AMD Teases Standardised External GPU Solution.

Mauller · 1 Mar 2016 at 09:11

Original Article - Link

AMD is prepping a standardized solution to plugin desktop class graphics cards into laptops for a huge boost in gaming performance. This tease came via AMD’s Robert Hallock’s facebook page and the solution promises to bring desktop class high-performance gaming experiences to ultra portable laptops via a simple plug and play solution.

The case itself is not too bad, will fit a full sized dGPU while adding some extra connections for the Portable.

icehot · 1 Mar 2016 at 09:28

I actually really like the idea of this. I look forward to seeing these type of products develop more.

Nismo · 1 Mar 2016 at 10:02

This isn't new is it? I've seen this solution with Nvidia cards for a while :confused:

It's one of the reasons the last Nvidias drivers allowed you to "eject" the card

andybird123 · 1 Mar 2016 at 10:12

Razer, Alienware and Asus are all releasing external GPU boxes, I think the Alienware one is using a proprietary connector, but the other two are using standard thunderbolt connectors

And yes, this is the reason the recent NVIDIA drvers had an "eject" option

In fact that picture is the Razer Core, its nothing to do with AMD

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2016/01/razer-blade-stealth-and-razer-core/

Confused Stu · 1 Mar 2016 at 10:40

If you read the article, it doesn't claim this is new and does mention (all?) the previous external GPU technologies. The difference this time is that AMD are trying to make a standard for it rather than every manufacturer tying you into their products with proprietary versions.

Will be a good thing if it comes off, but as always it will need buy-in from the laptop manufacturers and, I guess, Nvidia too. I look forward to being able to convert my slim and light laptop into a gaming monster by simply hooking up an external caddy with a huge GPU in it in future years!

Robert_G · 1 Mar 2016 at 10:40

I want something like that for desktop use, never mind laptop use.

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 1 Mar 2016 at 11:24

Confused Stu said:
If you read the article, it doesn't claim this is new and does mention (all?) the previous external GPU technologies. The difference this time is that AMD are trying to make a standard for it rather than every manufacturer tying you into their products with proprietary versions.

Will be a good thing if it comes off, but as always it will need buy-in from the laptop manufacturers and, I guess, Nvidia too. I look forward to being able to convert my slim and light laptop into a gaming monster by simply hooking up an external caddy with a huge GPU in it in future years!

This - many of the current external boxes lock you into that company. Even Thunderbolt is only found in a few laptops too.

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 1 Mar 2016 at 11:26

Nismo said:
This isn't new is it? I've seen this solution with Nvidia cards for a while

It's one of the reasons the last Nvidias drivers allowed you to "eject" the card

It is not a Nvidia solution - these are solutions made by the companies themselves based around Thunderbolt which is an Intel technology but they are not standard between companies.

Also,ATI has was the first to try with their XGP system in 2008 but it was fairly limited to what it could use IIRC and it required special cards:

http://techreport.com/news/14863/amd-creates-external-graphics-box-for-notebooks

Rroff · 1 Mar 2016 at 11:30

Would be nice if there was a standard solution - many laptops and even some tablets have reasonable powerful CPUs that are capable of more than the integrated graphics solution is capable of in a docked type situation.

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 1 Mar 2016 at 11:31

If external graphics are more accessible think how much more PCs could be used for gaming. I hope AMD,Nvidia and Intel can come to some agreement over the implementation.

Mauller · 1 Mar 2016 at 11:43

I think they are pushing it more with the release of Polaris. I think this is a sign that it is going to be very good on the power, performance and heat side for higher end cards.

andybird123 · 1 Mar 2016 at 13:22

Rroff said:
Would be nice if there was a standard solution - many laptops and even some tablets have reasonable powerful CPUs that are capable of more than the integrated graphics solution is capable of in a docked type situation.

The Razer core pictured will work with any thunderbolt/skylake laptop, not just the razer ones... iirc the Asus breakout box does as well, its only Alienware that have decided to use a proprietary connector (and even then it is still thunderbolt underneath)

CAT-THE-FIFTH said:
If external graphics are more accessible think how much more PCs could be used for gaming. I hope AMD,Nvidia and Intel can come to some agreement over the implementation.

They already have - thundebolt - Razer Core - will work with any pcie GPU and any thunderbolt equipped skylake laptop

Rroff · 1 Mar 2016 at 13:25

^^ Yeah but it depends on thunderbolt being adapted as a standard by the devices :S (which it may do).

LoadsaMoney · 1 Mar 2016 at 13:25

I remember reading something about using desktop cards on laptops years ago.

Mauller · 1 Mar 2016 at 13:29

I don't think thunderbolt would become the main connection. PCI Express external is more than likely to be taken up as it does not need the proprietary chips for both ends nor the stupidly priced cables.

pmc25 · 1 Mar 2016 at 14:31

I imagine they'll launch products with polaris 10 & 11 with Alienware / Dell and maybe ASUS.

LoadsaMoney · 1 Mar 2016 at 14:55

I knew id heard about it years ago, heres an article about it from 2009

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/amilo-sa3650-with-graphics-booster-review,1.html

andybird123 · 1 Mar 2016 at 16:15

Rroff said:
^^ Yeah but it depends on thunderbolt being adapted as a standard by the devices :S (which it may do).

There are a whole bunch of skylake laptops with thunderbolt, yes (razer, Asus, msi, Acer and the non-Alieanware Dell ones)

I was about to get one when I realised my old one just needed stripping down and cleaning, but I will probably get one next time I'm going to be away from the UK for any appreciable amount of time (and the razer core is actually available to buy)

Orangey · 1 Mar 2016 at 16:27

Never understood this.

Just game on a PC.

queamin · 1 Mar 2016 at 16:41

Well if costs are about the same and performance is almost the same as well it saves you having a desktop and laptop.