What is an External Graphics Processing Unit (eGPU)?

An external graphics processing unit (eGPU) is a device that allows a laptop or a less powerful computer to connect to a more advanced graphics card outside of its built-in system. This connection boosts the computer’s ability to manage tasks that require heavy graphics processing like video editing, gaming, and 3D rendering.

The eGPU is contained in its own box that includes systems for power supply and cooling. It hooks up to the computer through a fast connection like Thunderbolt 3. By doing this, the eGPU significantly enhances the graphic performance of the computer, making it better suited for high-demand applications without needing to upgrade the internal hardware.

What Does eGPU do?

External Graphics Processing Unit enhances a computer’s graphics processing capabilities. Here’s what it does:

1. Boosts Graphics Performance: By providing additional powerful graphics processing power, an eGPU enhances the ability of a computer to handle demanding tasks like high-resolution video editing, professional-grade graphic design, intensive 3D modeling, and high-settings gaming.
2. Increases Display Capabilities: An eGPU can enable multiple high-resolution displays, improving multitasking and providing better visual experiences.
3. Enhances VR Experiences: For virtual reality applications, an eGPU can provide the necessary graphics horsepower to run VR environments smoothly, which is often beyond the capability of standard laptop GPUs.
4. Facilitates Upgradability: It allows users to upgrade their graphics capabilities without the need to replace the entire system. This is especially beneficial for laptop users or those with compact desktops that can’t internally accommodate powerful graphics cards.
5. Improves Heat Management: Since the eGPU is external, it manages its own heat, which helps keep the main computer cooler. This is particularly advantageous during heavy computational tasks that can cause device overheating.

How does External Graphics Processing Unit Work?

An External Graphics Processing Unit (eGPU) is a device that connects to a computer, usually a laptop, to give it more power to handle graphics-heavy tasks like gaming or video editing. It works by using a high-speed connection such as Thunderbolt 3, which allows data to travel quickly between the computer and the eGPU. Inside the eGPU is a powerful graphics card, similar to those found in high-end desktop computers. This setup allows the laptop to use the powerful graphics card in the eGPU instead of its own less powerful one. This way, the laptop can display better graphics and handle more demanding software without upgrading its internal components.

Advantages of using an External GPU

Using an external GPU (eGPU) offers several advantages, especially for users with laptops or compact desktops that have limited internal upgrade options. Here are some key benefits:

1. Enhanced Graphics Performance: An eGPU boosts your computer’s ability to handle graphic-intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and virtual reality applications. This is particularly beneficial for laptops that typically come with less powerful graphics capabilities.

2. Portability: While eGPUs add some bulk, they still allow users to maintain a degree of portability. You can use a lightweight laptop for day-to-day tasks and connect to an eGPU for high-performance tasks when needed.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of purchasing a new high-end laptop or desktop with powerful graphics capabilities, you can upgrade an existing system with an eGPU, which can be a more cost-effective solution.

4. Flexibility and Upgradability: With an eGPU, you can upgrade just the graphics card within the enclosure as newer and more powerful GPUs become available. This is much simpler than upgrading the GPU inside a laptop or a compact desktop.

5. Improved Heat Management: By offloading heavy graphics processing to the eGPU, you can reduce the thermal load on your primary computer. This can lead to better overall system performance and longevity by minimizing heat-related wear and stress on internal components.

6. Multi-Display Support: eGPUs often support multiple monitors, which can enhance productivity and provide better multitasking capabilities.

7. Ease of Installation: Connecting an eGPU is usually straightforward, involving plugging the unit into a compatible port on your computer. This simplicity makes it accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an External Graphics Processing Unit (eGPU) is a versatile and powerful tool that significantly enhances a computer’s graphics capabilities. Ideal for tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling, eGPUs offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for boosting performance.

They are particularly useful for laptop users who need desktop-level graphics power in a portable and upgradable form. With easy installation and the ability to handle multiple displays, eGPUs are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their computer’s performance and extend its usability without a full hardware upgrade.

What is an External Graphics Processing Unit (eGPU)? – FAQs

Can I use multiple External GPUs?

In some cases, you can use multiple external GPUs with compatible systems. This setup, known as multi-GPU or SLI/Crossfire, allows you to combine the processing power of multiple graphics cards for even better performance. However, not all systems support this feature, and it requires additional configuration and compatibility checks.

Can any computer use an External GPU?

Not all computers are compatible with external GPUs. To use an eGPU, your computer needs to have a Thunderbolt™ 3 or universal serial bus type-C (USB-C) port with support for external graphics. Additionally, the operating system should have driver support for external GPUs. It’s essential to check your computer’s specifications and compatibility before investing in an eGPU.

What is graphics processing unit GPU in computer?

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is an electronic circuit that can perform mathematical calculations at high speed. Computing tasks like graphics rendering, machine learning (ML), and video editing require the application of similar mathematical operations on a large dataset.

What are the disadvantages of eGPU?

eGPUs can be expensive and may not be cost-effective for some users. Additionally, eGPUs require a compatible Thunderbolt or USB-C port, which may not be available on all computers. Compatibility: Not all computers are compatible with eGPUs and some may require additional software or drivers to work.