Gaming Laptops with the Best Thunderbolt Support for External GPUs

10 March 2025

Gaming laptops have come a long way in recent years, evolving from bulky machines with limited upgradeability into sleek, powerful devices that can rival desktops. But if you're a serious gamer or someone who also dabbles in graphic design, video editing, or 3D modeling, you know that sometimes even the most powerful laptop GPU just doesn’t cut it. This is where external GPUs (eGPUs) come into play, and having solid Thunderbolt support is crucial to making that magic happen.

But not all gaming laptops are created equal when it comes to Thunderbolt support, especially for eGPUs. So today, we're going to talk about the best gaming laptops with Thunderbolt support for external GPUs, why Thunderbolt is a game-changer, and what you should look out for when shopping for your next portable powerhouse.

What Is Thunderbolt, and Why Does It Matter for External GPUs?

Before we dive into the best gaming laptops with Thunderbolt support, let's cover the basics. If you've never heard of Thunderbolt before, or you're still a bit confused about what it does, here's the lowdown.

Thunderbolt is a connectivity standard developed by Intel, and it's essentially a supercharged version of the USB-C port. What’s cool is that it offers data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is crazy fast. But that's not all — Thunderbolt also supports multiple types of data (video, audio, power, and more) through a single cable. This makes it the perfect interface for hooking up all sorts of peripherals, including external monitors, hard drives, and you guessed it — external GPUs.

So why is this a big deal for gaming? Well, imagine you’ve got a lightweight gaming laptop with decent internal specs but not enough GPU power to run the latest AAA games at high settings. Instead of splurging on a new machine, you can just hook up an external GPU via Thunderbolt and get desktop-level performance. Sounds like a dream, right?

What To Look for in a Gaming Laptop with Thunderbolt Support

Not every gaming laptop with a Thunderbolt port is going to give you the same experience, especially when it comes to external GPUs. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Thunderbolt Version

Thunderbolt has gone through several iterations, with the latest being Thunderbolt 4. While Thunderbolt 3 is still pretty solid for eGPUs, Thunderbolt 4 offers better compatibility and a more stable connection. So, if you're in the market for future-proofing, go for a laptop with Thunderbolt 4.

2. Internal GPU

Even though you're planning to use an external GPU, don’t completely ignore the laptop’s internal one. A mid-range GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or higher will ensure that your laptop doesn’t choke during less GPU-intensive tasks when you're not hooked up to the external setup.

3. CPU Performance

When you’re running an external GPU, the laptop’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) still needs to be able to keep up. A laptop with at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor is a good starting point for gaming and other heavy tasks.

4. Cooling System

Gaming and eGPUs generate a lot of heat. A proper cooling system with multiple fans or liquid cooling can help keep your laptop from turning into a hot mess — literally.

5. Portability vs. Power

Do you need a lightweight laptop that’s easy to carry around, or are you okay with a beefier machine that has more ports, higher specs, and better cooling? You’ll need to find a balance that suits your needs.

Best Gaming Laptops with Thunderbolt Support for External GPUs

Ready to explore some of the best gaming laptops that play nicely with external GPUs? Let’s break it down.

1. Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2021)

If you’re after a premium experience, few laptops match the sleek design and power of the Razer Blade 15 Advanced. This laptop is a gaming beast on its own, but thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 port, you can easily connect an eGPU for even more graphical horsepower.

- Thunderbolt Version: Thunderbolt 3
- Internal GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 / 3080
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H
- Display: 15.6" Full HD or 4K OLED
- Why It’s Great: The Razer Blade 15 Advanced is known for its ultra-slim aluminum chassis and high-end specs. It’s portable enough for on-the-go gaming while still powerful enough to handle AAA titles. With Thunderbolt 3 support, you can add an external GPU for even better performance.

2. Dell XPS 17 (2021)

The Dell XPS 17 is a bit of a hybrid. It’s not marketed exclusively as a gaming laptop, but with its powerful specs and Thunderbolt 4 support, it can handle gaming and creative workloads with ease. You can pair it with an eGPU for a desktop-level experience.

- Thunderbolt Version: Thunderbolt 4
- Internal GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- CPU: Intel Core i9-11900H
- Display: 17" 4K UHD+ Touch Display
- Why It’s Great: The Thunderbolt 4 port makes this laptop perfect for external GPU setups, and the large 17-inch screen gives you plenty of real estate for multitasking. It’s also a great choice if you do more than just gaming, like video editing or 3D design.

3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021)

The ROG Zephyrus G14 from ASUS is a favorite among gamers who want a mix of power and portability. It’s small and lightweight, but don’t let that fool you — this thing packs a punch. And with its Thunderbolt 3 port, you can add an eGPU to take your gaming to the next level.

- Thunderbolt Version: Thunderbolt 3
- Internal GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
- Display: 14" QHD 120Hz
- Why It’s Great: This is one of the most portable gaming laptops on the market, and it still manages to include high-end specs. Its Ryzen 9 processor is particularly impressive, and with Thunderbolt 3 support, you can easily hook up an external GPU for even better performance.

4. Alienware M15 R6

Alienware is synonymous with gaming, and the M15 R6 model doesn’t disappoint. It offers top-tier performance and comes with Thunderbolt 4 support, allowing you to use an external GPU if you want to max out your gaming setup.

- Thunderbolt Version: Thunderbolt 4
- Internal GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
- Display: 15.6" FHD 165Hz
- Why It’s Great: The Alienware M15 R6 is built for serious gaming, and its Thunderbolt 4 port ensures that you can connect an eGPU to really push the limits. The cooling system is one of the best in the business, so you won’t have to worry about overheating during those marathon gaming sessions.

5. MSI GS66 Stealth

The MSI GS66 Stealth is all about balancing power and portability. It’s thin, light, and comes with Thunderbolt 3 support — making it a solid choice for gamers who want a capable machine that’s also easy to carry around.

- Thunderbolt Version: Thunderbolt 3
- Internal GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H
- Display: 15.6" FHD 240Hz
- Why It’s Great: The GS66 Stealth is a great all-around gaming laptop, but its Thunderbolt 3 port really sets it apart. Hook up an external GPU, and you’ve got a system that can handle anything from high-end games to intensive creative applications like video rendering or 3D modeling.

How to Set Up an External GPU with Your Thunderbolt Laptop

So, you’ve got your laptop with Thunderbolt support, and you’ve picked out an external GPU. Now what? Setting up an eGPU might sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward:

1. Choose a Compatible eGPU Enclosure: First, you’ll need an enclosure like the Razer Core X or the AORUS Gaming Box. These units house your GPU and provide the power and ports to connect it to your laptop.

2. Install the Graphics Card: Once you’ve got your enclosure, install your graphics card (similar to how you would install one in a desktop PC). Don’t worry, most enclosures come with instructions and make the process pretty simple.

3. Connect the eGPU to Your Laptop via Thunderbolt: Plug the eGPU into your laptop’s Thunderbolt port. Your laptop should recognize the external GPU, and you may need to install some additional drivers.

4. Configure and Optimize: Once everything is connected, you might need to tweak a few settings in your laptop’s control panel to make sure the eGPU is being used for gaming or other GPU-heavy tasks.

Conclusion

If you're looking to take your gaming laptop to the next level without having to upgrade every year, getting a laptop with Thunderbolt support for an external GPU is a smart move. Whether you're gaming, editing videos, or diving into some 3D rendering, an external GPU can give you the flexibility and power you need without sacrificing portability.

The laptops we’ve covered — from the Razer Blade 15 Advanced to the MSI GS66 Stealth — all offer great Thunderbolt support, making them perfect candidates for an eGPU setup. So, go ahead and future-proof your gaming experience by picking one of these Thunderbolt-capable machines!