Razer Revives Its eGPU Line With a Thunderbolt 5 Dock
Razer has unveiled the latest addition to its Core series of external graphics enclosures, the Razer Core X V2. Designed to enhance the gaming capabilities of laptops and handheld devices, this new eGPU supports modern GPUs from NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon. The standout feature is its Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, which Razer claims offers double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4. While this is a significant improvement, Thunderbolt 5 still falls short of the full bandwidth provided by a desktop PCIe connection, roughly matching 8 lanes of PCIe Gen 3. Priced at $350, the Core X V2 is set to launch soon, though an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed.
The Razer Core X V2 is part of the company’s long-standing eGPU lineup, which began with the original Core in 2016, followed by the Core X in 2018 and the RGB-equipped Core X Chroma in 2019. The introduction of Thunderbolt 5 has reignited interest in external GPU solutions, as the increased bandwidth allows for better performance compared to previous generations.
This renewed focus on eGPUs isn’t limited to Razer. ASUS also showcased its own Thunderbolt 5-powered eGPU at CES 2025, signaling a potential resurgence in the market. For gamers and creators looking to boost their portable setups, these enclosures offer a way to leverage high-end graphics cards without needing a full desktop rig.
While eGPUs have historically faced limitations due to bandwidth constraints, Thunderbolt 5 helps bridge the gap, making them a more viable option for demanding applications. The Razer Core X V2 could be a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between portability and performance.
