Introduction
Gaming laptops have come a long way in recent years, offering powerful graphics capabilities in a portable form factor. However, even the most powerful gaming laptops can still fall short of providing a true high-end gaming experience. This is where eGPU enclosures come in – they allow you to connect a desktop-class graphics card to your laptop to give it a massive performance boost.
In 2024, eGPU enclosures will offer even more compelling benefits thanks to advances in interface connectivity, smaller form factors, and specialized software. As an avid PC gamer myself, I’m extremely excited to see how eGPU technology will progress over the next year. In this article, I’ll provide a deep dive into the world of eGPU enclosures – their benefits, key advancements to expect in 2024, and some of the best enclosures coming down the pipeline.
What is an eGPU Enclosure?
An eGPU (or “external GPU”) enclosure is a device that allows you to install a desktop graphics card and connect it to your laptop. The enclosure contains:
- PCIe slot – To install the graphics card into
- Power supply – To provide adequate power to the graphics card
- Thunderbolt 3 port – To connect the enclosure to the laptop and transmit data
Once connected, the external GPU takes over the graphics rendering responsibilities from the integrated laptop GPU. This provides a major boost to gaming performance and allows you to play AAA games at higher resolutions, settings, and frame rates.
Some key benefits of using an eGPU include:
- Portability – Take desktop-class graphics performance with you on the go
- Upgradability – Easily upgrade your laptop’s graphics power by installing newer GPUs
- Cost – Adding an eGPU is cheaper than buying a whole new gaming laptop
In short, eGPU enclosures let you experience desktop-caliber immersive gaming powered by an incredibly powerful GPU while still retaining the portability of a laptop.
eGPU Enclosure Advancements in 2024
The eGPU scene is set to get even more interesting in 2024 thanks to developments across connectivity, form factor, and software:
Faster Connectivity with Thunderbolt 4
- Thunderbolt 4 will offer double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3, supporting up to 40 Gbps transfer speeds.
- This will further minimize bottlenecks and allow the eGPU and laptop GPU to operate synergistically.
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity will become more prevalent among gaming laptops by 2024.
Compact and Convenient Form Factors
- Enclosures will become smaller and more portable – some even the size of just an external SSD!
- Minimalist designs like the Razer Tomahawk point the way forward for take-anywhere box builds.
- Integrated eGPU solutions like the Asus ROG Flow Z13 remove the need for an enclosure entirely.
Seamless Plug-and-Play with Smarter Software
- Better OS-level integration and auto-detection will make eGPU usage plug-and-play.
- Enclosure manufacturers are building proprietary software to auto-switch between iGPU and eGPU.
- Performance-tuning apps will allow granular control over GPU usage for specific games.
As connectivity, size, and software usability barriers come down, eGPU enclosures will offer a convenience level never seen before in 2024 and beyond.
Best Upcoming eGPU Enclosures in 2024
Based on the exciting developments coming down the pipeline, here are some of the most promising eGPU enclosure options to look forward to in 2024:
Razer Tomahawk
The sleekest and most portable external GPU enclosure ever created. Key features:
- Extremely compact chassis – Just over 2L in volume!
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with 90W laptop charging
- 750W SFX power supply
- Supports 3-slot wide graphics cards
- Plug-and-play expansion card for connectivity
The Tomahawk sets a new standard for convenient box-sized eGPU builds. Its minimalist design makes it an easy accessory you can carry anywhere.
Asus XG Mobile
A proprietary eGPU solution built exclusively for Asus laptops like the ROG Flow Z13. It offers:
- Seamless integration since it’s co-developed with Asus laptops
- Supports up to an RTX 3080 mobile GPU
- Uses a custom PCIe 3.0 x8 connection over USB-C
- Stylish aesthetic matching ROG laptops
- Small footprint – Just 4.73 x 8.35 x 1.37 inches
The XG Mobile provides an extremely streamlined “one vendor” eGPU experience with Asus laptop ecosystem.
AORUS Gaming Box
The AORUS Gaming Box line provides a balance of gaming prowess and creative professional performance. Key highlights:
- Compact size – 8.27 x 3.78 x 6.22 inches
- Plug-and-play with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
- Water cooling support for top-tier GPUs
- RGB lighting and side window for showcasing internals
With multiple size and GPU options, AORUS Gaming Boxes let you match performance with portability preferences.
Conclusion
Thanks to significant advancements in interface connectivity, form factor design, and seamless software integration, eGPU enclosures are set to become easier to use and more powerful than ever before in 2024. As an avid gamer, I’m thrilled by how much external graphics enclosures will be able to enhance laptop gaming performance in just a couple years’ time. Compact, convenient, and incredibly powerful – eGPUs exemplify the best of connectivity innovations coming down the pipeline.
