# eGPUs work, but they're not worth the hassle

> External graphics cards can boost laptop gaming, but performance hits, high costs, and compatibility issues make a budget PC a smarter buy.
- Title: eGPUs work, but they're not worth the hassle · Engadget
- Summary: External graphics cards can boost laptop gaming, but performance hits, high costs, and compatibility issues make a budget PC a smarter buy. eGPUs lose 7 to…
- Keywords: egpu, external graphics, thunderbolt, gaming laptops, gpu performance, razer, framework, bandwidth limitations, gaming hardware, laptop upgrades, technology, eGPUs
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2257761/egpu-come-with-limitations
- Author: Luke James
- Published: 2026-09-17T23:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: egpu, external graphics, thunderbolt, gaming laptops, gpu performance, razer, framework, bandwidth limitations, gaming hardware, laptop upgrades, technology
## What is an eGPU anyway
An eGPU is a desktop graphics card in an enclosure that connects to a laptop via Thunderbolt or USB4, letting thinner machines run demanding games.
## Thunderbolt creates a bandwidth bottleneck
Thunderbolt 4 gives a GPU only 32 Gbps for PCIe data, versus 256 Gbps in a desktop slot. This limits how fast the card can work.
## Real world performance losses are significant
Tests show eGPUs lose 7 to 32 percent performance versus desktop cards. Faster GPUs suffer more, making mid-range cards the smarter choice.
## The enclosure itself costs hundreds
Razer's Core X V2 enclosure costs $350 and doesn't include a power supply or I/O ports. Add those separately and you're spending $740 minimum.
## Framework offers an alternative approach
Framework's OCuLink Dev Kit bypasses Thunderbolt entirely, running bare PCIe over a cable for up to 128 Gbps. But it lacks plug-and-play convenience.
## Apple Macs can't use eGPUs for gaming
Apple dropped eGPU support in 2020 when it switched to Apple Silicon. TinyGPU works for AI tasks only, not gaming.
## Just buy a gaming PC instead
When you add up the enclosure, dock, power supply, and GPU, you're better off investing in a budget gaming rig and avoiding bandwidth limits entirely.
## Key takeaway

eGPUs lose 7 to 32 percent performance over Thunderbolt and cost hundreds just for the enclosure, making a basic gaming PC a better investment.