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AKiTiO Node vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: Comparison
AKiTiO Node vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU cooling type compared
They are built to different briefs, and cooling type shows it, AKiTiO Node Active Fan against Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation. Psu wattage runs the same way, 500 W on the AKiTiO Node versus 580 W on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU, another win for Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU.
Who each one is for
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 the wrong buy 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. Avoid it for buyers who could instead get the Node Titan's 650W PSU for a modest premium. Buy the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU for Mac users on Intel-based Macs wanting a first-party-feeling eGPU and editors needing extra Thunderbolt 3 and video-out ports, though it is not the pick for Apple Silicon Mac owners (eGPU support was dropped) and anyone wanting to upgrade the GPU later. 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 Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU price
Cost splits them too. AKiTiO Node sits at $299, Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU at $699, 134% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AKiTiO Node and Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU differ on extra ports?
Yes. Extra Ports reads None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs on the AKiTiO Node versus 2 on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU.
Is the Host Power Delivery the same on the AKiTiO Node and Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU?
It is. Both are listed at 85 W, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AKiTiO Node
- AKiTiO
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic Design
Connection Standard
- AKiTiO Node
- Thunderbolt 3
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Thunderbolt 3 (dual ports for daisy-chaining)
Model Number
- AKiTiO Node
- Node
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic eGPU
Extra Ports
- AKiTiO Node
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 2
PSU Wattage
- AKiTiO Node
- 500 W-14%
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 580 WBest
Host Power Delivery
- AKiTiO Node
- 85 W
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 85 W
Cooling Type
- AKiTiO Node
- Active Fan
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation
Price
- AKiTiO Node
- Launched around $299 (2017)
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Launched at $699 (2018), discontinued
Which one should you pick?
Choose AKiTiO Node if you want the higher host power delivery (85 W vs 85 W).
Choose Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU if you want the higher PSU wattage (580 W vs 500 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AKiTiO Node | Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU |
|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | $299.00 View on B&H Photo | |
| Consumercarts listing | $699.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
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.
Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
6.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet, Mac-tailored eGPU that was easy to buy and use, but has been discontinued for years and can't be upgraded.