Comparison between Razer Core X V2 and Razer Core X V1: The Top Desired eGPU in 2025
Razer Core X V2: A Leap Forward in External GPU Technology
Razer, a leading name in gaming hardware, has unveiled its latest eGPU – the Razer Core X V2. This new device promises enhanced performance and compatibility with modern GPUs and laptops, thanks to its Thunderbolt 5 support and PCIe 4.0 x4 capabilities.
One key difference between the Core X V2 and its predecessor, the Core X V1, lies in the power supply. The V2 does not include a built-in power supply unit (PSU), making it lighter but requiring an external power solution. Razer recommends adding at least 230W of power to the PSU, in addition to the power required to run the graphics card.
The Core X V2's Thunderbolt 5 connection doubles the bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt 4, providing a significant boost in performance potential. This upgrade also allows the V2 to support 4-slot, full-length GPUs, an improvement over the V1's 3-slot limit.
In terms of connectivity, the Core X V2 offers Thunderbolt 5 with up to 80Gb/s (up to 120Gb/s with Bandwidth Boost), which is a substantial improvement over the Thunderbolt 3 (and Thunderbolt 4) connection of the V1.
Other features of the Core X V2 remain consistent with the V1, such as its support for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. However, the Core X V1 models, including the Core X Chroma, are no longer available new, although there is a used market for them.
The Core X V2 is expected to be available for purchase for $350 in the near future. While it is more expensive than its predecessors, it offers significantly improved performance and compatibility, making it the logical choice for modern GPUs and laptops with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4.
It's worth noting that the Core X V2 does not include additional USB or Ethernet ports, unlike its predecessors which offered five USB-A and Gigabit Ethernet connections. Furthermore, the Core X V2 is not yet available with Chroma lighting, unlike some other Razer products.
Despite these differences, the Core X V2 adopts a more modern design, appearing boxier compared to its predecessors.
In summary, the Core X V2 offers significantly improved connectivity through Thunderbolt 5 with double the bandwidth, enabling better performance and support for larger, more powerful GPUs. However, it omits the built-in power supply found in the V1, making it lighter but necessitating external power setup.
For a comprehensive list of GPU compatibility, Razer provides a chart specifically for the Core X V2. Potential buyers are advised to consult this chart before making a purchase.
[1] For more detailed technical specifications and comparisons, please refer to the table below.
| Aspect | Razer Core X V1 | Razer Core X V2 | |---------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Connectivity | Thunderbolt 3 (and Thunderbolt 4) | Thunderbolt 5 with up to 80Gb/s (up to 120Gb/s with Bandwidth Boost), doubling the bandwidth over TB4 | | Performance Potential | PCIe 3.0 x4 via Thunderbolt 3 limits bandwidth | Supports PCIe 4.0 x4 with Thunderbolt 5, providing more than enough bandwidth for top GPUs | | GPU Size Support | Up to 3-slot wide cards | Supports larger 4-slot wide GPUs at full length, accommodating newer, bigger graphics cards | | Power Supply | Included PSU: 650W (Core X), 700W (Core X Chroma) | No built-in PSU, reducing weight but requiring external PSU or separate power solution | | Design & Weight | Heavier due to integrated PSU | Lighter design without PSU |
- Razer's latest offering in gaming hardware, the Razer Core X V2, is an external GPU promising enhanced performance and compatibility with modern GPUs and laptops through its Thunderbolt 5 support and PCIe 4.0 x4 capabilities.
- The Razer Core X V2's power supply, unlike its predecessor, does not include a built-in power supply unit (PSU), contributing to a lighter design but necessitating an external power solution.
- The Core X V2's Thunderbolt 5 connection doubles the bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt 4, providing a significant boost in performance potential and enabling support for 4-slot, full-length GPUs.
- Razer recommends adding at least 230W of power to the PSU, in addition to the power required to run the graphics card, when using the Core X V2.
- The Core X V2 supports NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, just like its predecessor, and is expected to be available for purchase for $350.
- In terms of shopping for gadgets and technology-related items, interested buyers should consult Razer's chart for a comprehensive list of GPU compatibility with the Core X V2.
- While the Core X V2 omits the built-in power supply found in the V1, it adopts a more modern design, appearing boxier and lighter compared to its predecessors.
- This newer design and improved performance make the Core X V2 the logical choice for modern GPUs and laptops with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4, in the realm of home-and-garden, lifestyle, and data-and-cloud-computing, particularly in the gaming and sports sectors.
