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

GPD is looking it the G1, and like most of its different {hardware}, it’s starting with a crowdfunding campaign. (Normally we don’t cowl crowdfunded initiatives, however GPD has confirmed its skill to ship with dozens of gadgets). The gadget hides an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, a laptop computer GPU, inside its modern aluminum housing. The GPD G1 makes use of a dedicated eGPU port called Oculink, a PCI-based customary supported on GPD’s mini-gaming gadgets and a few rivals. But crucially, it additionally helps USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 (backwards appropriate to Thunderbolt 3), which suggests 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 computer energy cable is a little bit of a bummer, however a small value 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 exterior gadgets and GPU-powered video. At a bit below 9 inches large and 1.2 inches thick, it must be straightforward sufficient to throw right into a laptop computer bag or a suitcase. Just don’t attempt to stuff it in there — the 240-watt inner energy provide wants lively cooling.

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

How a lot, precisely? GPD isn’t saying but. But Liliputing reports on an earlier rumor that pegs the cellular dock at about $700, presumably with a pre-order low cost through the Indiegogo marketing campaign, at the moment in preview.