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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: Comparison
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU extra ports compared
Start with extra ports, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Alienware Graphics Amplifier 4 against Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU 2, 50% in favour of Alienware Graphics Amplifier. There is a split on cooling type as well, Active Fan on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU. Add psu wattage to that, 460 W on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 580 W on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU, and the pattern holds. Connection standard is not the same on both, Proprietary on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Thunderbolt 3 on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: which one fits your build
it is not the pick for anyone wanting USB-C laptop charging through the eGPU cable. The same goes for owners of a compatible older Alienware or Dell G-Series laptop with the Amplifier Port. Avoid it for any laptop without the specific Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, since the connector is proprietary. The Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU suits 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 built for Apple Silicon Mac owners (eGPU support was dropped) and anyone wanting to upgrade the GPU later. Our rating of the Alienware Graphics Amplifier (6/10): strong bandwidth for its era, but locked to a short list of older Alienware and Dell G-Series laptops. Our rating of the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU (6.5/10): A clean, quiet, Mac-tailored eGPU that was easy to buy and use, but has been discontinued for years and can't be upgraded.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU price
Cost splits them too. Alienware Graphics Amplifier sits at $299, Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU at $699, 134% more.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Alienware
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic Design
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Thunderbolt 3 (dual ports for daisy-chaining)
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic eGPU
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4Best
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 2-50%
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 W-21%
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 580 WBest
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Launched at $699 (2018), discontinued
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alienware Graphics Amplifier if you want the higher extra ports (4 vs 2).
Choose Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU if you want the higher PSU wattage (580 W vs 460 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | |
| 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
Alienware Graphics Amplifier
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Strong bandwidth for its era, but locked to a short list of older Alienware and Dell G-Series laptops.
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.