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AKiTiO Node vs PowerColor Gaming Station: Comparison
AKiTiO Node vs PowerColor Gaming Station host power delivery compared
On host power delivery the spread is 29%, AKiTiO Node 85 W against PowerColor Gaming Station 60 W, so AKiTiO Node takes it.
AKiTiO Node vs PowerColor Gaming Station: which one fits your build
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. Avoid it for buyers who could instead get the Node Titan's 650W PSU for a modest premium. The PowerColor Gaming Station suits buyers who find remaining new-old-stock at a discount and anyone wanting a plain, RGB-free eGPU box with decent I/O, though it is not the pick for anyone wanting Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4 bandwidth and buyers who need more than 60W of laptop charging. It is not the one for cards drawing near or above 375W, which push past its comfortable PSU headroom. 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 PowerColor Gaming Station (6/10): competent Thunderbolt 3 box from a GPU maker, but discontinued and outpaced by newer standards.
Which is cheaper, AKiTiO Node or PowerColor Gaming Station?
Cost splits them too. AKiTiO Node sits at $299, PowerColor Gaming Station at $329, 10% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AKiTiO Node and PowerColor Gaming Station differ on max gpu length?
Yes. Max GPU Length reads 300 mm on the AKiTiO Node versus 310 mm on the PowerColor Gaming Station.
Is the Cooling Type the same on the AKiTiO Node and PowerColor Gaming Station?
It is. Both are listed at Active Fan, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AKiTiO Node
- AKiTiO
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- PowerColor
Connection Standard
- AKiTiO Node
- Thunderbolt 3
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- AKiTiO Node
- Node
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- Gaming Station
Extra Ports
- AKiTiO Node
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- 1
PSU Wattage
- AKiTiO Node
- 500 W
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- 500 W
Host Power Delivery
- AKiTiO Node
- 85 WBest
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- 60 W-29%
Max GPU Length
- AKiTiO Node
- 300 mm-3%
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- 310 mmBest
Cooling Type
- AKiTiO Node
- Active Fan
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- Active Fan
GPU Compatibility
- AKiTiO Node
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- AMD Radeon and NVIDIA cards up to RTX 20-series / RX 6000-series, dual-slot
Price
- AKiTiO Node
- Launched around $299 (2017)
- PowerColor Gaming Station
- Launched around $329 (2018)
Which one should you pick?
Choose AKiTiO Node if you want the higher PSU wattage (500 W vs 500 W) and the higher host power delivery (85 W vs 60 W).
Choose PowerColor Gaming Station if you want the higher max GPU length (310 mm vs 300 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AKiTiO Node | PowerColor Gaming Station |
|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | $299.00 View on B&H Photo | |
| Amazon | $329.00 View on Amazon | |
| PowerColor | View on PowerColor |
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.
PowerColor Gaming Station
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Competent Thunderbolt 3 box from a GPU maker, but discontinued and outpaced by newer standards.