External GPU (eGPU) for Laptops: Is It Worth It?
What Is an External GPU (eGPU) and How Does It Work?
An external GPU is a methodology in which we use the graphics card which is not placed in our system. This technology is mostly used for the laptops where we cannot carry heavy laptops and for such heavy graphics card, we also require other resources like cooling fans and more power, more RAM, and all other which cannot be carried in a single laptop.
So for that reason, this is the methodology in which we use a graphics card which is physically placed in another system and is connected to our system with the help of Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4, these are softwares which are used for connecting the external GPU to our system. It allows basically the laptops mostly the thin one to gain the graphics level of monitor or LCD screens without needing a powerful built-in and more requirements. When it is connected, the external GPU takes over the control when the heavy graphic processing is required.
When there is more tasks on GPU, then it takes the control and performs accordingly. It improves gaming performance, renders speed, and accelerates the GPU tasks. This is basically a setup developed for those who use a single laptop to do the daily to perform tasks and as well as for heavy gaming or heavy use. And although it is obvious that GPUs rely on the other systems as well, so for using the highest quality eGPUs, we must have our laptop hardware and software of that level so it can handle and can balance the bandwidths and other limitations too.
How Much Improvement Can You Expect From eGPUs
If we talk about the performance of external GPUs, then we can say that it depends on different factors. For example, it depends upon the quality of electronic devices. It also depends on the quality of external GPU. And it is obvious that it will depend on model, laptop, CPU, bandwidth, software optimization, and many other factors. But generally, if we talk about the performance, then an electronic GPU can increase the performance from 20 to 60% depending on all the other factors as discussed above.
| Feature / Device Type | eGPU Setup | Gaming Laptop | Desktop PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | High but limited by bandwidth | High | Highest |
| Portability | Medium | High | Low |
| Cost Efficiency | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Upgradeability | GPU only | Very limited | Excellent |
| Best For | Creators & hybrid users | Gamers on the go | Maximum performance seekers |
If we use a normal type of laptop with the normal graphics and all other with the help of our external GPU, then the performance boost observed is around about 40 to 50%. Keeping all the other hardware and software same, just using an external GPU with all the other things which are used before. So you can take an idea from this.
For the gamers who usually do championship games, AAA games, they observe a smooth gameplay, very few drop in FPS and there is no lag observed and it is improved heavily. But the main thing is that if the internet is weak, then your game will lag, your system will shatter and it can cause many other problems because it is all connected from internet and that’s why it can cause heavy problems for you. It has the ability to run the games at higher settings irrespective of the place and settings.
Usually creators notice significant faster and higher rendering in video editing or 3D modeling, but still there are a few limitations. At last, we can say that external GPUs perform quite better than the internal GPUs which are inside the laptops. Just because of the bandwidth limitations and not full resources accessible because you know laptop is thin and it can not have cooling fans, the quality and all other factors. So it can help us to maintain a more healthy environment with enjoying a quality hipe as well.
Top Benefits of Using an External GPU for Your Laptop
-
Greatly improves gaming performance and FPS stability
-
Enhances video editing, rendering, and 3D modeling speeds
-
Reduces laptop heat and prevents thermal throttling
-
Offers desktop-level GPU power without sacrificing portability
-
Allows easy upgrades—swap GPUs without changing the laptop
-
Supports external monitors for better visual experience
-
Extends the lifespan of your laptop by offloading GPU stress
-
Provides a hybrid setup for both work and play
-
Increases productivity for professionals using GPU-based applications
-
Offers better long-term value if you already own a compatible laptop
Limitations of Using an eGPU
Let’s talk about few negative impacts of external GPUs. As we know that they offer impressive upgrades and give a faster, smoother gameplay, but it is obvious that they have some limitations. So, the software which we are using for connecting it with our system Thunderbolt, its bandwidth can completely restrict the graphics card for performing at its full potential, meaning that the desktop will not have all the abilities to run it at maximum that will create problems like stuttering, lagging, shimmering, and etc.
As we have talked about that external GPUs also require a compatible laptop. This can be challenging if we didn’t want to physically update our system and it will not be having Thunderbolt ports etc. Additionally, some games and software are designed in such a way that they cannot take full advantage of an external GPU. This will result in inconsistent performance and can give many flashbacks. This setup mostly gives slightly input delays, lowers FPS compared to the built-in high-performance GPUs. So, know these drawbacks before using the external GPU.
Conclusions
At last, I would say that if you are thinking to use an external graphics card with your laptop then make sure your system is compatible with that higher graphics card. If it is not compatible, the bandwidth limitations and refresh rate of your screen doesn’t match with the GPU’s FPS, then you must not go for this update. Because after updating, this will create much problems and you would not be able to run the AAA games at that time too, even after spending money on it.
So, you must not go for it and if you wanted to use your system for editing, computers software developing, and all other categories which require heavier system and you have the compatible laptop, then you can go for the external GPUs. It is a new technology and will give a significant boost in your FPS. Gamers can also use this but under few conditions like compatibility, limitations and a good internet connection is necessary. These all requirements must be kept in view before going for the external GPUs.
