Transform your laptop with the Razer Core X

Dark-Rider
Hello Joikansai
Thank you for your reply! I am very curious to see your feedback, using the Razer Core V2, once you will have your graphic card in it.

Don't get me wrong, I am a Razer fan, despite having issue with 2 mouse cords (Orochi and Diamondback), and having my Razer synapse not recognizing my Orbweaver if I unplug and replug the usb cable of the gaming pad. Or even just the fact that my Diamondback is incapable to retain the chroma configuration more than 10 mns - it disconnects or reconnects and switches back to factory default dpi and spectrum cycling when ever it wants...)

My point is, there is still room for improvement (and a lot) on Razer Products and the Razer Core is no exception.
Imo, I believe it is important for the audience to understand that purchasing the Razer Core will not "solve just everything" by just plunging the Thunderbolt cable to your laptop.
It will reduce laptop heat, usb-c hub and using multiple screens, yes, but that is the added value I really see using a Razer Core. For multiple screens, in high res. I would like to see with my own eyes :smile_:

For my Blade 14 I would want a Core (v3?) that will support the following features
- support wide screens (> 34") at 140hz refresh in 4K
- a place for not 1 but 2 (or even 3) graphic cards as I seriously doubt you will be able to run 3 screens at 140 Hz 4K resolution on 1 single graphic card.
- or alternatively, a Core that will be able to combine both processing capabilities of the internal graphic card and the external one.
- a more practical design with a decent usb-c cable length to be able to put the core box on the side of my desk and still have 40gb of data transfer (50 cm cable that is one big issue for me, I believe you will discover this "limitation" soon enough)
- a noise less enclosure (I mean really silent, like a modern desk PC - the core is very noisy compared to my actual setup - and for that price, I expect noise to be reduced to the max)

Cheers
D8

Unfortunately egpu isn’t there yet, 4K 144Hz, even most powerful single gpu rtx2080ti desktop setting will struggle on some titles doing that on single monitor, Idk yet about new rumored Titan rtx though.
Egpu was aimed for non dGPU laptops like ultrabook to have a gaming performance, like for example I can “abracadabra”;) my old stealth 2016 to be Blade 14 2017 in term performance with 1080ti core setting.
Yes there’s a lot improvement needed on Razer Core especially v2 which loud PSU Fans noise, on core x user can change it easily since it use normal fans and PSU if they don’t like the sounds.
There’s already longer full TB3 bandwidth (on egpu Graphics data it’s actually 22gb to 28gbs, intel limited it somehow, for other pheriperals bandwidth imo, you can check it with Cuda-Z) like this. There’s also another egpu enclosure that are silent but not with 500Watt or more, which means can’t drive high end gpu well.
If you use it for cuda works both laptop dGPU and gpu on enclosure can work together but not on gaming as sli.
TB3 still limited by 4 lanes maximum atm. You maybe need a real PCIe3 full desktop lanes (16) speed egpu for doing that, I saw some enthusiasts connecting directly to some parts inside laptop like express card slot with loosing its portability as trade off since it make the bottom lid opened and can’t be easily plugged off like normal USB ports, and of course loosing like wireless card that connected to that slot before. Some othe big brands make also their own gpu connection that almost same with desktop PCIe but you’ll need to boot your laptop anytime you want to use dGPU that to me is a deal breaker compared TB3 plug and play feature.

New Finally something that destroys all other GPU enclosures in the value department as well.

eddyhdzg
Can I use the Core X, with Nvidia cards on WIndows/Bootcamp?

I understand it only works with AMD on macOS for the moment, but does Nvidia cards work on Windows?

btw, I have the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports, https://support.apple.com/kb/SP747?locale=en_US) without touchbar.

Yes, just follow like mentioned on this review.

labotsirc
I am really interested in buying a Razer Core, but I don't know whether the Core V2 or the Core X.
I plan to use GPUs like Titan V in size (gaming is secondary, I know about the TB3 bottlenecks but this does not apply here), from what I read GPUs of this class of size can fit both the V2 and core X. Can anyone confirm this?
I don't plan to use massive size GPUs, just standard sizes such as founders edition for reference.

I really want to buy the Razer V2 for its smaller size, but does it make sense now with the new Razer core X ? Do I lose any relevant feature by choosing the V2 and not the X?

Any advice is welcome!

Based on what I know,

- Core V2 has USB-A Hub + Ethernet port unlike Core X, with a separate TB3 controller, so you won't experience peripherals stutter like other eGPU. Meaning Core V2 is the better choice if you care about 1 Cable Solution.
- However, Core V2 only outputs 65W to power your host device, and Core X outputs 100W to power your device (current TB3 technology is cap at 100W), while most devices are fine with 65W, 100W is more or less future proofing.
- Core V2 RGB flair is like a bonus, not important, but nice to have. Core X has no RGB at all.

Joikansai
From the size it fits both, but officially Core x Support Titan v and would be more comfortable to have bigger room, 150 Watt bigger PSU and normal size Fan to drive and cool such beast cards. The downside is there’s no usb and ethernet port there, so you will use it only as egpu enclosure not like v2 that act also as docking station for my Blade stealth.

I see, many thanks to all for helping.

DankBoiCheese
I want one🔥

ha, you're not the only one

kmflame
Can someone tell me whats the difference between this razer Core X and the Core V2? (https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-core-v2) which one should I get and why?

Thanks :D

Razer Core X is Mac Compatible and doesn't have USB ports or chroma lighting, but is cheaper.

Core V2 has USB ports, ethernet and chroma, but you pay for it. May not be mac compatible (varies).

Dark-Rider
Hello all,

Sorry to bring the bad news, but the Razer Core V2 is still not the revolutionary product we all were awaiting for.

I own a 2016 Razer Blade 14 with GTX1060 and I wanted to, eventually, get a Razer Code to increase performances. And in my case it is a total fail:
- the USB-C acts as a bottleneck, impacting the performances of any external graphic card, even the most advanced ones (Blade 14 + GTX1060 = more fps than Blade 14 + Core + GTX1070 or in some case 1080ti)

- The Razer Core acts as a USB-C hub that includes a GigaB. Network adapter and enables to connect to an external monitor (via the graphic card, or Display port) - so if you use already a usb-c hub that contains a display port to support 120 hrtz, the razer core becomes even useless and a noisy add-on to your desk

- The USB-C cable of the Core V2 is 50cm long (to support 40Gb data transfer rate), so you will have to keep the Razer Core on your desk to use it (= fan noise), and you will need to face the most ugly and noisy part of it (the back) due to this short cable

- From a connecting perspective, I will just say that Core X is the one you should never buy (it has no external USB port, no Ethernet port).
Core V1 is a bit old and requires software to switch from embedded graphic card to external core.
Core V2 does this more smoothly without the need to touch any software (hot plug)

Basically the Razer Core (v2 NDLR) is (very) good ONLY when using a laptop with usb-c and a basic graphic card, (as for instance the Blade Stealth with Intel GPU) or any laptop without a proper 3D accelerating GPU, as for instance when using a laptop with an old NVIDIA
(side note: I still struggle to imagine a laptop with Thunderbolt connector and a "old" gpu...)

If your laptop has a decent 3D card (GTX1060 and above), then using the Razer Core is unnecessary.

If you want to improve your gaming perf, you will need to buy for a more recent Razer Blade (gen 7) or eventually switch to a more standard gaming desktop

D8

Yes Razer Core basically made for boosting laptops without dgpu aka ultrabook. But keep in mind there’s some advantages having it with a gaming laptop. To me here’s the advantages of course
- CPU Temperature improvement up to 20 celcius, it may longer your Blade life span, my Blade 2017 use almost half its usage with Razer Core, sold out in mint condition.
-Triple monitor gaming, normal Blade have only one or two ports to connect to external monitor, you can use dongle though, but some may reduce or not maximize the performance.
-4K gaming, with 1080ti or more powerful card you can have access to this which is impossible by most powerful Blade gpu atm 1070maxq.
It may be expensive upgrade but It’s worth having core with a gaming laptop, you have still portability plus power and at home you can add some juice and extra cpu cooler on it which is awesome imo.
Unfortunately atm my rtx card still on the way so my core still empty, I believe with that I can max more performance on 144Hz Predator 1440p ultrawide via surrounds, with 1070maxq only around 60fps high with cpu temperature on high 80.

Small details that has it importance
The Razer Core V1 and V2 have a 500w PSU and this is a bit short power to be able to install for instance, a GTX1080 ti that will consumme 600w - same goes with the 2080 ti

On the bright side, the Razer Core X seem to be the only eGPU case to support these top of the line cards - as the Core is equipped with a 650w pretty much supporting any kind of greedy Graphic cards for now

That implies for the ownerd of Razer Core V1 or v2 to upgrade the PSU (from a Razer Core X?) if they want to install a GTX1080ti and above

D8

I am not directly blaming razer here, so more a bit sad about the actual situation. So the only thing which I might complain, is about the transparency of those facts. even from intel or razer. So happy to sell the core to people who do not need it. And by “need” I just mean “want” - knowing that no one, really dying without it :D

So yeah the gain of performance might be better with 4k and in other games.

But on the one hand side I am using a C49HG90DMU so using more or less double FHD or half 4k ~equal to 1440 and not swapping out this soon.

And on the other side I had really bad experiences with BF V or SotTR, too. (Pro: It makes no much difference to (dis/en)able Raytracing.

All in all I am just expecting a bit more from a setup, costing over 2k for blade, nearly 1k for a bigger SSD and more memory swap out (both not directly impacting the performance issue described here […] and over another k for the core + GPU.

So I will send in core and GPU again and just go with the blade. While with the savings I will be able to just swap out the blade, once sth new is on the market. (maybe a new blade with a 2080 or at least 70 by mid of the year - So the blade has no need to stay alive for years) :D

But yeah no things to hate razer or intel, but just want to clarify this again. Because if I had known all the facts upfront I would have stopped me from buying the core. But again I am happy that I got the blade 15 Advanced and not a stealth with the core ;)

If I had not got a good deal price for The Core X and no need for additional storage due to NAS and the 2TB Evo970 in my blade I guess I had chosen the Omen than the Core.

Since the benefits are really good advantages besides the main aspect of GPU power.

PS: Thx - Yeah bought that screen since I saved some money from downgrading my blade from 4k to 144hz model and getting a good black Friday deal. So I re-invested the saved money :D
But today Samsung announced the new model with 2x1440p -> but again here more pixels will cost more GPU power, will lower my frames again. So i think nothing to worry that much :D
And Sadly my Spare One X is not able to give ultra-wide resolution, only 16:9 - So I can run both of my Xbox On X'es at the same screen, but makes totally no sense

Another Update on RTX egpu (Core V2) usage, after almost a month using Rtx 2070 Black and happy user, last night it unfortunately it died. Thanks for well known Evga support, got ticket today and ready to ship for replacement.
Here’s my experiences with Rtx cards:
1. October to November, 3 weeks 2080ti, works fine but due build quality (for the price), high temperature and huge bottleneck compared to desktop setting I sold it.
2. November, 2 weeks 2080 Fe, works fine, great build quality (the best on my experience), but due active fans it’s loud on my core v2, returned it.
3. November to December xc 2080 gaming, works fine, quite gpu, but due someone asked it for higher purchasing price and the FPS gain not so huge compared to 2070 on my setting (1440p) i sold it.
4. December till yesterday 2070 Black. Works fine, best performance for value on my setting, quite and really cool gpu (I use always OC mode), never go above 60ish degrees doing anything including long hours softminer (doing it rarely). But first card was DOA and second one, the replacement was not a month, maybe I’m just unlucky or there’s something wrong with Rtx cards on egpu setting.
Conclusion: Get GPU that listed on Support page;) I can’t refund my 2070 though and must use it but I’ll give 3rd chances since it’s my favorite card, but if still unlucky I’ll sell it and get 1080ti (previous setting, over a year without issues) somehow even can’t enjoy new gen gpu features, it’ll last on my setting till next gen 7nm chips out. If still want to get Rtx cards get from somewhere with good support for faster solution and replacement.
Cheers

So now I can share the first results!

Starting with new benchmarks, at least from Forza Horizon 4, since I've shared the same here before.

One is with fhd, internal display and setting to high. So similar to the screenshots shared earlier.
And the other is on my external double-fhd screen and extreme settings.

So you can see now the CPU is the bottleneck :D

If you want me to test and share sth with you, just ask for it.

//adding the older screenshots as refference here, too. -> Just for easy view.