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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350: Comparison
What is the difference between Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350?
They are built to different briefs, and cooling type shows it, Alienware Graphics Amplifier Active Fan against Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350 Active, ultra-low-noise Noctua fan. Add max gpu length to that, 290 mm on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 220 mm on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350, and the pattern holds. Add psu wattage to that, 460 W on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 350 W on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350, and the pattern holds.
Which should you buy, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350?
it is the wrong buy 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 Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350 for buyers who specifically want a quieter Noctua-fan enclosure and compact desk setups where a full double-wide box is overkill, though it is not built for buyers wanting real laptop charging power (only 15W here) and anyone chasing high frame rates on a modern RTX card. The same goes for video editors running single-slot acceleration cards for Avid HDX or similar workflows. It is not the one for any double-wide gaming GPU, since the chassis physically won't fit one. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350 differ on connection standard?
Yes. Connection Standard reads Proprietary on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Thunderbolt 3 on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Alienware
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- Sonnet
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- eGFX Breakaway Box 350
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 WBest
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- 350 W-24%
Max GPU Length
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 290 mmBest
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- 220 mm-24%
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- Active, ultra-low-noise Noctua fan
GPU Compatibility
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards, dual-slot
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- Single-slot cards, GTX 1050 Ti to mid-range single-slot workstation and gaming cards
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
- Launched around $299 (2017)
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alienware Graphics Amplifier if you want the higher PSU wattage (460 W vs 350 W) and the higher max GPU length (290 mm vs 220 mm).
Choose Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | |
| Full Compass | $299.00 View on Full Compass |
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.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A niche but well-executed pick for single-slot cards and quiet operation, not for gaming-class GPUs.