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AOOSTAR AG02 vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU: Comparison
What is the difference between AOOSTAR AG02 and Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU?
Cooling type is the dividing line, AOOSTAR AG02 Open-Air against Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation. AOOSTAR AG02 also leads on psu wattage, 800 W on the AOOSTAR AG02 versus 580 W on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU. Connection standard is not the same on both, OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG02 versus Thunderbolt 3 on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU.
Who each one is for
Take the AOOSTAR AG02 for handhelds and mini PCs with a native OCuLink port. Nothing else gives this much bandwidth for the money. The same goes for RTX 4090-class cards, where the 800W supply and open frame remove both the power and thermal limits. Avoid it for anyone who needs the dock to charge the host. OCuLink carries no power at all. Buy the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU for 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 the pick for Apple Silicon Mac owners (eGPU support was dropped) and anyone wanting to upgrade the GPU later. Our rating of the AOOSTAR AG02 (7/10): the fastest eGPU link you can buy for under $200, with a power button that does not work. Buy it for the bandwidth, plan around the defect. 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.
AOOSTAR AG02 vs Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU price
Cost splits them too. AOOSTAR AG02 sits at $200, Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU at $699, 250% more.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AOOSTAR AG02
- AOOSTAR
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic Design
Connection Standard
- AOOSTAR AG02
- OCuLink
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Thunderbolt 3 (dual ports for daisy-chaining)
Model Number
- AOOSTAR AG02
- AG02
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic eGPU
PSU Wattage
- AOOSTAR AG02
- 800 WBest
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 580 W-28%
Cooling Type
- AOOSTAR AG02
- Open-Air
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation
Price
- AOOSTAR AG02
- Under $200
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Launched at $699 (2018), discontinued
Which one should you pick?
Choose AOOSTAR AG02 if you want the higher PSU wattage (800 W vs 580 W).
Choose Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AOOSTAR AG02 | Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $200.00 View on Amazon | |
| 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 AG02
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The fastest eGPU link you can buy for under $200, with a power button that does not work.
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.