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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs OWC Mercury Helios 3: Comparison
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs OWC Mercury Helios 3: the psu wattage difference
Psu wattage is where these two genuinely part company, Alienware Graphics Amplifier 460 W against OWC Mercury Helios 3 400 W, a 13% lead for Alienware Graphics Amplifier. There is a split on gpu compatibility as well, GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards,... on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards on the OWC Mercury Helios 3.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs OWC Mercury Helios 3: which one fits your build
it is not the pick for anyone wanting USB-C laptop charging through the eGPU cable. It also earns its place with 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. Buy the OWC Mercury Helios 3 for simple, no-frills dual-slot GPU builds under 400W, though it is not built for cards that need more than 290mm of clearance and Windows users wanting extra I/O built into the box. It is equally the pick for Mac users who find a used unit cheap and just need a bare Thunderbolt 3 enclosure. It is the wrong buy for anyone buying new, since the Mercury Helios FX replaced it with more PSU headroom. 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 Our rating of the OWC Mercury Helios 3 (6/10): solid basic Mac eGPU box, superseded by the Helios FX which OWC still actively sells.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and OWC Mercury Helios 3 differ on connection standard?
Yes. Connection Standard reads Proprietary on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Thunderbolt 3 on the OWC Mercury Helios 3.
Is the Cooling Type the same on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and OWC Mercury Helios 3?
It is. Both are listed at Active Fan, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Alienware
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- OWC
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Mercury Helios 3
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 WBest
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- 400 W-13%
Max GPU Length
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 290 mm
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- 290 mm
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Active Fan
GPU Compatibility
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards, dual-slot
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Launched around $299 (2018)
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alienware Graphics Amplifier if you want the higher PSU wattage (460 W vs 400 W) and the higher max GPU length (290 mm vs 290 mm).
Choose OWC Mercury Helios 3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | OWC Mercury Helios 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | |
| Consumercarts listing | $299.00 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.
OWC Mercury Helios 3
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Solid basic Mac eGPU box, superseded by the Helios FX which OWC still actively sells.