Razer revealed the full details about its upcoming Core Thunderbolt 3 Graphics Enclosure, concerning compatibility, availability and functionality.
The Razer Core earned the title of full size eGFX chassis. The unit is spacious enough to incorporate a double-wide video card (with a maximum size of 12.2 inches), meaning that most GPUs on the market can fit right in.
There are two notable exceptions: GPUs that need external radiators, such as the Radeon R9 Fury X, and the ultra-high-end triple-wide cards, such as MSI's Lightning cards.
Thanks to the toolless build, the case allows both blower and open air video card coolers. It remains to be seen which type fares better after intense gaming sessions, though.
The general dimensions of Razer's Core are 4.13 in x 13.9 in x 8.66 in, and the unit packs a power source of 500W. According to the manufacturer, video cards that require 375W should function flawlessly inside. With a weight of 10.89 pounds, the Core is sort of portable, but a strong handle would have helped drive this point home.
It is more likely that Razer imagined the docking station as a static gaming companion. This is transparent from its connectivity options, represented by a gigabit Ethernet, four USB 3.0 Type-A ports and the capacity to charge laptops via the Thunderbolt 3 connection.
Razer is working closely with both AMD and Intel to assemble a full line of Core Case chassis options that will rely on TB3 eGFX technology. Currently, The Core Case is known to work with two notebooks, the new 2016 Blade and the existing Blade Stealth, respectively. There are indicators that all eGFX certified laptops will play nice with the Core.
Looking at compatibility issues with GPUs, the Core initially supported AMD's and Intel's graphics, but recently Razer revealed that Nvidia video cards will be included in the pack. You may check out the full list of compatible video cards on the official site.
To summarize, the last-gen AMD cards (290 series and after) work well with the new Razer Core. From Nvidia, the Maxwell 1 and Maxwell 2 cards are supported, starting with the GTX 750 Ti.
In all fairness, the Core's price indicates that the compatibility sheet targets high-end video cards.
We hope that you saved a few bucks after the winter holidays, as the eGFX chassis is far from cheap. Razer sells the stand-alone Core at $499. Add to that the price tag of a premium GPU that fills the case and you can expect to shell out over $1000 on the visual hardware alone.
Should you buy the Core alongside a Razer Blade or Blade Stealth laptop, the price of the chassis drops by $100. The OEM is generous enough to make this offer retroactive. This means that if you already bought a Blade Stealth notebook earlier this year, the price cut applies when you buy the stand-alone Core.
At CES 2016, Razer announced both the Core Case and the ultrabook and the enterprise wants to make good by its customers by expanding the offer. You can read all about the gaming potential of Razer Blade in our earlier coverage.
Also, preorders for the Core can be placed via the official website, with the first devices shipping in April. For more information, check out Razer's press release.
