The GPD G1 is a pocket-friendly external GPU for your laptop

GPD is a acquainted title for anybody who likes to tinker with tiny gaming machines. The Shenzen-based firm made its title on emulation-friendly units just like the Android-based GPD XD, earlier than transferring on to Windows-based designs just like the GPD Pocket mini laptop or the GPD Win 4, a Steam Deck competitor. But the corporate’s latest design is a horse of a completely different coloration. It’s a tiny external GPU that may punch up the graphics of any laptop or Windows-powered moveable system.

GPD is calling it the G1, and like most of its different {hardware}, it’s beginning with a crowdfunding marketing campaign. (Normally we don’t cowl crowdfunded initiatives, however GPD has confirmed its potential to ship with dozens of units). The gadget hides an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, a laptop GPU, inside its smooth aluminum housing. The GPD G1 makes use of a devoted eGPU port referred to as Oculink, a PCI-based customary supported on GPD’s mini-gaming units and a few opponents. But crucially, it additionally helps USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 (backwards appropriate to Thunderbolt 3), which implies it’ll work with many of the laptops in the marketplace proper now.

GPD

The G1 additionally works as a extra common moveable dock, together with an HDMI 2.1 port, double DisplayPort, triple USB 3.2 sort A ports, and a full-sized SD card reader. The semi-proprietary laptop energy cable is a little bit of a bummer, however a small worth to pay for such a compact and helpful little gadget. Devices with each Oculink and Thunderbolt 4 (like GPD’s WinMax2) can maximize the gadget’s throughput for external units and GPU-powered video. At a bit underneath 9 inches broad and 1.2 inches thick, it must be straightforward sufficient to throw into a laptop bag or a suitcase. Just don’t attempt to stuff it in there — the 240-watt inner energy provide wants energetic cooling.

The cell GPU contained in the G1 means it might’t be upgraded like desktop-style eGPUs. That makes it one thing just like the Asus ROG XG Mobile, which affords a lot extra energy with the newest RTX 4090 cell card inside. (GPD says the RG 7600M XT can meet or beat a desktop RTX 3070, for what it’s price). But there are two essential variations: One, the Asus eGPU solely works with a handful of Asus gaming laptops and tablets due to a proprietary connection. And two, the GPD G1 will in all probability value a lot lower than Asus’ $2,000 start line.

How a lot, precisely? GPD isn’t saying but. But Liliputing reviews on an earlier rumor that pegs the cell dock at about $700, presumably with a pre-order low cost by way of the Indiegogo marketing campaign, presently in preview.

Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer