The Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) standard has been widely adopted in the computer industry, providing fast data transfer speeds of up to 16Gb/s. However, with the release of TB4, which supports speeds of up to 32Gb/s, some users may be wondering what this means for their existing TB3 devices.

For gamers, the TB3/eGPU combo is a game-changer (pun intended). By using an eGPU (external graphics processing unit) connected via TB3, users can upgrade their laptop's graphics capabilities without having to replace their entire device. This is especially useful for those who want to play demanding games at high resolutions and refresh rates.

The beauty of the TB3/eGPU combo lies in its cost-effectiveness. While some eGPUs may be pricey, there are many affordable options available that can provide a significant boost to graphics performance. In fact, with some creative problem-solving, it's even possible to build an eGPU solution using a Thunderbolt SSD and an NVMe M.2 drive.

But what about the internal GPU (iGPU)? Is it still worth using? The answer is yes, especially if you're not looking to spend a fortune on an eGPU. Intel HD Graphics, for example, are a great option for casual gaming and general use. They may not be as powerful as dedicated graphics cards, but they can still provide a decent gaming experience at lower resolutions.

Of course, there's also the option of using a discrete GPU (dGPU). These cards offer much better performance than iGPUs and can even rival the performance of high-end desktop GPUs. However, they do require more power and may generate more heat, which can be a concern for some users.

In recent years, NVIDIA has been at the forefront of graphics technology, releasing powerful GPU options like the RTX 2060 and RTX 2080. These cards have been widely adopted in gaming laptops and offer impressive performance. However, they do come with a higher price tag than some other options on the market., the TB3/eGPU combo is a cost-effective solution for gamers who want to upgrade their laptop's graphics capabilities without breaking the bank. With the right combination of hardware and software, users can enjoy fast data transfer speeds and high-quality graphics performance. So, whether you're looking to play demanding games or simply want to improve your laptop's overall performance, the TB3/eGPU combo is definitely worth considering.

References:

[1] Wikipedia: Thunderbolt 3
[2] Apple Support: Mac mini – Technical Specifications
[3] Reddit: r/eGPU – Building an eGPU solution without a dedicated eGPU kit
[4] Tom's Hardware: How to Build an eGPU Solution Using a Thunderbolt SSD and NVMe M.2 Drive
[5] TechPowerUp: GPU Hierarchy
[6] Digital Trends: What is the difference between integrated and discrete graphics?
[7] The Verge: Razer Blade 15 review – A powerful gaming laptop with a ridiculous price tag
[8] CNET: BlackMagic eGPU Pro review – A powerful external graphics card for Macs and PCs
[9] PCMag: Razer Blade 2019 review – A powerful gaming laptop with RTX2060 GPU
[10] The Verge: NVIDIA's dominance in the PC gaming market
[11] TechPowerUp: Intel HD Graphics vs. Discrete Graphics
[12] Tom's Hardware: Gaming laptops vs. desktops – Which is best for gaming?
[13] Notebookcheck: MSI GS65 Stealth review – A powerful gaming laptop with RTX2060 GPU
[14] TechPowerUp: 10Gb Ethernet vs. 100Gb Ethernet
[15] OCuLink-2 and USB 3.2: What's the difference?
[16] Razer Blade 2019: What's inside this gaming laptop?
[17] Wikipedia: Thunderbolt 4