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AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG03: Comparison
AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG03 psu wattage compared
The gap that matters here is psu wattage: AKiTiO Node 500 W against AOOSTAR AG03 800 W, which puts AOOSTAR AG03 38% ahead. Connection standard is not the same on both, Thunderbolt 3 on the AKiTiO Node versus Thunderbolt 5 + OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG03. They differ on gpu compatibility too, GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards on the AKiTiO Node versus RTX 4060 up to RTX 4090 on the AOOSTAR AG03.
AKiTiO Node vs AOOSTAR AG03: which one fits your build
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 the pick 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 AG03 for buyers wanting maximum host-device flexibility across both Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink-equipped systems. It also earns its place with anyone wanting flagship-tier GPU support (up to RTX 4090) without paying flagship-only pricing. It is the wrong buy for buyers with a single, specific host connection type already decided, a single-standard enclosure specifically optimized for that one standard may be simpler. 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 AG03 (10/10): best overall, dual Thunderbolt 5/OCuLink connectivity and an 800W PSU handling up to an RTX 4090, all for under $500.
Which is cheaper, AKiTiO Node or AOOSTAR AG03?
At the last price check the AKiTiO Node was $299 and the AOOSTAR AG03 $500, a 67% premium.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AKiTiO Node
- AKiTiO
- AOOSTAR AG03
- AOOSTAR
Connection Standard
- AKiTiO Node
- Thunderbolt 3
- AOOSTAR AG03
- Thunderbolt 5 + OCuLink
Model Number
- AKiTiO Node
- Node
- AOOSTAR AG03
- AG03
PSU Wattage
- AKiTiO Node
- 500 W-37%
- AOOSTAR AG03
- 800 WBest
GPU Compatibility
- AKiTiO Node
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
- AOOSTAR AG03
- RTX 4060 up to RTX 4090
Price
- AKiTiO Node
- Launched around $299 (2017)
- AOOSTAR AG03
- Under $500
Which one should you pick?
Choose AKiTiO Node if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose AOOSTAR AG03 if you want the higher PSU wattage (800 W vs 500 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AKiTiO Node | AOOSTAR AG03 |
|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | $299.00 View on B&H Photo | |
| Amazon | $500.00 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 AG03
10 / 10 Expert Rating
Best overall, dual Thunderbolt 5/OCuLink connectivity and an 800W PSU handling up to an RTX 4090, all for under $500.