External GPU
An External GPU (eGPU) is a hardware device that connects to a computer, typically via Thunderbolt or USB-C, to provide additional graphics processing power. It allows users to enhance the graphical performance of laptops or desktops with integrated or weak dedicated GPUs, enabling tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. eGPUs consist of an external enclosure housing a desktop-grade graphics card and necessary power and cooling components.
Developers should consider using an eGPU when working on graphics-intensive applications, such as game development, machine learning with GPU acceleration, or video processing, especially on portable devices like laptops with limited built-in GPU capabilities. It offers a cost-effective way to upgrade graphics performance without replacing the entire system, and it's useful for developers who need high-end GPU power for short-term projects or testing across different hardware configurations.