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Razer Core X vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550: Comparison

Razer Core X vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 cooling type compared

Razer Core X also leads on psu wattage, 650 W on the Razer Core X versus 550 W on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550. Host power delivery runs the same way, 100 W on the Razer Core X versus 87 W on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550, another win for Razer Core X.

Which should you buy, Razer Core X or Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550?

Buy the Razer Core X for shoppers hunting the enclosure on the used/discounted market, though it is not built for anyone wanting the fastest Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth available today and Apple Silicon Mac owners needing official eGPU support. It is equally the pick for buyers who want Core X Chroma capacity without paying for RGB lighting. The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 suits 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. The same goes for Mac users wanting Sonnet's certified eGFX driver support on Thunderbolt 3. Avoid it for anyone who can spend a little more for the Breakaway Box 650's extra 100W. 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.

Razer Core X vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 price

The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 asks 33% more, $399 against $300 for the Razer Core X.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Razer Core X and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 differ on max gpu length?

Yes. Max GPU Length reads 330 mm on the Razer Core X versus 300 mm on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550.

Is the Connection Standard the same on the Razer Core X and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550?

It is. Both are listed at Thunderbolt 3, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Which is cheaper, Razer Core X or Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550?

The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 asks 33% more, $399 against $300 for the Razer Core X.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Razer Core X
    Razer
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    Sonnet
  • Connection Standard

    Razer Core X
    Thunderbolt 3
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    Thunderbolt 3
  • Model Number

    Razer Core X
    Core X
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    eGFX Breakaway Box 550
  • Extra Ports

    Razer Core X
    4
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
  • PSU Wattage

    Razer Core X
    650 WBest
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    550 W-15%
  • Host Power Delivery

    Razer Core X
    100 WBest
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    87 W-13%
  • Max GPU Length

    Razer Core X
    330 mmBest
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    300 mm-9%
  • Cooling Type

    Razer Core X
    Active Fan (rear exhaust)
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    Active Fan
  • GPU Compatibility

    Razer Core X
    Most desktop cards up to ~330mm length; no factory-installed GPU
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series and equivalent AMD cards, double-wide
  • Price

    Razer Core X
    Launched at $299.99 (2019)
    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    Launched around $399 (2017)

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Razer Core X if you want the higher PSU wattage (650 W vs 550 W), the higher host power delivery (100 W vs 87 W) and the higher max GPU length (330 mm vs 300 mm).

    Choose Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerRazer Core XSonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550
    Amazon

    $299.99

    View on 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

    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.

    Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A solid early Sonnet box, but the 650 offers more headroom for little extra cost.

    More comparisons in External GPU Enclosures