The Razer Blade Stealth is a capable laptop on its own, but if you want to game on it to the maximum potential, you'll need to hook up an eGPU to its Thunderbolt 3 port. And for that, you want to grab a Razer Core X, because it's the perfect companion.
Our pick
Razer Core X
Great hardware and great value
Pairing the Blade Stealth with the Core X is a smart choice, with this little box packing a 650W power supply to handle anything you want to throw inside it.
Who should buy this eGPU?
If you need more than the MX150 GPU in the Blade Stealth, be that for professional applications or gaming, then the Razer Core X is the answer.
Is it a good time to buy this eGPU?
Absolutely! Pricing has been stable for a while, and there's no imminent sign of a replacement model. If you want something with a little added RGB, there's now a Chroma-enabled version for $100 more.
Reasons to buy
- Supports NVIDIA and AMD GPUs
- 650W power supply with 100W to charge the laptop
- Compact size
- Good value
Reasons not to buy
- No additional ports
The perfect partner to the Razer Blade Stealth
The Razer Core was first launched as a companion to the Blade Stealth, adding gaming chops to the company's first true Ultrabook. The Stealth has come on a bit since then, but even so, you can only squeeze so much inside a sleek, 13-inch Ultrabook. And NVIDIA's MX150 GPU is OK, but it's hardly designed for gamers.
The Core X was designed for the Blade Stealth
And that's the key. Razer is a company for gamers, and if you're buying a laptop from them, the chances are you are going to want to game. The Razer Core X makes that a reality, using the magic of Thunderbolt 3 to add the performance of a full desktop GPU.
The Core X sadly doesn't allow you to expand the connectivity of your laptop, but it does have a whopping 650W power supply, 100W of which is reserved to charge the Blade Stealth while in use. It's perhaps overkill, but it has enough overhead to support any modern graphics card at full load with plenty left over.
Alternatives to the Razer Core X
The Razer Core X might be the best choice, but it's not the only one. Here are a couple of alternatives for more specific requirements, including a tighter budget and an eGPU that supplies its own graphics horsepower.
All-in-one
AORUS Gaming Box
An eGPU with an included RTX 2070
If you don't have a spare graphics card to use, the AORUS Gaming Box is your all-in-one solution, with an NVIDIA RTX 2070 8GB embedded within.
This is an excellent choice if you're new to desktop graphics cards and need to not only get an eGPU but something to put inside it. The RTX 2070 alone is around $450, so it's excellent value.
You lose the freedom to upgrade it down the road, but the combination of performance and price here is hard to top.
Budget choice
Sapphire Gearbox
A solid choice from a respected brand
Sapphire is known more for its line of AMD third-party graphics cards, but this affordable box works with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
Despite the price, you still get a 500W power supply to keep both your graphics and laptop powered up while you play. You also get a couple of regular USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet, which is extra nice.
The Gearbox is a tremendous value, but it's a little smaller than some eGPUs, meaning longer graphics cards may not fit inside. It's something to ensure you check before you buy against what you plan to use with it.
Conclusion
When shopping for an eGPU to pair with the Razer Blade Stealth, you need look no further than the Razer Core X. It was designed for this very laptop, so the two not only go together aesthetically, you have ample power to keep both your graphics card and your laptop powered up while you work or play. It's also big enough to fit even longer cards, so whatever you want to put in there, chances are you can.
A good alternative though for folks who simply don't have something they can slot into an eGPU is the AORUS Gaming Box. With this you get everything you need in one compact package. Simply plug it in, load up your favorite games and away you go. You lose the upgradeability you get with the Razer Core X, but it's an excellent place to start if you currently have nothing at all.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Richard Devine Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming.
Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.