GPD is a well-known identify for anybody who likes to tinker with tiny gaming machines. The Shenzen-based firm made its identify on emulation-friendly gadgets just like the Android-based GPD XD, earlier than shifting on to Home windows-based designs just like the GPD Pocket mini laptop computer or the GPD Win 4, a Steam Deck competitor. However the firm’s latest design is a horse of a special shade. It’s a tiny exterior GPU that may punch up the graphics of any laptop computer or Home windows-powered moveable system.
GPD is looking it the G1, and like most of its different {hardware}, it’s beginning with a crowdfunding marketing campaign. (Usually we don’t cowl crowdfunded tasks, however GPD has confirmed its capability to ship with dozens of gadgets). The gadget hides an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, a laptop computer GPU, inside its smooth aluminum housing. The GPD G1 makes use of a devoted eGPU port referred to as Oculink, a PCI-based commonplace supported on GPD’s mini-gaming gadgets and a few opponents. However crucially, it additionally helps USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 (backwards appropriate to Thunderbolt 3), which suggests it’ll work with a lot of the laptops available on the market 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 computer energy cable is a little bit of a bummer, however a small value to pay for such a compact and helpful little gadget. Gadgets with each Oculink and Thunderbolt 4 (like GPD’s WinMax2) can maximize the gadget’s throughput for exterior gadgets and GPU-powered video. At a bit beneath 9 inches large and 1.2 inches thick, it needs to be straightforward sufficient to throw right into a laptop computer bag or a suitcase. Simply 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 could’t be upgraded like desktop-style eGPUs. That makes it one thing just like the Asus ROG XG Cellular, which affords much more energy with the most recent RTX 4090 cell card inside. (GPD says the RG 7600M XT can meet or beat a desktop RTX 3070, for what it’s price). However 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 most likely value so much lower than Asus’ $2,000 place to begin.
How a lot, precisely? GPD isn’t saying but. However Liliputing stories 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.
