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eGPUs Explained: How They Work & Who Needs Them 

lady working on egpus

Quick Summary

External graphics processing units (eGPUs) give compatible laptops access to desktop-class graphics performance without replacing the device itself. By connecting a graphics card through a high-speed interface such as a Thunderbolt, you can boost performance for gaming, video editing, 3D design, AI workloads and other graphics-intensive tasks. 

For businesses and professionals, an eGPU can be a cost-effective way to extend the life of an existing laptop rather than investing in a new workstation. However, they aren’t the right fit for every user. In this guide, we’ll explain how eGPUs work, who they’re best suited for, and when a different solution may make more sense. 

What Is an eGPU? 

An eGPU is a desktop graphics card housed in a separate enclosure that connects to a laptop externally. 

Allowing you to temporarily add desktop-level graphics power to a laptop when you need it. 

A typical eGPU setup consists of:

Modern business laptops are more powerful than ever, but many prioritise the ease of portability and slim designs over graphics performance.

This creates a challenge for users who occasionally need significantly more graphical processing power. A creative professional may spend most of their week using Microsoft 365 and other apps, then suddenly needs to render 3D assets or edit high-resolution video. 

Similarly, data scientists and AI users may need GPU acceleration for specific projects but don’t require a dedicated workstation every day. 

An eGPU helps bridge that gap. 

Instead of replacing your laptop, you can connect an external graphics card whenever extra performance is needed and disconnect it when you’re on the move. 

For procurement and IT teams, that can mean:

How Does an eGPU Work?

Connected by Thunderbolt or USB-C connection, the laptop sends graphics workloads to the external graphics card, which processes the data and renders the visuals. The external graphics card handles the demanding workload, freeing your laptop’s integrated graphics solution from tasks it wasn’t designed to manage.

What Hardware Options Are Available?

To get started, you’ll need three components. Below are some highly rated hardware options to consider when building an eGPU setup. 

1. Compatible Laptop

Your laptop should support Thunderbolt 3, 4, 5, or compatible USB-C connectivity. Many premium business laptops support this such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and HP EliteBook 8 G2i. 

2. eGPU Enclosure

Popular options include the Razer Core X, Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box, and ASUS ROG XG Station. 

3. Desktop Graphics Card

This is the component that performs the actual graphics processing. 

Popular options include:

Who Should Consider an eGPU?

Gaming

eGPUs can dramatically improve gaming performance compared with integrated graphics. 

Benefits include:

Creative Work

Designers, editors and creators often benefit most. For freelancers and creative professionals an eGPU offers a flexible way to take additional graphics power with you from project to project, without investing in a dedicated workstation that spends most of its time sitting on a desk. If you’re looking for a device to pair with an eGPU, explore some of the best laptops for graphic design. 

AI and Data Processing

An eGPU can provide the additional compute resources needed for tasks such as running AI models locally, experimenting with machine learning projects, processing large datasets and accelerating data visualisation. For businesses exploring AI without investing in a dedicated workstation, an eGPU can offer a practical middle ground.

Building an eGPU Workstation Through Leasing

However, technology requirements change quickly. 

Your current laptop or a graphics card that’s sufficient today may feel underpowered in two or three years. That’s why many businesses choose leasing over outright purchase. 

Benefits can include:

Key Takeaways

FAQs

Do I need a monitor for an eGPU?

Not always, but it’s highly recommended. Using an external monitor connected directly to the eGPU typically delivers the best performance. 

If you’re using an external monitor, consider:

The Dell UltraSharp 27” 4K Display is a strong choice, offering a sharp 4K panel, USB-C connectivity and plenty of screen space for productivity and creative work. 

How Much Does an eGPU Setup Cost?

The cost of an eGPU setup can vary significantly depending on the hardware you choose. As a rough guide:

  1. eGPU enclosure: £250-500+
  2. Desktop graphics card: £300-£1,500+
  3. Optional monitor: £250-£1,000+

What’s the Alternative to an eGPU Setup?

Building an eGPU setup isn’t the only option. Businesses and creative professionals can invest in a laptop with dedicated graphics or a workstation-class device. While these systems are typically more expensive, they offer powerful performance in a single package without the need for additional hardware. 

Leading workstation options include the Lenovo ThinkPad P Series, HP ZBook Series and Dell Precision Series. 

Not Sure Which Route Is Right for You?

The right graphics solution comes down to your workload, budget and growth plans. At HardSoft, we help UK businesses find the right hardware fit, with flexible leasing options that give you high-performance technology without the upfront cost.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements, or explore our range of laptops and leasing plans. 

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