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AOOSTAR AG01 vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: Comparison
AOOSTAR AG01 vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: the cooling type difference
Cooling type is the dividing line, AOOSTAR AG01 Passive / Open-Air against Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation. Add psu wattage to that, 400 W on the AOOSTAR AG01 versus 580 W on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU, and the pattern holds. They differ on connection standard too, OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG01 versus Thunderbolt 3 on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU. There is a split on extra ports as well, None onboard, GPU's own outputs pass through on the AOOSTAR AG01 versus 2 on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU.
AOOSTAR AG01 vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: which one fits your build
it is the wrong buy for buyers who want laptop charging through the eGPU connection. The same goes for handheld PC and mini PC owners with an OCuLink port looking for the cheapest real GPU upgrade. It is the wrong buy for laptops without an OCuLink port, since there's no Thunderbolt/USB4 fallback on this model. The Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU suits Mac users on Intel-based Macs wanting a first-party-feeling eGPU and editors needing extra Thunderbolt 3 and video-out ports, though it is not built for Apple Silicon Mac owners (eGPU support was dropped) and anyone wanting to upgrade the GPU later. Our rating of the AOOSTAR AG01 (7/10): unbeatable value for OCuLink-equipped mini PCs and handhelds, but strictly for OCuLink hosts only. Our rating of the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU (6.5/10): A clean, quiet, Mac-tailored eGPU that was easy to buy and use, but has been discontinued for years and can't be upgraded.
Which is cheaper, AOOSTAR AG01 or Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU?
The Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU asks 369% more, $699 against $149 for the AOOSTAR AG01.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, AOOSTAR AG01 or Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU?
The Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU asks 369% more, $699 against $149 for the AOOSTAR AG01.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AOOSTAR AG01
- AOOSTAR
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic Design
Connection Standard
- AOOSTAR AG01
- OCuLink
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Thunderbolt 3 (dual ports for daisy-chaining)
Model Number
- AOOSTAR AG01
- AG01
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic eGPU
Extra Ports
- AOOSTAR AG01
- None onboard, GPU's own outputs pass through
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 2
PSU Wattage
- AOOSTAR AG01
- 400 W-31%
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 580 WBest
Cooling Type
- AOOSTAR AG01
- Passive / Open-Air
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation
Price
- AOOSTAR AG01
- Launched at $149
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Launched at $699 (2018), discontinued
Which one should you pick?
Choose AOOSTAR AG01 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU if you want the higher PSU wattage (580 W vs 400 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AOOSTAR AG01 | Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU |
|---|---|---|
| AOOSTAR | $149.00 View on AOOSTAR | |
| Consumercarts listing | $699.00 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
AOOSTAR AG01
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Unbeatable value for OCuLink-equipped mini PCs and handhelds, but strictly for OCuLink hosts only.
Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
6.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet, Mac-tailored eGPU that was easy to buy and use, but has been discontinued for years and can't be upgraded.