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AKiTiO Node vs Razer Core V2: Comparison

AKiTiO Node vs Razer Core V2 host power delivery compared

The gap that matters here is host power delivery: AKiTiO Node 85 W against Razer Core V2 100 W, which puts Razer Core V2 15% ahead.

Which should you buy, AKiTiO Node or Razer Core V2?

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. The same goes 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. it is not built for buyers who want current warranty support from Razer. It is equally the pick for owners of an older Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pro or Blade Stealth wanting a budget used eGPU box. It is the wrong buy for anyone buying new in 2026, since it's long discontinued and Thunderbolt 3 caps bandwidth well below TB5 boxes. 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 Razer Core V2 (6/10): A capable but dated TB3 box. Fine secondhand, not worth seeking out new.

Which is cheaper, AKiTiO Node or Razer Core V2?

They cost within a few percent of each other, $299 versus $300 when we last looked.

Frequently asked questions

Do the AKiTiO Node and Razer Core V2 differ on max gpu length?

Yes. Max GPU Length reads 300 mm on the AKiTiO Node versus 310 mm on the Razer Core V2.

Is the Cooling Type the same on the AKiTiO Node and Razer Core V2?

It is. Both are listed at Active Fan, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan)
AKiTiO

$299.00

B&H Photo

@ B&H Photo ›
Razer Core V2 (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 100W Laptop Charging / Original Full-Size GPU Box, Pre-Chroma)
Razer

$299.99

Amazon

@ Amazon ›

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    AKiTiO Node
    AKiTiO
    Razer Core V2
    Razer
  • Connection Standard

    AKiTiO Node
    Thunderbolt 3
    Razer Core V2
    Thunderbolt 3
  • Model Number

    AKiTiO Node
    Node
    Razer Core V2
    Core V2
  • Extra Ports

    AKiTiO Node
    None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
    Razer Core V2
    4
  • PSU Wattage

    AKiTiO Node
    500 W
    Razer Core V2
    500 W
  • Host Power Delivery

    AKiTiO Node
    85 W-15%
    Razer Core V2
    100 WBest
  • Max GPU Length

    AKiTiO Node
    300 mm-3%
    Razer Core V2
    310 mmBest
  • Cooling Type

    AKiTiO Node
    Active Fan
    Razer Core V2
    Active Fan
  • GPU Compatibility

    AKiTiO Node
    GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
    Razer Core V2
    GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
  • Price

    AKiTiO Node
    Launched around $299 (2017)
    Razer Core V2
    Launched at $299.99 (2017)

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose AKiTiO Node if you want the higher PSU wattage (500 W vs 500 W).

    Choose Razer Core V2 if you want the higher host power delivery (100 W vs 85 W) and the higher max GPU length (310 mm vs 300 mm).

    Price comparison

    RetailerAKiTiO NodeRazer Core V2
    B&H Photo

    $299.00

    View on B&H Photo
    Amazon

    $299.99

    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.

    Razer Core V2

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A capable but dated TB3 box.

    More comparisons in External GPU Enclosures