GPD Win Max: crowdfunding for the 'mini console' moves on to a new stage amid user concerns about its charging tech

The GPD Win Max is a certified Indiegogo success, amassing well over US$2 million worth of backing by July 1, 2020. Its original tiers on this crowdfunding platform are no longer available: however, it is now an InDemand product on this site, available for the equivalent of US$800 for the next 6 days (correct at time of writing).

Therefore, fans of 10th-gen Intel Core i5-powered, Thunderbolt 3-enabled mini-notebooks with that kind of cash to throw around may still be able to get one. These units are projected to ship in August 2020, whereas GPD had originally planned to start fulfilling orders through Indiegogo in July.

According to a Reddit page on this subject, this new delay may be due to alleged reports of charger failure among some Chinese owners. These users were the first to access advance pre-orders of the "AAA-gaming-capable" GPD device. Their complaints allegedly involve images of severely damaged power bricks, linked to the 65 watt (W) units the OEM has chosen to accompany the new portable PC.

The claims are particularly alarming as these adapters are slated to have GaN technology, which is often touted as safer and more efficient compared to traditional charger tech. The Win Max Reddit also contains indications that this problem is currently under evaluation at GPD.