in terms of graphics capabilities. While powerful laptops can be quite expensive, even then, they may not be able to provide the same graphical performance as their desktop counterparts. Enter external GPUs (eGPUs)—the new solution that allows you to upgrade the graphics processing unit of your laptop without replacing the entire system. Gamers, video editors, 3D designers, and other computer enthusiast users often use eGPUs since they are an easy and efficient way to improve computer performance. This post aims to help you understand how to properly connect an eGPU to your laptop and improve its performance.
What are eGPUs, and in What Way Do They Function?
Essentially, an external graphics processing unit (GPU), or eGPU as it is commonly known, is a standalone graphics card installed within an external enclosure that is connected to the user’s laptop. eGPUs can assist in the performance of graphically demanding tasks such as video game rendering, high-definition video editing, or engineered simulations. When a laptop does not have an eGPU installed, its graphical functionalities are performed by the internal graphics card, which may be an integrated GPU that is less powerful. In other words, using an eGPU resolves reliance on the internal GPU of the laptop, as it dramatically increases performance intended for true desktops.
In theory, it is simple enough that the design of the graphics card itself is fitted within an external enclosure designed to plug into a computer. When an eGPU is plugged into a compliant laptop, it starts the graphic experience at a desktop level by communicating with the laptop and sharing resources. Due to the eGPUs gaining a wider reach in the last few years because of the ever-growing connection of Thunderbolt 3 and 4, eGPUs are now a lot easier to connect and use while experiencing great performance.
Advantages of External GPUs:
Indeed, eGPUs have a considerable number of benefits that extend beyond just gaming purposes. First, and foremost, it is an ideal solution for all those users whose option is to get a brand new laptop since it opens more possibilities for the users’ existing one. For those who deal with video editing, graphic design, or 3D modeling, having an eGPU hooked up to a laptop makes rendering much faster. This allows for smoother frame rates when playing games along with higher resolutions and aids in enabling the ultrasetting of newer AAA-rated games, an ability that’s quite rare in the case of laptops.
Cost savings, too, come in handy as a significant advantage. The cost of eGPU graphics cards and GPUs alone tends to surpass the pricing of those drones to the extent of two to threefold, making them among the costlier performance-rated laptops. This means that you are able to use your old laptop and get an eGPU, which aids in tasking and also makes your laptop last longer.
With eGPUs, you also get mobility and convenience. If you need to use your eGPU, simply connect it to your laptop, and when you leave, unplug it to ensure that it is not heavy. Moreover, it is important to highlight that many eGPUs have additional peripheral or monitor ports, which is pretty much a desktop in a box to increase work efficiency.
Important Points to Note When Moving Towards Upgrade:
As tempting as external graphics cards seem, there are some basic compatibility evaluations that you need to carry out first. For example, consider checking whether your available laptop has an eGPU port, which is typically Thunderbolt 3 or 4. Even though other ports, such as USB-C, are sometimes available, it is not optimal in terms of bandwidth for best-use performance.
Power supply considerations are equally vital. When additional graphics or power is needed for the laptop, the enclosures are expected to have sufficient power supply units (PSU) for optimal performance. While some PSUs come enclosed into many enclosures available in the market, it is still necessary to ensure that the PSU caps the GPU watts. Otherwise, GPU power performance will be compromised.
Finally, it comes to graphics card compatibility, but rarely is this consideration made. The ease of use with an external graphics card enclosure is augmented when there is cohesiveness between the enclosure, the GPU dedicated to the external graphics, and the laptop itself; this, however, is an issue that many EGPU devices overlook in an attempt to support various able graphics cards. However, certain laptops are optimally paired with specific EGPU enclosures, such as those provided by Razer, ASUS, and Sonnet. It is best to do further research to alleviate inconvenience in the future.
How to Install an External GPU on a Laptop:
Installing the eGPU in your laptop may seem like a complicated procedure, but it’s a straightforward process if you take it step by step.
Determine the Type and Specification of the GPU that You May Need
To begin with, you need to determine your requirements. Gamers who have highly demanding graphical needs should look out for the RTX series by Nvidia or Radeon RX cards by AMD. That’s the GPU type that will fulfill their high FPS and resolution needs. Video editors and 3D modelers, on the other hand, will require GPUs with more VRAM for more intensive activities.
Buy a GPU and the Casing
After that, pick an eGPU enclosure that matches your GPU. Choose enclosures that have sufficient ports and power capacity. There are a lot of options available in the market; the splits are Razer, Sonnet, Asus, and many more.
Slot in the GPU into the Casing
Now that you have covered that aspect, power on the enclosure and attach the GPU to the PCIe port. Ensure everything is securely fastened, and if needed, plug in the power cables from the enclosure Power Supply Uni to the GPU.
Attach the Casing to Your laptop
Finally, connect the eGPU to your laptop using a Thunderbolt-capable cable. After powering up your laptop, the eGPU should be easily identifiable. In certain cases, you may need to reboot your onboard laptop to complete the connection.
Download Necessary Drivers
With the GPU being integrated into the laptop, be sure to download and install suitable drivers from the manufacturer’s website, either NVIDIA or AMD. This step is crucial as it ensures the laws of computers.
Start Enjoying the Performance Boost
When the hardware and software prerequisites are satisfied, one has an opportunity to appreciate the use of the third-party device, in this case, a laptop. The performance upgrade will allow smoother and faster processing for activities ranging from gaming to video editing.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the option of using an external graphics processing unit to enhance the graphics in one’s laptop is one of the cheapest and easiest options out there. Whether you are a better gamer looking for a smoother experience, an eGPU set strengthens the capabilities of the laptop to a desktop level. Through compatibility checks, getting the suitable gear, and all of the steps in the above hardware installation, you can change a basic laptop into a super one. Go check out the options you have and set free the unlimited potential that your laptop has.
FAQs:
1. Do you recommend using a laptop with an external GPU? Is it worth it?
Yes, it is worth upgrading your laptop with an external GPU, especially when your aim is to improve your graphics performance without the pressure of needing to purchase a new laptop altogether. It’s a popular choice amongst gamers, video editors, and other professionals taking up high-performance graphical tasks.
2. What external gaming GPUs are the most popular among gamers?
Among the popular eGPUs for gaming are the NVIDIA RTX 3060, RTX 3070, and RTX 3080, as well as AMD’s Radeon RX 6700 XT and RX 6800 XT. These GPUs are indeed sufficient for high-resolution gaming.
3. Can I install an external GPU on any laptop?
Lastly, note that eGPUs do not work on every laptop. Make sure that your laptop has these specific ports, such as Thunderbolt 3 or 4, as well as eGPU support, before considering the upgrade.
4. Are there any repercussions for the laptop’s warranty after installing an external GPU?
As a rule, plugging in an eGPU will not breach the warranty of your laptop inasmuch as that is so because there is no need to disassemble and custom any internal components of the laptop provided that, of course, your eGPU is compatible. You still have to confirm this with your laptop’s manufacturer.
5. How much should I be prepared to afford to upgrade using an external GPU?
Indeed, the external GPU increases the cost of the upgrade, as the enclosure cost and respective cables are expensive. On average, the total cost falls between 400 and 1,500 USD, and this depends on the performance level that you are targeting.
