Razer Core
Expert rating5.5 / 10
- Connection:
- Thunderbolt 3
- PSU:
- 500W internal
- Charging:
- 100W USB-C
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Manufacturer: Razer Last updated: 2026-09-12
Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2) Review
Razer Core original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure, 500W PSU, launched with Razer Blade Stealth, predecessor to Razer Core V2
The Core that started Razer's eGPU line. It shipped in 2016 bundled with the first Razer Blade Stealth ultrabook and only worked with that laptop's proprietary Thunderbolt 3 implementation at launch, before Razer opened it up to any TB3 host via firmware. It's the direct ancestor of the Core V2, sharing the same 500W internal supply and dual-slot card support, but with a noisier fan and a more restrictive early compatibility list.
Overview
The original Razer Core paired a boxy aluminum chassis with a fixed 500W power supply and a single PCIe x16 slot for a full-size desktop graphics card. It was one of the first mass-market Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosures, arriving alongside the original Razer Blade Stealth in early 2016.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to its direct successor the Razer Core V2, the original Core has a noisier single fan, no aluminum baffle refinement, and launched with much narrower laptop compatibility (Blade Stealth only) before a firmware update opened it to any Thunderbolt 3 host. Next to the OWC Mercury Helios 3 or AKiTiO Node of the same era, the Core offered a larger 500W supply and more headroom for power-hungry cards, at a higher price and larger footprint.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Razer |
|---|
Connectivity
| Connection Standard | Thunderbolt 3 |
|---|---|
| Extra Ports | 4 |
Power & Compatibility
| PSU Wattage | 500 W |
|---|---|
| Host Power Delivery | 100 W |
| Max GPU Length | 12.2 mm |
| Cooling Type | Active fan, single rear exhaust |
| Model | Core (2016, RC21-0064) |
|---|---|
| Notable History | Launched exclusively for the original Razer Blade Stealth; opened to all Thunderbolt 3 Windows/Mac laptops via later firmware update |
| Price | Launched at $499.99 (2016) |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating5.5 / 10
Historically important as one of the first Thunderbolt 3 eGPU boxes, but long superseded by the quieter, more compatible Core V2 and Core X.
Best for
- Collectors or retro-eGPU tinkerers matching a first-gen Razer Blade Stealth
- Buyers who already own one secondhand and need a full-size dual-slot card box
- Anyone curious about Thunderbolt 3 eGPU history
Not for
- Anyone buying new in 2026
- Users wanting quiet operation
- Triple-slot or very long modern GPUs
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2)?
The Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2) is a eGPU enclosure from Razer. Key specs: Connection Standard Thunderbolt 3, PSU Wattage 500, Host Power Delivery 100, Max GPU Length 12.2, Extra Ports 4x USB 3.0 Type-A, Gigabit Ethernet.
Who is the Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2) best suited to?
It suits collectors or retro-egpu tinkerers matching a first-gen razer blade stealth, buyers who already own one secondhand and need a full-size dual-slot card box, anyone curious about thunderbolt 3 egpu history.
What are the drawbacks of the Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2)?
It is a poor fit for anyone buying new in 2026, users wanting quiet operation, triple-slot or very long modern gpus.
Compare and read more
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- AKiTiO Node (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / 85W Laptop Charging / Original Node, Pre-Titan) vs Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2)
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- OWC Mercury Helios 3 (Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 400W PSU / Bus-Powered Charging / Predecessor to Helios FX) vs Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2)
- Razer Core (Original 2016 Thunderbolt 3 eGPU Enclosure / 500W PSU / Launched with Razer Blade Stealth / Predecessor to Core V2) vs Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550 (Thunderbolt 3 / 550W PSU / 87W Laptop Charging / Single-Wide to Double-Wide GPU)