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AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG02: Comparison
AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG02 cooling type compared
They are built to different briefs, and cooling type shows it, AKiTiO Node Active Fan against AOOSTAR AG02 Open-Air. Add psu wattage to that, 500 W on the AKiTiO Node versus 800 W on the AOOSTAR AG02, and the pattern holds.
Which should you buy, AKiTiO Node or AOOSTAR AG02?
The AKiTiO Node suits 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 is equally the pick for 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. Take the AOOSTAR AG02 for handhelds and mini PCs with a native OCuLink port. Nothing else gives this much bandwidth for the money. The same goes for RTX 4090-class cards, where the 800W supply and open frame remove both the power and thermal limits. Avoid it for anyone who needs the dock to charge the host. OCuLink carries no power at all. Our rating of the AKiTiO Node (6/10): A cheap, no-frills TB3 box that's been outclassed by AKiTiO's own Node Titan.
AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG02 price
The AKiTiO Node asks 50% more, $299 against $200 for the AOOSTAR AG02.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AKiTiO Node and AOOSTAR AG02 differ on connection standard?
Yes. Connection Standard reads Thunderbolt 3 on the AKiTiO Node versus OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG02.
Which is cheaper, AKiTiO Node or AOOSTAR AG02?
The AKiTiO Node asks 50% more, $299 against $200 for the AOOSTAR AG02.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AKiTiO Node
- AKiTiO
- AOOSTAR AG02
- AOOSTAR
Connection Standard
- AKiTiO Node
- Thunderbolt 3
- AOOSTAR AG02
- OCuLink
Model Number
- AKiTiO Node
- Node
- AOOSTAR AG02
- AG02
PSU Wattage
- AKiTiO Node
- 500 W-37%
- AOOSTAR AG02
- 800 WBest
Cooling Type
- AKiTiO Node
- Active Fan
- AOOSTAR AG02
- Open-Air
GPU Compatibility
- AKiTiO Node
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
- AOOSTAR AG02
- GTX 10-Series Through RTX 4090
Price
- AKiTiO Node
- Launched around $299 (2017)
- AOOSTAR AG02
- Under $200
Which one should you pick?
Choose AKiTiO Node if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose AOOSTAR AG02 if you want the higher PSU wattage (800 W vs 500 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AKiTiO Node | AOOSTAR AG02 |
|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | $299.00 View on B&H Photo | |
| Amazon | $200.00 View on Amazon |
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 AG02
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The fastest eGPU link you can buy for under $200, with a power button that does not work.