Image: GPD
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
Michael is a former graphic designer who’s been constructing and tweaking desktop computer systems for longer than he cares to confess. His pursuits embrace people music, soccer, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no specific order.
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