ultimateimp – Razer has re-entered the external GPU market with the announcement of its new Razer Core X V2. This latest addition to the Core line supports modern GPUs from both NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon. It marks Razer’s first new eGPU since the Core X Chroma launched in 2019.
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The Core X V2 connects to host devices using a single Thunderbolt 5 cable. According to Razer, Thunderbolt 5 delivers up to twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4. This enhancement renews interest in external graphics enclosures, which had seen slowed adoption due to previous bandwidth limitations. While Thunderbolt 5 offers better performance, it still falls short of matching a modern desktop PCIe interface. Technically, its speed aligns with the equivalent of eight lanes of PCIe Gen 3. That means performance gains are real, but they will not match the throughput of a full desktop GPU setup.
The Core X V2 is not available for purchase yet. However, Razer has confirmed a retail price of $350 and says it will be released “soon.” This positions it as a premium yet competitive option for gamers and professionals looking to enhance graphics performance without investing in a full desktop system. An external GPU like the Core X V2 can boost the visual power of laptops or handheld devices. It allows users to tap into desktop-class GPU performance for gaming, content creation, or AI workloads.
Thunderbolt 5 Brings New Life to eGPU Solutions
The introduction of Thunderbolt 5 has sparked renewed interest in the eGPU category. With its higher bandwidth, users can now get more out of external enclosures like the Razer Core X V2. Razer first entered the eGPU market in 2016 with the original Core, launched alongside the Blade Stealth laptop. The Core X followed in 2018, offering a more affordable and versatile option. The Core X Chroma arrived in 2019, adding RGB lighting and USB passthrough ports.
It drops the Chroma lighting in favor of a sleeker, more functional design. The move reflects changing user needs, with many now prioritizing raw GPU support over aesthetic features. Razer’s announcement comes as other manufacturers also revisit the eGPU space. ASUS unveiled a new Thunderbolt 5-based eGPU at CES 2025, indicating a growing market trend. As Thunderbolt 5 ports become more common in laptops and mobile devices, demand for compatible enclosures is expected to rise.
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The Core X V2 may appeal to gamers, streamers, and professionals who need more power but prefer portable or compact systems. Razer is betting that improved connectivity and continued interest in flexible setups will drive adoption. With its legacy in gaming hardware and a reputation for high-quality design, Razer is well-positioned to lead the next wave of eGPU innovation. The launch of the Core X V2 could mark a key turning point as external GPUs gain traction once again.
