Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
AOOSTAR AG03 vs OWC Mercury Helios 3: Comparison
What is the difference between AOOSTAR AG03 and OWC Mercury Helios 3?
On psu wattage the spread is 50%, AOOSTAR AG03 800 W against OWC Mercury Helios 3 400 W, so AOOSTAR AG03 takes it. Connection standard is not the same on both, Thunderbolt 5 + OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG03 versus Thunderbolt 3 on the OWC Mercury Helios 3. Gpu compatibility is not the same on both, RTX 4060 up to RTX 4090 on the AOOSTAR AG03 versus GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards on the OWC Mercury Helios 3.
Who each one is for
Take the AOOSTAR AG03 for buyers wanting maximum host-device flexibility across both Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink-equipped systems. It is equally the pick for anyone wanting flagship-tier GPU support (up to RTX 4090) without paying flagship-only pricing. It is the wrong buy for buyers with a single, specific host connection type already decided, a single-standard enclosure specifically optimized for that one standard may be simpler. The OWC Mercury Helios 3 is the one to take for simple, no-frills dual-slot GPU builds under 400W, though it is not the pick for cards that need more than 290mm of clearance and Windows users wanting extra I/O built into the box. It also earns its place with Mac users who find a used unit cheap and just need a bare Thunderbolt 3 enclosure. Avoid it for anyone buying new, since the Mercury Helios FX replaced it with more PSU headroom. Our rating of the AOOSTAR AG03 (10/10): best overall, dual Thunderbolt 5/OCuLink connectivity and an 800W PSU handling up to an RTX 4090, all for under $500. Our rating of the OWC Mercury Helios 3 (6/10): solid basic Mac eGPU box, superseded by the Helios FX which OWC still actively sells.
Which is cheaper, AOOSTAR AG03 or OWC Mercury Helios 3?
Cost splits them too. OWC Mercury Helios 3 sits at $299, AOOSTAR AG03 at $500, 67% more.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AOOSTAR AG03
- AOOSTAR
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- OWC
Connection Standard
- AOOSTAR AG03
- Thunderbolt 5 + OCuLink
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- AOOSTAR AG03
- AG03
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Mercury Helios 3
PSU Wattage
- AOOSTAR AG03
- 800 WBest
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- 400 W-50%
GPU Compatibility
- AOOSTAR AG03
- RTX 4060 up to RTX 4090
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
Price
- AOOSTAR AG03
- Under $500
- OWC Mercury Helios 3
- Launched around $299 (2018)
Which one should you pick?
Choose AOOSTAR AG03 if you want the higher PSU wattage (800 W vs 400 W).
Choose OWC Mercury Helios 3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AOOSTAR AG03 | OWC Mercury Helios 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $500.00 View on Amazon | |
| Consumercarts listing | $299.00 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 AG03
10 / 10 Expert Rating
Best overall, dual Thunderbolt 5/OCuLink connectivity and an 800W PSU handling up to an RTX 4090, all for under $500.
OWC Mercury Helios 3
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Solid basic Mac eGPU box, superseded by the Helios FX which OWC still actively sells.