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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650: Comparison
What is the difference between Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650?
Start with psu wattage, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Alienware Graphics Amplifier 460 W against Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650 650 W, 29% in favour of Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650. They differ on gpu compatibility too, GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards,... on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus GTX 10-series through RTX 30-series and equivalent AMD cards,... on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650.
Which should you buy, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650?
it is not built 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 650 is the one to take for RTX 3060/3070-class double-wide card builds on Thunderbolt 3. The same goes for Mac users wanting official Apple eGPU certification on a mid-tier budget. It is not the one for RTX 3080 Ti/3090 or RTX 40-series cards that want 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 Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650 (7/10): the right-sized Sonnet box for mid-range Thunderbolt 3 cards, officially Mac-certified.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650 price
At the last price check the Alienware Graphics Amplifier was $299 and the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650 $449, a 50% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650 differ on max gpu length?
Yes. Max GPU Length reads 290 mm on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 310 mm on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650.
Is the Cooling Type the same on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650?
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 650
- Sonnet
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- eGFX Breakaway Box 650
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 W-29%
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- 650 WBest
Max GPU Length
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 290 mm-6%
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- 310 mmBest
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- Active Fan
GPU Compatibility
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards, dual-slot
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- GTX 10-series through RTX 30-series and equivalent AMD cards, double-wide
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650
- Launched around $449 (2018)
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 650 if you want the higher PSU wattage (650 W vs 460 W) and the higher max GPU length (310 mm vs 290 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | $449.00 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 650
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The right-sized Sonnet box for mid-range Thunderbolt 3 cards, officially Mac-certified.