eGPU compatibility

[Envy959]

Currently need more VRAM to run Topaz photo editing AI model software and need a minimum of 8GB dedicated VRAM to do so. Have exhausted trying to upgrade the installed nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 laptop GPU (4GB VRAM) to a 3080 (8GB VRAM) card which I cannot find anywhere.  Would like to know what compatible options/brands for setting up an eGPU I have for my HP Envy 34-c1000 (4G584AV); serial Edited I do have a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port on my PC.

Thanks for any insight on this!

[Deep_World]

Hi @Envy959,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I’m sorry you’re going through this; I understand the concern and don’t worry I’ll help you with this. 

To help me understand the situation better, could you please share a bit more information?

 Please let me know:

1. Thunderbolt / USB‑C Port:
   • Is the port you plan to use Thunderbolt 4 (or at least Thunderbolt 3) rather than just a standard USB‑C port?
   • Does this port support Power Delivery (PD) i.e., can it provide 100W or more to the eGPU enclosure?
2. eGPU Enclosure (Chassis):
   • Do you already have an eGPU chassis (such as from GMtek, Razer, Akitio, Sonnet, etc.)?
   • If yes which model / brand, and what is its power supply rating (wattage)?
   • If no are you open to buying a compatible eGPU enclosure + GPU together?
3. GPU Requirements:
   • Do you specifically want an NVIDIA GPU (e.g. RTX 3080), or are you okay with a different GPU with at least 8 GB VRAM?
   • What’s your target performance  for example, AI model inference, training, heavy editing?
4. Power and Cooling Considerations:
   • Do you have a good power outlet and enough space to accommodate an eGPU box?
   • Is noise/heat a concern?

 Key Compatibility & Troubleshooting Considerations for eGPU Setup

• Thunderbolt Bandwidth:
  For AI and GPU-intensive workloads, having a real Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connection is important for performance and stability.
• Enclosure Power Supply:
  The eGPU enclosure should have a sufficient wattage PSU to support a high‑end GPU plus power for the laptop (if powering through the enclosure).
• GPU Size / Slot Compatibility:
  Ensure the graphics card fits physically inside the eGPU chassis (length, width, height).
• Driver Support:
  Use up-to-date NVIDIA drivers that support external GPU setups.
• Cooling / Heat Management:
  High-VRAM GPUs (like RTX 3080) run hot, so make sure your enclosure has good ventilation.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[Deep_World]

Hi @Envy959,

We did not hear from you after I replied to your post that you had created on the HP Support Community.

This is a follow-up to know if the issue that you were facing with your HP product has been resolved.

If you encounter any more hiccups or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and support you every step of the way! 

We'll be archiving this case, but feel free to respond to this thread anytime to continue the conversation. 

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Take care, and have an incredible day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[Envy959]

1. the specs on my envy 34 AIO re: the I/O ports on the back indicate: 

• (2) Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C 40Gbps signaling rate ports (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge)

• Not sure how to find/determine power output/wattage of these I/O ports

2.  do not currently have GPU enclosure or GPU and am looking for suggestions for compatible platforms.

3. Was thinking of Geforce RTX 4070 with 12 GB VRAM. Would be interested in other alternatives as well as not sure about compatibility with my existing Geforce RTX3050 w/ 4 GB VRAM that came with my AIO,  Primary goal in upgrading GPU is to run Topaz photo editing software and utilizing their various AI models to enhance still photo resolution, sharpness and denoise features. Their minimum requirement to run the Topaz Studio Software on a desktop is 8 GB VRAM.  Not interested in GPU upgrade for gaming purposes.

4.  Have good accessible power outlet and space and no concern for heat/noise.

Thanks!

[Envy959]

Found power output of my TB4 port and is only 100W

[Deep_World]

Hi @Envy959,

Thanks for your response. I understand your need for more VRAM to run Topaz Photo AI, and the desire to use an external GPU (eGPU) since your internal NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 only has 4 GB VRAM. Since your HP Envy 34‑c1000 All-in-One includes a Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C port, using an eGPU is a valid option. 

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name. Alternatively, you can click on this link. 

You can use this link as well: 

Private Messages - HP Support Community

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

Best regards,

Deep_World