AKiTiO

AKiTiO Node

Expert rating6 / 10

External GPU EnclosuresView on akitio.com

Connection:: Thunderbolt 3
PSU:: 500W
Host Charging:: 85W
GPU Fit:: Full-length

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Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: AKiTiO Last updated: 2026-09-12

Where to buy

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AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan) Review

If you're comparing the original AKiTiO Node against the newer Node Titan to see whether the older, cheaper enclosure is worth buying,

the Node is basically the same idea with a smaller 500W PSU instead of the Titan's 650W, so it's a fine budget pick for mid-range cards but the Titan is the one to buy new if you can find both at similar prices.

What It Actually Is

The original AKiTiO Node predates the Node Titan and Node Pro, launched as one of the earliest and cheapest Thunderbolt 3 eGPU boxes. It's a minimalist black cube: a 500W internal supply, a single PCIe x16 slot, and 85W of USB-C laptop charging, with no USB hub, Ethernet, or other extras.

Comparison to Alternatives

AKiTiO's own Node Titan is the direct successor, keeping the same no-frills approach but bumping the PSU to 650W for bigger cards. Against the Razer Core V2 or PowerColor Gaming Station, the Node has a smaller footprint and a lower price, making it a reasonable choice for anyone running an older mid-range GPU who doesn't need the Titan's extra headroom.

Specifications

Identity

Brand	AKiTiO

Connectivity

Connection Standard	Thunderbolt 3
Extra Ports	None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs

Power & Compatibility

PSU Wattage	500 W
Host Power Delivery	85 W
Max GPU Length	300 mm
Cooling Type	Active Fan

Model	Node
GPU Compatibility	GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
Price	Launched around $299 (2017)

Expert Review

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating6 / 10

A cheap, no-frills TB3 box that's been outclassed by AKiTiO's own Node Titan.

Best for

Budget buyers running GTX 10-series or RTX 20-series dual-slot cards
Anyone wanting the smallest, cheapest AKiTiO enclosure
Simple builds that don't need USB hub or Ethernet ports on the box

Not for

Cards drawing near or above the 500W ceiling
Buyers who could instead get the Node Titan's 650W PSU for a modest premium
Anyone wanting current Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4 bandwidth

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan)?

The AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan) is a eGPU enclosure from AKiTiO. Key specs: Connection Standard Thunderbolt 3, PSU Wattage 500, Max GPU Length 300, Host Power Delivery 85, Extra Ports None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs.

Who is the AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan) best suited to?

It suits budget buyers running gtx 10-series or rtx 20-series dual-slot cards, anyone wanting the smallest, cheapest akitio enclosure, simple builds that don't need usb hub or ethernet ports on the box.

What are the drawbacks of the AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan)?

It is a poor fit for cards drawing near or above the 500w ceiling, buyers who could instead get the node titan's 650w psu for a modest premium, anyone wanting current thunderbolt 4/5 or usb4 bandwidth.