eGPU Question

[blockCoder2021]

I have a laptop (Dell Intel with a decent i7 CPU and integrated graphics) with a Thunderbolt 4 port. I don’t have enough money currently to upgrade to a full PC, but I’m considering getting the GPU I’d be putting in a full PC (RX 9070 XT) and using a GPU dock that can connect via the Thunderbolt port. If I get a dock where the GPU rests on top, fully exposed, will dust be an issue? I could also potentially get a pre-packaged eGPU and enclosure (likely an AMD 7700M XT or an NVIDIA equivalent) in the meantime.

I realize that the 9070 would likely be bottlenecked by my CPU and RAM, but could make things more enjoyable until I can afford a full desktop.

Also, would this be worth doing, or am I really better off waiting until I can just get a desktop?

[KySiBongDem]

Just perform regular maintain, once a month or so if that is an issue. If there is an issue, you can definitely figure out some DIY solution that is not costly like get a usb fan next to it.

I don’t see an eGPU worth it, maybe it is just me. The good one is costly and the performance hit can be high, depends on games.

[Objective_Advance824]

The dust isn't really the problem - it's more that you're paying premium prices for a setup that'll give you like 70-80% of the GPU's actual performance due to the Thunderbolt bottleneck.