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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis: Comparison
What is the difference between Alienware Graphics Amplifier and StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe?
The gap that matters here is psu wattage: Alienware Graphics Amplifier 460 W against StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe 6 W, which puts Alienware Graphics Amplifier 99% ahead. Extra ports runs the same way, 4 on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 1 on the StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe, another win for Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
Which should you buy, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe?
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 not the one for any laptop without the specific Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, since the connector is proprietary. The StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe is the one to take for DIY builders wanting a compact bare Thunderbolt 3 PCIe enclosure and users pairing the box with lower-power single or dual-slot cards, though it is the wrong buy for anyone wanting to run a high-wattage flagship GPU and buyers wanting the newest USB4/Thunderbolt 4 chipset bandwidth. It is the wrong buy for laptop users who want the enclosure to also charge their machine. 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.
Which is cheaper, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe?
The StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe asks 10% more, $330 against $299 for the Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alienware Graphics Amplifier and StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe differ on cooling type?
Yes. Cooling Type reads Active Fan on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Passive chassis venting; relies on the installed card's own... on the StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe.
Which is cheaper, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe?
The StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe asks 10% more, $330 against $299 for the Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Alienware
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- StarTech.com
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- TB31PCIEX16
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4Best
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- 1-75%
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 WBest
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- 6 W-99%
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- Passive chassis venting; relies on the installed card's own cooler
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
- Launched around $329.99
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alienware Graphics Amplifier if you want the higher extra ports (4 vs 1) and the higher PSU wattage (460 W vs 6 W).
Choose StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | |
| Consumercarts listing | $329.99 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.
StarTech.com StarTech Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
5.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A capable, inexpensive DIY PCIe expansion box, but its limited power delivery and lack of laptop charging make it a compromise pick next to purpose-built gaming eGPU enclosures.