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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550: Comparison
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 psu wattage compared
On psu wattage the spread is 16%, Alienware Graphics Amplifier 460 W against Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 550 W, so Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 takes it.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550: which one fits your build
it is not the pick for anyone wanting USB-C laptop charging through the eGPU cable. It is equally the pick for owners of a compatible older Alienware or Dell G-Series laptop with the Amplifier Port. It is the wrong buy for any laptop without the specific Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, since the connector is proprietary. The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 suits budget builds running GTX 10-series or RTX 20-series double-wide cards and buyers who find it discounted versus the newer 650, though it is the wrong buy for RTX 30-series or newer cards that want more PSU headroom and builds needing more than 300mm of card clearance. It also earns its place with Mac users wanting Sonnet's certified eGFX driver support on Thunderbolt 3. Avoid it for anyone who can spend a little more for the Breakaway Box 650's extra 100W. 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 Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 (6/10): A solid early Sonnet box, but the 650 offers more headroom for little extra cost.
Which is cheaper, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550?
Cost splits them too. Alienware Graphics Amplifier sits at $299, Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 at $399, 33% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 differ on max gpu length?
Yes. Max GPU Length reads 290 mm on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 300 mm on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550.
Is the Cooling Type the same on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550?
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
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Sonnet
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- eGFX Breakaway Box 550
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 W-16%
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- 550 WBest
Max GPU Length
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 290 mm-3%
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- 300 mmBest
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Active Fan
GPU Compatibility
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards, dual-slot
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards, double-wide
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Launched around $399 (2017)
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alienware Graphics Amplifier if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 if you want the higher PSU wattage (550 W vs 460 W) and the higher max GPU length (300 mm vs 290 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | $399.00 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
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 550
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid early Sonnet box, but the 650 offers more headroom for little extra cost.
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