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AOOSTAR AG01 vs Razer Core X: Comparison
What is the difference between AOOSTAR AG01 and Razer Core X?
They are built to different briefs, and cooling type shows it, AOOSTAR AG01 Passive / Open-Air against Razer Core X Active Fan. Add psu wattage to that, 400 W on the AOOSTAR AG01 versus 650 W on the Razer Core X, and the pattern holds.
Who each one is for
it is the wrong buy for buyers who want laptop charging through the eGPU connection. It is equally the pick 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 Razer Core X suits shoppers hunting the enclosure on the used/discounted market, though it is not the pick for anyone wanting the fastest Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth available today and Apple Silicon Mac owners needing official eGPU support. The same goes for buyers who want Core X Chroma capacity without paying for RGB lighting. 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 Razer Core X (7.5/10): A no-frills, high-value Thunderbolt 3 enclosure that remains one of the best-regarded budget eGPU boxes even years after launch.
AOOSTAR AG01 vs Razer Core X price
At the last price check the AOOSTAR AG01 was $149 and the Razer Core X $300, a 101% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AOOSTAR AG01 and Razer Core X differ on connection standard?
Yes. Connection Standard reads OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG01 versus Thunderbolt 3 on the Razer Core X.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AOOSTAR AG01
- AOOSTAR
- Razer Core X
- Razer
Connection Standard
- AOOSTAR AG01
- OCuLink
- Razer Core X
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- AOOSTAR AG01
- AG01
- Razer Core X
- Core X
Extra Ports
- AOOSTAR AG01
- None onboard, GPU's own outputs pass through
- Razer Core X
- 4
PSU Wattage
- AOOSTAR AG01
- 400 W-38%
- Razer Core X
- 650 WBest
Cooling Type
- AOOSTAR AG01
- Passive / Open-Air
- Razer Core X
- Active Fan (rear exhaust)
GPU Compatibility
- AOOSTAR AG01
- GTX 10-series through RTX 40-series, TGX hot-swap interface
- Razer Core X
- Most desktop cards up to ~330mm length; no factory-installed GPU
Price
- AOOSTAR AG01
- Launched at $149
- Razer Core X
- Launched at $299.99 (2019)
Which one should you pick?
Choose AOOSTAR AG01 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Razer Core X if you want the higher PSU wattage (650 W vs 400 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AOOSTAR AG01 | Razer Core X |
|---|---|---|
| AOOSTAR | $149.00 View on AOOSTAR | |
| Amazon | $299.99 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
AOOSTAR AG01
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Unbeatable value for OCuLink-equipped mini PCs and handhelds, but strictly for OCuLink hosts only.
Razer Core X
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A no-frills, high-value Thunderbolt 3 enclosure that remains one of the best-regarded budget eGPU boxes even years after launch.