The Razer Core X V2 is a sleek and powerful external GPU (eGPU) that Razer is bringing back to the market. It can turn lightweight laptops and handheld PCs into desktop-class gaming or creative workstations. The Core X V2 was shown off in July 2025 and uses the super-fast Thunderbolt 5 standard to give it a lot of performance potential. Its modular design and need for extra parts, on the other hand, make it a great but expensive option for serious gamers and professionals. Here’s a detailed look at the Core X V2, including what it can do, what it can’t do, and whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
The main point is that desktops have power and laptops are portable.
The simple but appealing promise of an eGPU is that it will turn a thin, portable laptop with average built-in graphics into a powerful gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering machine. After a six-year break, the Razer Core X V2 is the next step in this vision. It follows the Core X and Core X Chroma. The Core X V2 is a big step up from its Thunderbolt 3 and 4-based predecessors because it has 80Gbps bidirectional bandwidth (up to 120Gbps one-way). This means that it has fewer performance problems that have been common with eGPUs in the past.
The Core X V2 is a high-end case that costs $349.99 and is made for people who want flexibility and to protect their investment for the future. It can handle full-length, four-slot PCIe Gen 4 GPUs, such as the NVIDIA RTX 4090 or AMD RX 7900 XT, and it works with Thunderbolt 4 devices from the past. This version, on the other hand, takes away some of the conveniences of earlier versions. For example, users have to buy their own power supply unit (PSU) and docking accessories, which can add a lot to the total cost.
The Razer Core X V2 is a simple, no-frills case that focuses on performance. This is what it has to offer:
Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity: It has up to 80Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth (64Gbps for GPU performance), which is twice as much as Thunderbolt 4 and lowers latency for better graphics performance.
GPU Support: It can hold full-length, four-slot PCIe Gen 4 GPUs, so it’s ready for both current high-end cards and future releases like the RTX 50-series.
Power Delivery: You can charge your laptop or handheld device with just one Thunderbolt 5 cable that can deliver up to 140W of USB Power Delivery (PD).
Cooling: The steel chassis has vents and a 120mm fan that changes speed based on how hot it gets, which keeps power-hungry GPUs cool.
Works with Windows laptops and handhelds that have Thunderbolt 4 or 5. It doesn’t support macOS, which is a big deal because Apple Silicon no longer supports eGPUs.
Dimensions: 16.59 x 7.76 x 8.51 inches; made to fit big GPUs and standard ATX power supplies.
The Core X V2, on the other hand, doesn’t have a built-in PSU, USB ports, Ethernet, or RGB lighting (Chroma or not). Razer suggests using their separate Thunderbolt 5 Dock ($389.99 for Mercury White, $399.99 for Chroma) to add more connectivity.
What Has Changed Since the First Core X?
People liked the original Razer Core X, which came out in 2018, because it was cheap at $299 and came with a 650W power supply, making it easy to use. For $399, the Core X Chroma added RGB lighting, USB ports, and Ethernet. The Core X V2, on the other hand, does things differently:
Performance: Thunderbolt 5 is great, but it has some problems Stay
The Core X V2’s Thunderbolt 5 connection is its best feature. It gives you up to 64Gbps of dedicated GPU bandwidth, which is enough to handle demanding tasks like 4K gaming or professional creative work with very little performance loss compared to a desktop setup. Thunderbolt 4, on the other hand, could only reach 32Gbps, which could slow down the best GPUs.
The case does use PCIe 4.0 x4, though, which may not fully take advantage of the features of next-gen GPUs that support PCIe 5.0. This is enough for current high-end cards like the RTX 4090, but people who want to be completely future-proof may find this a small problem.
Digital Trends and Windows Central have both tested the Core X V2 and found that it works well with Windows, especially with high-end gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 18 or handhelds. However, the laptop’s CPU and whether or not an external monitor is used to bypass the internal display’s loopback, which can lower efficiency, can affect performance.
Who Should Get the Razer Core X V2?
If you have a lightweight Windows laptop or a gaming handheld (like the ROG Ally) with Thunderbolt 4/5, the Core X V2 can turn it into a powerful gaming rig.
Creative Professionals: Video editors, 3D artists, or animators who need a powerful GPU on the go will like how flexible it is.
Tech Enthusiasts: People who are willing to buy a modular setup and find their own PSU and GPU so they can customize it to the fullest.
But it’s not as good for:
Users on a budget: The total cost could be $900 to $2,000, which includes the $350 price tag, the $50 to $150 cost of a PSU, and the $500 to $1,500+ cost of a GPU.
People who want things to be easy: The lack of plug-and-play features like a built-in PSU or docking ports may make those who want an all-in-one solution angry.
macOS Users: The lack of support for Apple Silicon makes it less appealing to MacBook owners.
The Cost Breakdown
You should expect to pay the following to set up a Core X V2 system that works:
$349.99 for Core X V2
ATX PSU: $50 to $150 (for example, 750W for an RTX 4080 or higher for the best GPUs)
ATX PSU: $50 to $150 (for example, 750W for an RTX 4080 or more for top-tier GPUs)
Optional Thunderbolt 5 Dock: $390–$400 for extra ports
Total: about $900 to $2,400 or more
This is a big investment, especially when you think about how much it would cost to build a gaming desktop that works just as well. But because the Core X V2 is portable and only needs one cable to connect, it is a unique option for people who value flexibility.
The Core X V2 and eGPUs in the Future
The Core X V2 comes at a very important time for eGPUs. Thunderbolt 5 has more bandwidth than ever, making external GPUs more useful than ever. Competitors like ASUS and Gigabyte are also making their own Thunderbolt 5 enclosures. The Core X V2 could lead to a comeback of eGPUs as more Thunderbolt 5 laptops come out. This is especially true for people who want one device for work and play.
But how well it works in the real world will determine its success. Digital Trends and other sites are still working on hands-on reviews, but early reports say that the Core X V2 does well in the areas that matter most, like graphics performance, as long as you can figure out how to use its modular setup.
Conclusion: A niche but strong answer
The Razer Core X V2 is a big step forward for eGPUs. It uses Thunderbolt 5 to give laptops and handhelds almost desktop-level performance. It can handle huge GPUs and has strong cooling, so it’s a good choice for enthusiasts. However, casual users may not like that it doesn’t have a built-in PSU, extra ports, or macOS compatibility. It costs $349.99, which is a lot of money for a product like this. It is best for serious gamers or professionals who value portability and power over ease of use.
The Core X V2 is a great choice if you want to make your own eGPU setup and have a Thunderbolt 5 (or 4) device. For everyone else, a high-end gaming laptop or desktop might be a better deal—unless the idea of a powerful, portable computer with just one cable is too good to pass up.
