Upcoming Razer Core X eGPU dock is larger and cheaper than the current Core V2
External graphics docks (eGPUs) are becoming very popular with most major OEMs now offering their own respective take on the concept. Zotac, HP, MSI, Aorus, Alienware, and more all have eGPU solutions that promise compatibility with a number of Windows laptops.
Razer is one of the first manufacturers to market an eGPU based on Thunderbolt 3 via the Razer Core and it is now ready to expand the series with the new Core X dock. Much like the existing Core V2 dock, the Core X should be compatible with both Windows laptops and MacBooks running on Windows 10 Redstone 1 and MacOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or higher, respectively. Instead, the main difference between the two eGPU docks is that the Core X will be slightly larger in volume in order to support 3-slot graphics cards and a more capable 650 W integrated PSU. It will even be cheaper than the Core V2 in part because it lacks the additional USB ports and Chroma LED colors available only on the Core V2.
Based on our experience with docking stations like the Core V2, Aorus Gaming Box, and Alienware Graphics Dock, the benefits of eGPU are most efficient at the GTX 1050 or GTX 1060 level. Faster GPUs like the GTX 1070 or 1080 can work, but the performance drop compared to a "true" gaming PC equipped with the same graphics card becomes increasingly more severe due to limitations of Thunderbolt 3. Thus, even though the Core X is able to support larger and more powerful GPUs, it may be more cost efficient to install a GTX 1060 or Radeon equivalent.
The Core X is now in stock through the official Razer online store for $300 compared to $500 for the Core V2. Note that the product does not come with a graphics card ready and so end-users will need to install their own.