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Question

Seeking advice about an external graphics card for a laptop

by Jul 22, 2018 3:12PM PDT

I have a laptop with:
Intel core i7-6500U @ 2.50HT 2.59 GHz
Ram 12 GB
System type 64 bit, x64 based processor

I would like to get an external graphics card instead of purchasing a new gaming computer. Can anyone offer me any suggestions or tell me if it is or isn't a good idea with the laptop have?

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Clarification Request
Gaming? You need Thunderbolt to run externals for gaming.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 22, 2018 4:46PM PDT

I know you tried to share enough details but what works best is a link to your make and model on the maker's web site. That way I can check it out.

As it stands today your best, cost effective exits are:
1. Go get a XBox or PS4.
2. See if you can get into the Nvidia http://www.nvidia.com/object/cloud-gaming.html GPU cloud service.

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Answer
Hope this helps
by Jul 22, 2018 8:58PM PDT

Even with those specs, to connect an external GPU you would need a thunderbolt connection, unless you have a razor or a dell Alienware laptop, which have a proprietary connector for each brands own line of eGPUs.

While there are mini pci to pcie x16 slot adapters with a usb plug for data transfer, they are both too slow and too easy to break, unless you got a case.

The reason there are too slow is because the fastest USB connector is the teal 3.1 at 10 GBs a sec, which is to slow, for modern games you need a thunderbolt 3, Which runs at 40 GBs a sec.
In addition, some types of eGPUs require a separate power supply, which can increase costs.

I hope this helps.
Happy

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Also
by DriftyESL Jul 22, 2018 9:02PM PDT

Also a eGPU means a lot less portability, so a console or desktop would work better, considering you could get both for less, depending on what your playing. Unless you want to turn your laptop into a temporary desktop I would go with a console or desktop, and if you need the portability, a new laptop.

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