eGPU is becoming an effective support solution chosen by many people to overcome the limitations of space, temperature, battery life, ... of laptops. So what exactly is an eGPU? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What types are included? Connect to the laptop via which protocol port? How to connect the stars?
What is eGPU?
eGPU is an acronym for External Graphics Processing Unit, which means discrete graphics card. As the name suggests, the eGPU is not located inside the computer like the iGPU or dGPU but is located outside, connected to the machine through the connection ports.
The placement of GPUs in laptops has certain limitations such as reduced space, performance not reaching the maximum level, poor heat dissipation. Therefore, Intel has been brainstorming ideas for many years and come up with the eGPU. They make a big step forward, helping to upgrade the performance of the laptop without overheating the machine, draining the battery.
The eGPU is made up of one or more VGA graphics cards combined with a board, cables, power cord, and heatsink. There are also some other spare parts. After plugging in the eGPU, installing the driver, restarting the machine will automatically transfer all the default graphics processing tasks on the machine to the graphics card in the eGPU. Since then, the laptop's processing performance is increased many times without causing the device to heat up and consume the battery.
Advantages and disadvantages of eGPU
Every product has its own pros and cons, and so does the eGPU.
- Simple connection protocol, diverse number of connection ports.
- Compatible with many different smart devices.
- Easy to move, more flexible than a PC case while still ensuring powerful graphics capabilities.
- Potentially high risk of damage due to force impacts during movement.
- Some laptops must use a separate screen because the screen does not meet the resolution, scanning frequency, ...
- The number of laptops supporting eGPU is not much.
- The cost of eGPU is still high.
eGPU connection ports
Currently the eGPU can connect to the laptop via the following protocol ports:
This is a common connection port between eGPU and laptop. However, it is also the most inconvenient way to connect because you have to remove the laptop cover, remove the wifi card to be able to plug in the eGPU connection cable. Not only that, some computer lines have whitelists, wifi ports only accept genuine cards.
Connecting the eGPU to a computer via Express Card ports 34 and 35 is the most convenient way. Because just plugging the eGPU directly into that port on the laptop body is done, no need to remove the case.
The NGFF (M.2) connection port is commonly found on CPU core i5 computers and above, the bandwidth is larger than the mPCie port. The way to connect the eGPU through this port is similar to the mPCie port, it is necessary to remove the device.
Because the Thunderbolt port has a large bandwidth, it becomes the best way to connect an eGPU to a laptop. However, the number of laptops with Thunderbolt ports is still not popular, and the price is high.
How to connect the eGPU to the laptop is not too difficult, if you are not familiar, you can ask the seller for advice. For devices that do not need to remove the case, you just need to use the connection cord that comes with the eGPU to plug directly into the machine. But with devices that need to remove the case, the operation is a bit more complicated. Specifically, the steps are as follows:
Step 1: First, you need to uninstall the old graphics driver on your computer.
Step 2: Next, you turn off the power, unplug the power source from the machine.
Step 3: Next, use a screwdriver to remove the rear laptop cover.
Step 4: Then, you put the eGPU in the compatible slot.
Step 5: Finally, you reassemble the case, boot and run the new graphics driver.
Popular types of eGPU today
In Vietnam, the eGPU market is still in its infancy. However, we can take a look at some popular brands that are popular with users around the world such as:
EXP GDC Beast: EXP GDC Beast is made in China. They support connection to the machine via mPCle, EC 34, EC 35, NGFF ports. Thanks to the low price, the eGPUs from EXP GDC Beast are popular and used by many people.
PE4C: eGPU PE4C connects to laptop via mPCIe, EC, NGFF protocol. This is a product originating from Taiwan, with the same features as EXP GDC Beast.
Akitio Node: eGPU Akitio Node is a high-end product line, connected via Thunderbolt port. However, due to their high price, they are not widely used in Vietnam.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier: The eGPU series connects via PCIe. They are designed specifically for Dell's Alienware computers, not for regular laptops.
Above is the basic information compiled by WebTech360 , users need to know about eGPU. Hopefully, through that, readers will have more useful knowledge, make buying decisions, and find the best eGPU products for their needs.
Have you ever tried to run an old program on Windows 11 and encountered an error code that you didn't understand? Luckily, Windows has some compatibility settings that can help you solve this problem.
Your computer is always running out of battery and cannot be recharged, the computer has a damaged battery. Join WebTech360 to learn about how to fix a dead laptop battery!
To know how to handle it at home, read WebTech360's sharing on how to fix MSVCP140.Dll Is Missing on Windows 10.7.
To answer the question, does a computer mouse need cleaning? and know how to properly clean? Please refer to the article shared by WebTech360!
When using a computer, you will experience interruptions in opening a program on Windows. Let's help WebTech360 fix api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error on Windows
5 professional and free MP3 cutting software in this article will be a powerful support tool for you to edit audio files perfectly.
With a comprehensive article on free CD, DVD, Blu-ray burning software, the best 2021 will definitely not disappoint you.
If you want the data on your computer to be secure, you can't ignore the top 5 best free folder lock software in this article.
Many of you want to become a designer but don't know where to start. This article will guide you to learn basic graphic design by yourself.
Adobe Photoshop software gives us two great tools Line Tool and Pen Tool to draw lines and curves become precise and simple.
You are familiar with Photoshop but do not know how to combine layers. Follow along with 5 ways to combine layers in Photoshop below.
Copying layers is a basic function that Photoshop users need to master in order to master the layer tool. The article will guide you to copy layers very quickly in Photoshop.
How to use border creation through Photoshop software, WebTech360 would like to share with you how to create text borders in Photoshop, very simple.
With the article on how to draw arrows in Photoshop with these 5 simple tools, you will easily draw arrows as you want.
Text shading in Photoshop will help you create a more wonderful feeling for your text, avoiding the boring phenomenon compared to conventional typefaces.
Tired of Microsoft Edge launching to an annoying "Untitled" error page? Follow our step-by-step guide to fix the Microsoft Edge "Untitled" error on start quickly and restore smooth browsing. Works on latest versions!
Master how to enable IE Mode in Microsoft Edge effortlessly. Fix compatibility issues with older websites using this simple, step-by-step guide for seamless access to legacy content. Boost your productivity today!
Discover step-by-step methods to completely delete Microsoft Edge search history and cache. Boost privacy, free up space, and optimize performance with our proven guide. Works on Windows, Mac, and more.
Tired of annoying microphone echo ruining your web calls in Microsoft Edge? Get proven, step-by-step solutions to fix Microsoft Edge microphone echo in Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and more for crystal-clear audio every time.
Struggling with Microsoft Edge "Remote Desktop Gateway" error? Discover step-by-step fixes that work in the latest Edge versions. Clear cache, reset settings, and more—no tech skills needed!
Struggling with WebView2 Error Code 0x80040c01 in Microsoft Edge? Discover proven troubleshooting steps, common causes, and quick fixes to get back online smoothly. Updated with the latest solutions.
Tired of blurry or missing transparency effects in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11? Follow our proven troubleshooting Microsoft Edge transparency issues Win 11 steps for instant fixes and smooth browsing. Quick, easy solutions!
Struggling with Microsoft Edge "Precision Driver" Missing error? Discover step-by-step fixes to restore smooth touchpad gestures, updates, and performance. Quick, reliable solutions for Windows users.
Tired of Microsoft Edge "Multiple Profiles" Sync Conflict ruining your browsing? Discover proven step-by-step fixes to resolve sync errors, manage profiles, and restore seamless syncing across devices. Quick, easy, and effective!
Struggling with Microsoft Edge icons refusing to center in TaskbarX? Discover proven troubleshooting steps to restore perfect centered icons on your Windows taskbar. Quick fixes, advanced tips, and prevention strategies included.
Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Edge Taskbar Padding Glitch wasting your screen space in 2026? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your taskbar instantly—no tech skills required!
Struggling with Microsoft Edge Safe Mode Networking not working? Discover proven steps to troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues in Edge safe mode. Get online quickly with our expert guide.
Discover simple, step-by-step methods to reset Microsoft Edge search history and suggestions. Clear your data quickly, improve privacy, and get fresh results in the latest Edge version. No tech skills needed!
Encountering Error Code 403 Forbidden in Microsoft Edge? Discover proven 2026 fixes like clearing cache, resetting settings, and more. Get back online instantly with this step-by-step guide!
Struggling with Microsoft Edge "FTP Access Denied"? Get step-by-step fixes to restore FTP access in your browser. Quick, reliable solutions for seamless file transfers – no tech expertise needed!
