External GPU Dock Inquiry?

[PCDesignerR]

Ok so the desktop architecture external docks for graphics cards seem to be growing in popularity. I have a few questions that might help others who read this as well.

1). How does an external GPU dock connect to the desktop? I've seen some articles name PCIe.
2). If you have an internal GPU and an external dock and GPU, do the two cards work together, and if so, do they work the same way that an SLI or CrossFire setup would?
3. Assuming you CAN use both an internal and external card, do the cards have to be two of the same or can they be different cards?
4.) I feel like there must be some loss in using these versus directly connecting a card to the board. If this is the case how significant is the signal/data loss? Enough for this to not be worth using?
5.) Are the docks universal in that they can basically accommodate any card in the desktop PC flavor?
6). With an internal connected Asus Strix GTX 1080Ti would I see any gain from using an external dock? (On an MSI Gaming9 ACK board and Ax1200i PSU).

Thanks!

 

[tejayd]

Most external GPU'S are meant for laptops or maybe a nuc with thunderbolt 3. They had them before, but with thunderbolt 3 you can actually get some performance out of them. That's why they are becoming more popular

No SLI/crossfire

They could be different cards. But no point in it.

They are definitely slower than they would be in your pc. I believe usually around 30% slower.

The docks should say what cards they support. Usually just the more modern cards. But I wouldn't be surprised if some others worked.

 

[PCDesignerR]

Yeah I kind of figured I'd get these results. I have an Asus Strix GTX 1080Ti in my "microwave" build. It kinda just laughs away the idea of any external assistance.

 

[jojesa]

1. Thunderbolt 3 /Thunderbolt 3 over a compatible USB-C port. If you have a desktop, you might not need eGPU/EGFX, since those are geared toward laptop users that don't have a way to fit a full fledged GPU into their system.

2.They could work independently but not as SLI or CrossFire setup would.

3. For the reasoning above they do not need to be the same.

4. Thunderbolt 3 over a compatible USB-C could have speeds up to 40GBps over a compatible USB-C port...so it is worth it, specially if you don't have another alternative.

5. Some are universal if your device has what it takes, some others like Dell Alienware use a proprietary connection on their eGPU/eGFX dock. You should look at the specs to see GPU size, PSU requirements, connections, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Corwin65]

Some of them also work by removing your laptop's wifi card, and connecting there.

You then have a cable that connects to the dock running under your laptop or cut a hole to run it through.

You also need a power supply to power the card.

 

[jojesa]

Some of them also work by removing your laptop's wifi card, and connecting there.

You then have a cable that connects to the dock running under your laptop or cut a hole to run it through.

You also need a power supply to power the card.

Of course that will void your manufacturer's warranty

 

[PCDesignerR]

Well I don't have a laptop, or a manufacturer's warranty. I am the master of my own machine lol I have a custom built desktop PC. I don't think one of these docks is suited for someone at me level.