Standing screen display size | 17 Inches |
---|---|
Memory Speed | 1 GHz |
Graphics Coprocessor | FirePro 2270 |
Card Description | dedicated |
Graphics Card Ram Size | 1 GB |
131385 Node Pro (Thunderbolt3 MacOS and Windows Certified)
Brand | Akitio |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Style | Classic |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
About this item
- Thunderbolt 3 for lightning fast transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps
- Dedicated DisplayPort for additional monitor to expand the workspace
- 2nd Thunderbolt port supports Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and DisplayPort devices. Both Thunderbolt 3 ports support USB power delivery to provide 60W of power to recharge compatible laptops.
- One PCIe (x16) slot supporting full-length, full-height, double-width cards
- Thunderbolt 3 cable is included in the product. System requirements (PC) - Windows 10 (64-bit),Computer with Thunderbolt 3 port. System requirements (Mac)- macOS 10.12.4 and later, Computer with Thunderbolt 3 port
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What's in the box
Product information
Technical Details
Brand | Akitio |
---|---|
Series | Akitio Node Pro |
Item model number | 131385 |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Item Weight | 10.08 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 17.9 x 13.8 x 8 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.9 x 13.8 x 8 inches |
Number of Processors | 1 |
Computer Memory Type | Unknown |
Manufacturer | Akitio |
ASIN | B077YCR5LC |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | December 5, 2017 |
Additional Information
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
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Warranty & Support
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Product Description
AKiTiO Node Pro
Features
- Thunderbolt 3 for lightning fast transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps
- Dedicated DisplayPort for additional monitor to expand the workspace
- 2nd Thunderbolt port supports Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and DisplayPort devices
- USB power delivery provides 60W of power to recharge compatible laptops
- Built-in 500W SFX power supply with an extra pair of 8-pin PCIe power connectors
- 1 PCIe (x16) slot supporting full-length, full-height, double-width cards
- 4 lane PCI Express 3.0 compliant interface
- Wire mesh panel to dissipate heat from cards with on-board fans
- Retractable carry handle to easily transport the device
- No tools required for installation of PCIe card
Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Box for a Full-Length, Double-Width Card
The Node Pro provides an additional PCIe slot for Thunderbolt 3 computers (e.g. laptop computers) where installing an internal expansion card is not an option and for systems where there is not enough space for more PCIe cards. The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connection not only makes adding an external PCIe card easy but it also allows you to take the device with you to use on location and move it from one system to another. Installing and replacing the PCIe card is a simple matter of removing a few thumb screws and does not require any tools.
4 lane PCI Express 3.0 compliant interface
The PCIe (x16) slot accepts full-length, full-height, double-width cards and provides a maximum of 75W. The four PCIe Gen3 lanes and the Thunderbolt 3 interface are capable of transfer rates up to 40Gbps, providing enough bandwidth for both the internal PCIe card as well as any additional Thunderbolt devices in the daisy chain.
Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connectors with Power Delivery (PD)
Power Delivery (60W)
The reversible USB Type-C (USB-C) connector enhances ease of use for connecting devices with a focus on minimizing user confusion for plug and cable orientation. The Node Pro also supports power delivery (PD) over USB-C, providing up to 3A at 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V with a maximum of 60W of power to compatible laptops like the MacBook Pro (late 2016) that support charging through the USB-C cable. This allows you to recharge your battery even though the laptop is not plugged into any other power source.
Active cooling with large mesh panel
PSU fan
The fan for the power supply turns on and off automatically when needed.
System fanThe large fan at the bottom of the case pulls out the hot air from inside the enclosure, keeping the the PCIe card cool during long hours of operation.
Mesh panelThe mesh panel provides fresh air to keep the PCIe card cool and depending on the on-board fan of the PCIe card, can be used for air intake or exhaust.
Super-Fast Performance
Thunderbolt 3 has a bandwidth of 40 Gbps – double the speed of the previous generation, four times of the USB 3.1 10Gbps, and 6~8 times of the USB 3.0 and eSATA interfaces that most storage device is using today.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, build quality, appearance and ease of use of the eGPU enclosure. They mention that it works perfectly, is very dependable and well designed. That said, some complain about the noise.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the graphics card. They say it works perfectly with their new Dell XPS 15, runs their 1070 flawlessly, and is great for VR presentations. Some mention that it has no issues powering their GTX 1080, and works as an eGPU on Windows 10.
"This beast is reliable and works well with Linux (Fedora 28). My XPS 13 attaches to it properly every time...." Read more
"...Comments:It works perfectly!..." Read more
"...It has no issues powering my GTX 1080...." Read more
"...It is nice that it has two thunderbolt 3. but it did not work with liquidcooled radeon vega 64. Maybe Akitio only works w Nvidia. The fan is loud...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the build quality of the product. They mention that it is a perfect quality eGPU enclosure, dependable, and sturdy. They also appreciate the smooth surfaces and well-cut edges.
"...The Akitio Node Pro, on the other hand has really good build quality, from the smooth surfaces, to the well cut and equally smooth edges...." Read more
"This beast is reliable and works well with Linux (Fedora 28). My XPS 13 attaches to it properly every time...." Read more
"I give this product five stars because it’s the highest quality eGPU I’ve come across...." Read more
"...It is an extremely well-built unit, with better build quality than most other Thunderbolt enclosures on the market...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the product. They mention that it is well designed, looks better, and is made of aluminum.
"...The Mantiz Venus uses aluminum, and the finish of the surface is nice...." Read more
"Beautiful piece. It is nice that it has two thunderbolt 3. but it did not work with liquidcooled radeon vega 64. Maybe Akitio only works w Nvidia...." Read more
"I recived this item yesterday and it is a nice product and mad of high quality material. But unfortunately I bought it used or “Like New”...." Read more
"...and, in my opinion, well designed in terms of both ventilation and visual appeal. I give it my full recommendation with a pinch of salt." Read more
Customers find the input output card easy to use. They mention that it is well built, simple to use, and easy to install. They also say that it can accept very big graphics cards.
"...Installing the graphics card is super easy on both systems, but the Akitio Node Pro is just a tad bit easier...." Read more
"...It's a great setup, easy to open up and install, no complaints there whatsoever...." Read more
"...This thing is extremely well built and simple to use. But there are a few downsides...." Read more
"...Installation is very easy. It can accept very big graphics cards.Downsides:-noisy fans !-flimsy metal grill" Read more
Customers are mixed about the port of the input output card. Some mention they appreciate that it includes a second Thunderbolt/USB-C port, while others say that one USB port doesn't work and the TB3 ports do not charge Wacom Mobilestudio Pros.
"...I do appreciate that this box includes a second Thunderbolt/USB-C port...." Read more
"...However! The TB3 ports do not charge Wacom Mobilestudio Pros! I was hoping this chassis would be the solution to eliminate a power cable...." Read more
"Beautiful piece. It is nice that it has two thunderbolt 3. but it did not work with liquidcooled radeon vega 64. Maybe Akitio only works w Nvidia...." Read more
"Waking up in the morning, One of the usb c port doesn’t work. Don’t know why. Returning to Amazon." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the noise produced by the product. They mention that the fans are a bit loud, and they have noticed a loud rattling and grinding noise a few weeks ago. The click noise from the power supply is also a source of frustration for some customers.
"...It's not really fan noise, more of a whine. Not enough to really notice it, especially with the main case fan and the GPU being louder.)" Read more
"...The only thing to be aware of is that it's loud - really loud - when the fans kick in...." Read more
"...Maybe Akitio only works w Nvidia. The fan is loud. I went and bought powercolor game station ...." Read more
"...The only nitpick is that the power supply fan can get noisy under full load. AKiTiO should use a quieter unit...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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But first, let me tell you about my current setup. I own a 2017 MacBook Pro w/TB 13", and an AMD Vega 64 Air Cooled. Originally, all this went into my Silver Mantiz Venus. My entire eGPU setup is really only used for two purposes: 1. Single-plug docking solution, and 2. Final Cut Pro X.
Okay. Now that I've got that out of the way, lets focus on the star of the show, the Akitio Node Pro. The moment I unboxed, it, I instantly noticed how light it was. Very similar in weight and size to the Mantiz Venus. The Akitio Node Pro is definitely a bit taller, but the Mantiz Venus is wider.
Now, I really care deeply about the build quality of products. The Akitio Node Pro was clearly superior in build quality to the Mantiz Venus. The Mantiz Venus uses aluminum, and the finish of the surface is nice. However, the edges are really rough, making it look like an unfinished product. The Akitio Node Pro, on the other hand has really good build quality, from the smooth surfaces, to the well cut and equally smooth edges. If only judging aesthetically, the Akitio Node Pro wins, without a doubt.
The back of the Akitio Node Pro vs. the Mantiz Venus. The Akitio Node Pro has flush screws, and ports that are seated well. The Mantiz Venus has small screws that are not flush, and overall looks much messier.
Inside each enclosure, paints a similar story. The Mantiz Venus uses "ketchup and mustard" power cables, with the board unshielded. The Akitio Node Pro, on the other hand, is incredible. Not only does it use mostly black cables, all of the boards and circuits are all shielded and protected. I find it strange that the Mantiz Venus left all of the circuitry is exposed. Yes, that is a PICE port inside the enclosure, and the Motherboard would be similarly exposed in a PC build. But, it is still an eGPU product that a company is shipping. Installing shields and protective metal plates is smart, and it prevents people from easily damaging their eGPU enclosure. I hope every enclosure shipped from other companies do this.
Installing the graphics card is super easy on both systems, but the Akitio Node Pro is just a tad bit easier. You first slide off the top cover, and then you have access to the inside of the enclosure. With every screw needed to install a graphics card being a thumb screw, it is way too easy to swap out a GPU. On the Mantiz Venus, its really easy to just pop off the side, but you will need a screwdriver, and the side opening to install a graphics card is a bit harder than a top-down method. I also prefer the way the Akitio Node Pro has its cover installed, the permanently attached thumb screws feel more secure than a side cover that you can pop off.
One of the most polarizing issue with these two enclosures is the fact they have different ports. The Mantiz Venus has 5 USB 3 ports, a SATA port, an Ethernet Port, and a Thunderbolt 3 port. The Akitio Node has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a Display Port. Both have better ports than the Sonnet Breakaway eGFX, and with more ports than the Akitio Node Pro, it would seem like the Mantiz Venus would be better positioned. Many people would choose this very factor to purchase the Mantiz Venus over other competitors. But as I bought my MacBook Pro, I switched all of my accessories to USB-C, so the second Thunderbolt 3 port on the Akitio Node Pro is perfect for me. The second Thunderbolt 3 port works for daisy-chaining, including the 5K LG UltraFine display. But I would just stick to USB peripherals (I use a hub), so you don't gobble up too much of the Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
Using the Akitio Node Pro, I still get the same great performance from my AMD Vega 64. Not really a need to benchmark, as there are way better and more sophisticated ones out there, and I could never compete with that.
In conclusion, I really like the Akitio Node Pro. More than the Mantiz Venus. If you are a Mac user, and you care about design and build quality, I would 100% recommend the Akitio Node Pro. It's cheaper, and it looks way better (in my opinion). I know this is not technically an Intel certified "eGFX", but it works flawlessly with Mac and an AMD GPU. The Mantiz Venus is still a nice enclosure, but with the Akitio Node Pro being better in my eyes, and cheaper, picking the Akitio Node Pro a no brainer.
***Notes***
-I posted this review on www.eGPU.io, so you may see it there too.
-The fan runs All. The. Time. Its a 3 pin, so there is no PWM. I switched the fan to a 80mm Noctua Fan I had lying around. I ordered a 92mm fan that fits the Akitio Node Pro, but its still shipping.
-The handle is super useful. (Really, I use it all the time!)
-Everything other than the thumb screws uses Hex screws. (It's like Akitio giving me the middle finger. Why are you using Hex screws Akitio???).
-The power supply isn't really that loud, as many reviews say. (Edit: When the GPU is under high load, the power supply fan turns up a bit. It's not really fan noise, more of a whine. Not enough to really notice it, especially with the main case fan and the GPU being louder.)
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2018
But first, let me tell you about my current setup. I own a 2017 MacBook Pro w/TB 13", and an AMD Vega 64 Air Cooled. Originally, all this went into my Silver Mantiz Venus. My entire eGPU setup is really only used for two purposes: 1. Single-plug docking solution, and 2. Final Cut Pro X.
Okay. Now that I've got that out of the way, lets focus on the star of the show, the Akitio Node Pro. The moment I unboxed, it, I instantly noticed how light it was. Very similar in weight and size to the Mantiz Venus. The Akitio Node Pro is definitely a bit taller, but the Mantiz Venus is wider.
Now, I really care deeply about the build quality of products. The Akitio Node Pro was clearly superior in build quality to the Mantiz Venus. The Mantiz Venus uses aluminum, and the finish of the surface is nice. However, the edges are really rough, making it look like an unfinished product. The Akitio Node Pro, on the other hand has really good build quality, from the smooth surfaces, to the well cut and equally smooth edges. If only judging aesthetically, the Akitio Node Pro wins, without a doubt.
The back of the Akitio Node Pro vs. the Mantiz Venus. The Akitio Node Pro has flush screws, and ports that are seated well. The Mantiz Venus has small screws that are not flush, and overall looks much messier.
Inside each enclosure, paints a similar story. The Mantiz Venus uses "ketchup and mustard" power cables, with the board unshielded. The Akitio Node Pro, on the other hand, is incredible. Not only does it use mostly black cables, all of the boards and circuits are all shielded and protected. I find it strange that the Mantiz Venus left all of the circuitry is exposed. Yes, that is a PICE port inside the enclosure, and the Motherboard would be similarly exposed in a PC build. But, it is still an eGPU product that a company is shipping. Installing shields and protective metal plates is smart, and it prevents people from easily damaging their eGPU enclosure. I hope every enclosure shipped from other companies do this.
Installing the graphics card is super easy on both systems, but the Akitio Node Pro is just a tad bit easier. You first slide off the top cover, and then you have access to the inside of the enclosure. With every screw needed to install a graphics card being a thumb screw, it is way too easy to swap out a GPU. On the Mantiz Venus, its really easy to just pop off the side, but you will need a screwdriver, and the side opening to install a graphics card is a bit harder than a top-down method. I also prefer the way the Akitio Node Pro has its cover installed, the permanently attached thumb screws feel more secure than a side cover that you can pop off.
One of the most polarizing issue with these two enclosures is the fact they have different ports. The Mantiz Venus has 5 USB 3 ports, a SATA port, an Ethernet Port, and a Thunderbolt 3 port. The Akitio Node has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a Display Port. Both have better ports than the Sonnet Breakaway eGFX, and with more ports than the Akitio Node Pro, it would seem like the Mantiz Venus would be better positioned. Many people would choose this very factor to purchase the Mantiz Venus over other competitors. But as I bought my MacBook Pro, I switched all of my accessories to USB-C, so the second Thunderbolt 3 port on the Akitio Node Pro is perfect for me. The second Thunderbolt 3 port works for daisy-chaining, including the 5K LG UltraFine display. But I would just stick to USB peripherals (I use a hub), so you don't gobble up too much of the Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
Using the Akitio Node Pro, I still get the same great performance from my AMD Vega 64. Not really a need to benchmark, as there are way better and more sophisticated ones out there, and I could never compete with that.
In conclusion, I really like the Akitio Node Pro. More than the Mantiz Venus. If you are a Mac user, and you care about design and build quality, I would 100% recommend the Akitio Node Pro. It's cheaper, and it looks way better (in my opinion). I know this is not technically an Intel certified "eGFX", but it works flawlessly with Mac and an AMD GPU. The Mantiz Venus is still a nice enclosure, but with the Akitio Node Pro being better in my eyes, and cheaper, picking the Akitio Node Pro a no brainer.
***Notes***
-I posted this review on www.eGPU.io, so you may see it there too.
-The fan runs All. The. Time. Its a 3 pin, so there is no PWM. I switched the fan to a 80mm Noctua Fan I had lying around. I ordered a 92mm fan that fits the Akitio Node Pro, but its still shipping.
-The handle is super useful. (Really, I use it all the time!)
-Everything other than the thumb screws uses Hex screws. (It's like Akitio giving me the middle finger. Why are you using Hex screws Akitio???).
-The power supply isn't really that loud, as many reviews say. (Edit: When the GPU is under high load, the power supply fan turns up a bit. It's not really fan noise, more of a whine. Not enough to really notice it, especially with the main case fan and the GPU being louder.)
My only complaint is the thumb screws for the PCI slots feel a bit loose like they weren't tapped correctly... i'd be a bit worried about them stripping out if you swap cards a lot.
The extra USB C Thunderbolt port on the back is great for daisy-chaining other devices letting you have "all the things" attach and dock using one cable.
The included Thunderbolt 3 cable feels well made, but is *very* short... ~2ft.
Comments:
It works perfectly! I had a Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box (350W) that just wasn't enough power for the Vega 56 and it would intermittently crash. Upgraded to this and have had no crashes at all - and we've been using it for 5 months now. It's a great setup, easy to open up and install, no complaints there whatsoever.
The only thing to be aware of is that it's loud - really loud - when the fans kick in. We use this for gaming and video editing so it's not a problem, but if you're in a setting where noise is an important factor (like a studio), this probably isn't your best option.
I do appreciate that this box includes a second Thunderbolt/USB-C port. While this technically means that this device isn't "designed" for eGPU use, as it uses a different chipset than the stand eGPU cases, it works the same and provides the option for daisy-chaining additional Thunderbolt devices. In my case, I just have a USB-C extender plugged in and aam using it for auxiliary USB connections (like card readers, portable SSDs, etc.) and can verify that it works perfectly while daisy-chained.