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Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550: Comparison
Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550: the cooling type difference
Cooling type is the dividing line, Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation against Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 Active Fan.
Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550: which one fits your build
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 the pick for Apple Silicon Mac owners (eGPU support was dropped) and anyone wanting to upgrade the GPU later. Buy the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 for budget builds running GTX 10-series or RTX 20-series double-wide cards and buyers who find it discounted versus the newer 650, though it is the wrong buy for RTX 30-series or newer cards that want more PSU headroom and builds needing more than 300mm of card clearance. It also earns its place with Mac users wanting Sonnet's certified eGFX driver support on Thunderbolt 3. It is not the one for anyone who can spend a little more for the Breakaway Box 650's extra 100W. 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. Our rating of the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 (6/10): A solid early Sonnet box, but the 650 offers more headroom for little extra cost.
Which is cheaper, Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU or Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550?
The Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU asks 75% more, $699 against $399 for the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 differ on psu wattage?
Yes. PSU Wattage reads 580 W on the Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU versus 550 W on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic Design
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Sonnet
Connection Standard
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Thunderbolt 3 (dual ports for daisy-chaining)
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Blackmagic eGPU
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- eGFX Breakaway Box 550
Extra Ports
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 2
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
PSU Wattage
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 580 WBest
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- 550 W-5%
Host Power Delivery
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- 85 W-2%
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- 87 WBest
Cooling Type
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Active fan, designed by Apple for quiet operation
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Active Fan
Price
- Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU
- Launched at $699 (2018), discontinued
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
- Launched around $399 (2017)
Which one should you pick?
Choose Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU if you want the higher PSU wattage (580 W vs 550 W).
Choose Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 if you want the higher host power delivery (87 W vs 85 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Blackmagic Design Blackmagic eGPU | Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $699.00 View on Consumercarts listing | |
| Amazon | $399.00 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
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.
Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid early Sonnet box, but the 650 offers more headroom for little extra cost.