
Asus’ Expensive, Proprietary Mobile RTX 4090 eGPU Coming to $1,999
Asus’ ROG Move X13, Z13, and X16 are highly effective laptops with a few of the finest {hardware} in the marketplace. However they depend on ROG XG Cell GPUs for top-notch gaming efficiency, making them a compelling alternative for individuals who desire a skinny laptop computer on the go and highly effective gaming gear once you plug it into an eGPU at residence.
Nevertheless, the newest 2023 installment of ROG XG Cell is not going to come back low cost, because it contains Nvidia’s flagship GeForce RTX 4090 (in its cellular kind), the most effective graphics playing cards for players.
ROG XG Cell is an exterior graphics dock that Asus launched in 2021 for the corporate’s premium ROG Move X13 (GV301/GV302), ROG Move Z13 (GZ301) and ROG Move X16 (GV601) laptops. BT connects to the host gadget through a proprietary PCIe connector, so ROG XG Cell will not be suitable with laptops apart from the ROG Move models talked about above. However an important advantage of the connector is that it gives a PCIe 3.0 x8 freeway for communication between ROG XG Cell and the host. The theoretical bandwidth for PCIe 3.0 x8 hyperlink is 63 Gbps, roughly 57% larger than Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps).
Aesthetically, the ROG XG Cell hasn’t modified a lot since its design. The dock nonetheless measures 21.7 x 16.5 x 3.26 cm, roughly the dimensions of a hardcover e book. Identical footprint because the 2022 mannequin, however barely bigger than the unique. Consequently, Nvidia’s GPUs have change into extra thermally demanding. As such, ROG XG Cell has additionally gained some weight over time. The 2023 and 2022 fashions are 300 grams and 200 grams heavier, respectively, than the 2021 mannequin.
ROG XG Cell (2023) Technical Specs
Mannequin identify | graphics card | Graphics Card TGP | Ethernet Connection | Show Ports | USB Ports | SD Card Reader | Energy supply | dimensions | Weight | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GC33Y (2023) | GeForce RTX 4090 Pocket book GPU | 150W | 2.5 Gigabit | 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-C | Sure | 330W | 21.7×16.5×3.26cm | 1.3 kilos | $1,999.99 |
GC32L (2022) | Radeon RX 6850MXT | 165W | 2.5 Gigabit | 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Sort-A | Sure | 330W | 21.7×16.5×3.26cm | 1.2 kilos | $999.99 |
GC31S (2021) | GeForce RTX 3080 Pocket book GPU | 150W | gigabit | 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Sort-A | Sure | 280W | 20.8×15.5×2.96cm | 1.0 kilos | $1,099.99 |
GC31R (2021) | GeForce RTX 3070 Pocket book GPU | 140W | gigabit | 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Sort-A | Sure | 280W | 20.8×15.5×2.96cm | 1.0 kilos | ? |
Essentially the most noticeable improve for the ROG XG Cell 2023 lies below the hood. This yr’s mannequin makes use of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4090 Pocket book GPU (150W). It is a important enchancment over the earlier mannequin powered by the Radeon RX 6850M XT (165W) by way of efficiency and energy effectivity. Cooling comes within the type of a vapor chamber on the GPU die, powered by an ordinary heatsink and a small cooling fan with crimson lighting seen from the entrance of the slot. The GeForce RTX 4090 Pocket book GPU has a configurable TGP between 80 W and 150 W, so shoppers get the very best configuration right here. Logically, it may’t compete with some overclocked GeForce RTX 4090 Pocket book GPUs with an envelope of 175 W, however that is a narrative for an additional day.
ROG XG Cell is not getting all the facility it wants from the laptop computer. Though cellular graphics playing cards are used within the 150 W vary, the dock all the time contains a big energy adapter. The primary ROG XG Cell got here with a 280W unit. Since then Asus has elevated this to 330W for even better energy margin for different units.
ROG XG Cell will also be used as an I/O hub, although this function would require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) connection to the laptop computer. The primary dock has just one Gigabit Ethernet connection, whereas the 2022 and later fashions have a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. Asus has additionally revamped the USB ports, making them quicker. ROG XG Cell 2023 presents a mixture of three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-A ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-C port, in contrast to the 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Sort-A which have been in the marketplace for the previous two years. generations. Show ports and SD card reader are two gadgets that don’t change.
Asus is promoting the ROG XG Cell 2023 at a really excessive value $1,999.99 (opens in new tab). Contemplating that for that sort of cash you may get a desktop GeForce RTX 4090 or the most effective gaming PCs and nonetheless have spare cash, that is costly. Nevertheless, the 2022 mannequin ($999.99 (opens in new tab)) was considerably cheaper as a result of Asus had chosen AMD’s Radeon RX 6850M XT for the job. For comparability, GeForce RTX 3080 Pocket book offered 2021 mannequin with GPU $1,099.99 (opens in new tab).
In different phrases, Asus fees $900 or 82% extra for the brand new model of its proprietary exterior GPU. On the upside, there needs to be loads of availability for the ROG XG Cell 2023, given its value. We’re positive that not less than a number of earlier Move laptop computer homeowners will take the chance to improve their graphics capabilities with out having to surrender their present PC.
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