GMKTec AD-GP1 External GPU with AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT Launches on March 12th

GMKTec has officially announced the AD-GP1, a dual-mode external independent graphics card designed to enhance graphics performance for laptops, mini-PCs, and portable gaming consoles. Set for release on March 12, the AD-GP1 brings a compact yet powerful design featuring AMD’s Radeon RX 7600M XT GPU, making it one of the most interesting eGPU solutions in the market.

Compact Yet Powerful: AD-GP1’s Hardware and Design

The GMKTec AD-GP1 measures just 163.9×110.5×39.8mm, making it one of the smallest external graphics solutions available. Despite its compact size, it houses a full-fledged AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, based on the RDNA3 architecture and built on TSMC’s 6nm process. The GPU features 32 compute units and 2,048 stream processors, delivering high-end mobile gaming and content creation performance.

To ensure seamless connectivity, the AD-GP1 supports both Oculink (PCIe 4.0 x4) and USB4 (PCIe 4.0 x4), making it compatible with a wide range of devices, including:

l Laptops and ultrabooks

l 2-in-1 convertible PCs

l Handheld gaming consoles running Windows

Its hot-swappable capability allows users to connect and disconnect the eGPU without shutting down their system. Additionally, the 100W reverse power supply enables the AD-GP1 to charge connected laptops, reducing cable clutter and improving portability.

Next-Gen Display Support: Multi-Screen Expansion & High Resolutions

GMKTec has designed the AD-GP1 for serious gamers and professionals who require high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display output. The device comes with four display output options, including:

l 2× DisplayPort 2.0

l 2× HDMI 2.1

This configuration allows for quad-screen expansion, making it a great option for multi-monitor setups. It supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, ensuring a smooth experience for both gaming and professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

Why Oculink Matters: Faster eGPU Performance

While most eGPU solutions rely on Thunderbolt 3/4, the GMKTec AD-GP1 features Oculink (PCIe 4.0 x4), which provides significantly lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt-based eGPUs. Oculink offers up to 64Gbps of bandwidth, which is nearly double the speed of Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps), ensuring that the RX 7600M XT operates closer to its full potential.

For users who prefer a more standard approach, USB4 connectivity is also available, though it typically results in slightly lower performance compared to Oculink.

A Game-Changer for External GPU Setups?

With the launch of the GMKTec AD-GP1, external GPU technology is moving toward more efficient, high-bandwidth solutions. Unlike traditional eGPUs that are often bulky and require external power bricks, the AD-GP1 is compact and power-efficient, making it a viable solution for on-the-go professionals, gamers, and content creators.

While pricing details have not yet been officially disclosed, GMKTec’s aggressive pricing strategy in the past suggests that the AD-GP1 could be a cost-effective alternative to existing eGPU solutions.

As external GPU adoption grows, GMKTec’s implementation of Oculink, full USB4, and high-resolution display outputs makes the AD-GP1 one of the most compelling eGPU options to date. More details, including benchmarks and real-world performance tests, will be available following its March 12 release.

Stay tuned for further updates as we get hands-on with the GMKTec AD-GP1 in the coming weeks.