@General_Kramar, M.2 connection is still better due to higher bandwidth and no Thunderbolt encoding/decoding.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2020 14" MSI Prestige 14 EVO [11th,4C,G] + RTX 3080 @ 32Gbps-TB4 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Win10 2004 [build link]
@General_Kramar, M.2 connection is still better due to higher bandwidth and no Thunderbolt encoding/decoding.
Yeah, the only downside is no laptops actually designed in a way which allow us to connect an M.2 eGPU without modifying the chassis (and void the warrenty) or opening the lid.
eGPU newbie
Expected setup:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
Gigabyte AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box
Is there any difference between Icelake and Tigerlake using TB3 enclosures? Hope we see TB4 enclosures soon
To do: Create my signature with system and expected eGPU configuration information to give context to my posts. I have no builds.
.@ritterbutzke, Regarding Thunderbolt 3 connection, both Ice Lake and Tiger Lake should perform similarly. The CPU TDP for each laptop would be a more significant factor.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2020 14" MSI Prestige 14 EVO [11th,4C,G] + RTX 3080 @ 32Gbps-TB4 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Win10 2004 [build link]
@itsage, I noticed that in the thunderbolt control center picture it says 'Thunderbolt 3". Is there a reason for that? I have a the same specs as you in a different laptop but mine says Thunderbolt 4
@ryan_zeelie, I believe the Thunderbolt Control Center on my unit was older so it didn't show the correct Thunderbolt 4 version.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2020 14" MSI Prestige 14 EVO [11th,4C,G] + RTX 3080 @ 32Gbps-TB4 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Win10 2004 [build link]