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Question

External GPU for Laptop. Help Needed.

Feb 2, 2015 7:05AM PST

Hi there. First and foremost, I'd like to welcome myself to the CNET community! This is my very first post.

My question is:

How do I go about getting an external GPU for my laptop? Is it worth it? Easy to set up? Hassle-free?

My laptop is an Acer Aspire V3-571-6850

Some system specifications:
- Windows 8.1
- Intel Core i5-3210M 2.5GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
- Intel HD Graphics 4000, up to 1760 MB Dynamic Video Memory
- 8 GB DDR3 Memory
- 750 GB HDD
- Acer Nplify 802.11a/g/n + BT 4.0

I don't think I can afford to buy a new / make a new gaming computer. Which is why I am interested in getting an external GPU for my laptop: gaming (and maybe some video editing).

Could it support one very well? If so which one would be best? Budget maybe ~200-300$. I'll also note I run an HDMI cable from my laptop (laptop resolution 1366 x 76Cool to a TV that I use as a monitor (1920 x 1080p).

Thanks for reading and I can't wait to hear back from you!Happy

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
This would be a first.
Feb 2, 2015 8:41AM PST

What external GPU is there today? Then we can go look at reviews.

In other words, there is no such thing.
Bob

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response to Bob
Feb 2, 2015 9:16AM PST

Dear Bob,

You are wrong. I have not pulled the idea of external GPU's out of thin air. They are very much real and do exist.
Your comment has no use.

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This was kicked around before.
Feb 2, 2015 9:26AM PST

The performance was sub par so it never really paid off. Let's get what you found into the conversation so we can get some numbers.

So far, they are real bad compared to onboard GPUs.

Again, let's see a few you found.
Bob

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Answer
Here's a recent article.
Feb 2, 2015 9:38AM PST
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Answer
Alienware sells one
Feb 8, 2015 10:30PM PST
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(NT) Can you test that link?
Feb 8, 2015 10:31PM PST
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It
Feb 9, 2015 9:02PM PST

worked for me.

Another way to get to it is google alienware graphics amplifier

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Found it.
Feb 10, 2015 12:32AM PST

Only 300 bucks but it appears to be for Dell's own at this time. I guess those folk are going to continue to be upset about how laptops continue to be pretty locked down. That is I continue to bump into folk that moved from a desktop and didn't know.
Bob

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Well also I heard on the
Feb 11, 2015 3:51AM PST

Alienware 2015 laptops the motherboards now are all soldered in. It used to be nothing was soldered in. In 2013 they went with thick cases and upgrade-able components. Now thin cases non-upgrade-able components and this graphics amplifier to keep most of the heat outside the laptop