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AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG01: Comparison
What is the difference between AKiTiO Node and AOOSTAR AG01?
The first real difference is cooling type: AKiTiO Node Active Fan against AOOSTAR AG01 Passive / Open-Air. Psu wattage runs the same way, 500 W on the AKiTiO Node versus 400 W on the AOOSTAR AG01, another win for AKiTiO Node.
Which should you buy, AKiTiO Node or AOOSTAR AG01?
The AKiTiO Node is the one to take for budget buyers running GTX 10-series or RTX 20-series dual-slot cards and anyone wanting the smallest, cheapest AKiTiO enclosure, though it is not built for cards drawing near or above the 500W ceiling and anyone wanting current Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4 bandwidth. It also earns its place with simple builds that don't need USB hub or Ethernet ports on the box. It is not the one for buyers who could instead get the Node Titan's 650W PSU for a modest premium. it is not the pick for buyers who want laptop charging through the eGPU connection. The same goes for handheld PC and mini PC owners with an OCuLink port looking for the cheapest real GPU upgrade. It is the wrong buy for laptops without an OCuLink port, since there's no Thunderbolt/USB4 fallback on this model. Our rating of the AKiTiO Node (6/10): A cheap, no-frills TB3 box that's been outclassed by AKiTiO's own Node Titan. Our rating of the AOOSTAR AG01 (7/10): unbeatable value for OCuLink-equipped mini PCs and handhelds, but strictly for OCuLink hosts only.
Which is cheaper, AKiTiO Node or AOOSTAR AG01?
The AKiTiO Node asks 101% more, $299 against $149 for the AOOSTAR AG01.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AKiTiO Node and AOOSTAR AG01 differ on connection standard?
Yes. Connection Standard reads Thunderbolt 3 on the AKiTiO Node versus OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG01.
Which is cheaper, AKiTiO Node or AOOSTAR AG01?
The AKiTiO Node asks 101% more, $299 against $149 for the AOOSTAR AG01.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AKiTiO Node
- AKiTiO
- AOOSTAR AG01
- AOOSTAR
Connection Standard
- AKiTiO Node
- Thunderbolt 3
- AOOSTAR AG01
- OCuLink
Model Number
- AKiTiO Node
- Node
- AOOSTAR AG01
- AG01
Extra Ports
- AKiTiO Node
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
- AOOSTAR AG01
- None onboard, GPU's own outputs pass through
PSU Wattage
- AKiTiO Node
- 500 WBest
- AOOSTAR AG01
- 400 W-20%
Cooling Type
- AKiTiO Node
- Active Fan
- AOOSTAR AG01
- Passive / Open-Air
GPU Compatibility
- AKiTiO Node
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
- AOOSTAR AG01
- GTX 10-series through RTX 40-series, TGX hot-swap interface
Price
- AKiTiO Node
- Launched around $299 (2017)
- AOOSTAR AG01
- Launched at $149
Which one should you pick?
Choose AKiTiO Node if you want the higher PSU wattage (500 W vs 400 W).
Choose AOOSTAR AG01 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AKiTiO Node | AOOSTAR AG01 |
|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | $299.00 View on B&H Photo | |
| AOOSTAR | $149.00 View on AOOSTAR |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AKiTiO Node
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A cheap, no-frills TB3 box that's been outclassed by AKiTiO's own Node Titan.
AOOSTAR AG01
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Unbeatable value for OCuLink-equipped mini PCs and handhelds, but strictly for OCuLink hosts only.