GPD G1 with AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT reviewed: This eGPU has two major problems!

Despite being all the rage right now, compact computers and handheld gaming PCs suffer from one problem. Their modest 3D performance noticeably limits how gorgeous modern games can look on these systems. Such devices can’t accommodate a powerful graphics card due to space constraints. Nevertheless, users can take advantage of modern interfaces such as USB4 and OCuLink to boost 3D performance substantially. One way to do this is by using eGPU enclosures, which can be fitted with conventional desktop graphics cards. We recently took a look at a much smaller solution: the GPD G1. One highly exceptional feature of device is its ability to connect via OCuLink on top of USB4. This enables a much higher data transfer rate than what USB4 can offer, thus providing a considerable edge when users are running an external GPU.

GPD has equipped the G1 with an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, which is very similar to a Radeon RX 7600 spec-wise. Because of the lower power consumption, you can’t expect it to deliver the same level of performance as its desktop counterpart. During our testing, we definitely saw a marked increase in performance compared with just running an iGPU. Whenever possible, you should always plug in the GPD G1 via OCuLink rather than USB4. The higher bandwidth is going to result in decidedly more performance. We examined how these two interfaces stack up against each other by connecting the eGPU to a Miniforum UM780 XTX. The performance charts can be found in our written review.

The GPD G1 is plagued by two major criticisms right now. For starters, its current price of around €700 (US$754) before tax is really a lot to ask. There is also no way to sugarcoat how loud the device runs under load. That said, GPD has at least provided a “silent” BIOS of sorts that caps the eGPU’s default power usage to 80 watts. You can likewise install a “performance” BIOS that allows the device to draw up to 120 watts. The latter will certainly not be kind to the noise level.

Click here to read our GPD G1 review.