1. What Is a DIY eGPU? An external GPU (eGPU) lets you connect a desktop graphics card to a laptop or small-form-factor PC to boost graphics performance for gaming, rendering, or AI workloads. A DIY approach saves money compared to pre-built solutions like the Razer Core X. 2. Core Components | Component | Purpose | Example | |-----------|---------|---------| | GPU | The graphics card itself | RTX 3060 / RX 6600 | | eGPU Dock / Adapter | Converts interface to PCIe | EXP GDC Beast, ADT-Link R43SG | | Power Supply (PSU) | Powers the GPU | 400W+ ATX or DC power brick | | Connection Interface | Laptop to dock | M.2 (best), ExpressCard, Thunderbolt 3/4 | | Riser Cable (optional) | Flexible PCIe extension | PCIe 3.0 x4 or x16 | 3. Choosing Your Connection Interface (Critical) | Interface | Bandwidth | Ease of Use | Performance Hit | |-----------|-----------|-------------|------------------| | M.2 NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x4) | ~32 Gbps | Medium (needs open laptop) | ~5-10% loss | | M.2 NVMe (PCIe 4.0 x4) | ~64 Gbps | Medium | ~0-5% loss | | ExpressCard | ~5 Gbps | Easy | ~20-30% loss | | Thunderbolt 3/4 | ~22 Gbps (PCIe tunneled) | Easiest (hot-plug) | ~15-20% loss | | Mini PCIe | ~8 Gbps | Medium (old laptops) | ~15-25% loss |