Video card options for small format desk top

[8thJinx]

Is an external video card worth it?  How much do they run.  I can get a decent pre-built machine for $1200 from Digital Storm.  But if an external card rig could be had for a couple hundy, I'd go that route.  Anyone use an external card?

[Skuzzy]

What external bus is fast enough to handle the data to/from a video card?

[The Fugitive]

I think some of the 1060s come in a smaller layout. I think Kong (popeye44 I think is his BBS name) had a small box and that is what he use. PM him.

[oboe]

What external bus is fast enough to handle the data to/from a video card?

Thunderbolt 3 I think. Razor laptops have the capability to use an external video card/PSU enclosure I think its called the "Core".  Alienware and Aorus build these now too. AFAIK the enclosure contains the PSU, video card, and some kind of controller board, and hooks to your laptop via Thunderbolt 3 port.

GTX 1070 - 1080 seem to be the card of choice for these enclosures. 

Example:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125990&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC-_-pla-_-Video+Card+-+Nvidia-_-N82E16814125990&gclid=Cj0KCQiAs9zSBRC5ARIsAFMtUXFvrbNxSha4hvQns8qRup6QOFETGJ98UXj22uja4iYcsIhQ6E8g5BgaAp0-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[8thJinx]

What external bus is fast enough to handle the data to/from a video card?

My nephew rigged one up on a laptop a couple years ago, connected it right to the bus harness from under the battery panel.  But it looked like a science experiment.  I think they sell complete units now.