Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box review: Nvidia's fastest consumer graphics card is massively restrained by Thunderbolt
We take a look at the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box, which features Nvidia's fastest consumer graphics card. However, the Thunderbolt connection severely limits its performance.
Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box Overview
The Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box is a highly anticipated external graphics enclosure that promises top-tier performance for gaming enthusiasts. It features the Nvidia RTX 4090, which is the fastest consumer graphics card currently available. With its powerful hardware and sleek design, it offers a convenient way to boost your gaming setup without having to upgrade your entire PC.
The Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box comes equipped with Thunderbolt connectivity, allowing for easy plug-and-play installation. This makes it compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops, as long as they have a Thunderbolt 3 port. It also includes additional ports such as USB and Ethernet, providing convenience and versatility for various peripherals.
Performance Limitations of Thunderbolt
While the Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box boasts impressive hardware, its performance is heavily constrained by the Thunderbolt connection. Thunderbolt, although a versatile interface, does not provide the same bandwidth as a direct PCIe connection. As a result, the RTX 4090's performance is limited, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
During our testing, we noticed a significant performance drop when using the Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box compared to a desktop PC with a direct PCIe connection. This was particularly evident in demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks, where the Thunderbolt connection bottlenecked the GPU's capabilities. Despite the powerful hardware, the system experienced occasional stutters and frame rate drops.
Is It Still Worth It?
While the Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box offers convenience and portability, its performance limitations raise questions about its value. If you already have a high-end gaming laptop or desktop with PCIe connectivity, investing in a Thunderbolt-based external graphics enclosure may not be the best choice. It would be more beneficial to upgrade your system's internal components or invest in a dedicated gaming PC.
On the other hand, if you have a compatible Thunderbolt device and are looking for a temporary or portable solution, the Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box can still provide a significant performance boost. It allows you to enjoy high-quality gaming on the go without the need for a dedicated gaming laptop. However, it's important to manage your expectations and be aware of the performance limitations that come with Thunderbolt connectivity.
