Razer’s Core X V2 is a pricey step forward—and backward—for external GPUs
Razer is diving into the Thunderbolt 5 pool with its new Core X V2 eGPU enclosure, but fans hoping for a worthy successor to the original Core X may find themselves disappointed. While the V2 supports larger four-slot graphics cards and delivers Thunderbolt 5 speeds, it sheds several key features—and tacks on new costs.
Gone is the built-in power supply that made the original Core X a plug-and-play solution. The Core X V2 now expects users to bring their own ATX PSU and GPU, and that’s just the beginning. You’ll need an extra 230W headroom to power the enclosure and supply 140W passthrough to a laptop. The DIY aspect might appeal to enthusiasts, but for many, this feels like paying more to get less.
Even more frustrating, Razer has removed the additional USB ports and gigabit Ethernet that once made the Core X a convenient all-in-one expansion dock. Instead, the company directs buyers toward its new Thunderbolt 5 docks—ranging from $389.99 to $399.99—as a separate purchase. So if you want the full desktop replacement experience, you’re looking at a steep buy-in: enclosure, GPU, power supply, and dock.
That’s a hard sell considering the Core X V2’s $349.99 price tag—more expensive than the original Core X’s $299 MSRP, which included a power supply. Sure, the V2 is physically more accommodating (up to four slots) and built with premium steel and active cooling, but it’s not a clear value upgrade.
Adding to the dilemma is the Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem, which is barely out of the gate. Only high-end laptops—most of which already have dedicated GPUs—support the new standard. And while the V2 is backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 4, it’s designed to shine with the greater bandwidth of TB5. For now, that limits its practicality for the users who would benefit most: people with ultrabooks or compact machines looking for GPU horsepower on demand.
At the end of the day, Razer’s Core X V2 feels like a product caught in transition—one that demands more money and effort upfront while offering fewer out-of-the-box perks. For eGPU veterans and enthusiasts, it might still appeal. But for anyone hoping for a next-gen plug-and-play experience, the Core X V2 is more cautionary tale than compelling upgrade.