GMKTec AD-GP1 Review: Compact eGPU with OCuLink and USB4

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by the limitations of your laptop, mini PC, or handheld device when it comes to gaming or tackling demanding creative tasks? It’s a common struggle—wanting the convenience of a portable setup but feeling held back by underwhelming performance. Whether it’s choppy frame rates in your favorite game or sluggish rendering times for your latest project, the trade-off between portability and power can feel like an endless compromise. But what if there was a way to bridge that gap, giving you the performance boost you need without sacrificing the compact design you love?

Enter the GMKTec AD-GP1 priced at $460, is a small but mighty external GPU (eGPU) that’s here to change the game. This sleek device combines portability with serious power, offering innovative connectivity options like OCuLink and USB4 to deliver lightning-fast data transfer speeds. With the AMD Radeon RX 7600 MXT GPU at its core, the AD-GP1 promises to transform your everyday setup into a high-performance powerhouse, whether you’re gaming, editing, or multitasking. Curious about how this compact solution manages to pack such a punch? ETA Prime explores what makes the AD-GP1 a standout choice for users seeking the best of both worlds.

GMKTec AD-GP1

Compact Design and Versatile Connectivity

The AD-GP1’s compact design is one of its standout features, making it an ideal choice for users who value portability without compromising on performance. Its small form factor allows it to fit easily into a bag, allowing seamless transport for users who need high-performance computing on the go. However, the inclusion of a portable power supply, while necessary for its operation, does add some weight and bulk to the overall package, which may be a consideration for frequent travelers. The device’s rear I/O panel is equipped with a comprehensive array of ports, including:

• Power input
• USB4
• OCuLink
• Two HDMI ports
• Two DisplayPorts

This robust selection of ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of displays and peripherals, making it a versatile addition to any setup. A key feature is the OCuLink connection, which offers a data transfer rate of up to 64Gbps, significantly outpacing USB4’s 40Gbps. This enhanced speed translates to reduced latency and improved performance, particularly for demanding tasks such as gaming and rendering. Additionally, the AD-GP1 supports 100W Power Delivery (PD) via USB-C, allowing users to charge their devices while simultaneously using the eGPU, further enhancing its practicality.

Performance and Technical Specifications

At the heart of the AD-GP1 lies the AMD Radeon RX 7600 MXT GPU, a powerful component designed to handle intensive workloads with ease. The GPU’s specifications include:

• 8GB of VRAM for handling high-resolution textures and complex graphics
• 32 compute units for efficient parallel processing
• 32 ray-tracing cores for realistic lighting and shadows in games
• A core clock speed of 2300 MHz for fast and responsive performance
• A maximum power draw of 120W, balancing power and efficiency

These specifications make the AD-GP1 capable of excelling in tasks such as gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing. The device uses PCIe 4.0 for high-speed communication between the GPU and the host system, making sure minimal bottlenecks and optimal performance.

For users seeking maximum performance, the OCuLink connection is the preferred choice due to its faster data transfer speeds. Meanwhile, USB4 offers broader compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and 4-enabled devices, making sure the AD-GP1 can cater to a diverse audience. This dual connectivity approach makes the device suitable for gamers, creative professionals, and anyone looking to boost their system’s capabilities.

GMKTec AD-GP eGPU Review : OCuLink and USB4

Advance your knowledge in External GPU (eGPU) by reading more of our detailed content.

Real-World Testing and Benchmarks

The AD-GP1’s performance was rigorously tested with the GMKTec Evo X1 Mini PC, which is powered by a Ryzen AI9 HX 370 processor featuring 12 cores and 24 threads. The results demonstrated significant performance improvements, showcasing the eGPU’s ability to transform underpowered systems into high-performance machines. Benchmark results include:

• 3DMark Night Raid: 57,187 with the eGPU, compared to 33,984 using the integrated GPU (iGPU).
• 3DMark Time Spy: 9,818 with the eGPU, more than doubling the iGPU’s performance.

Gaming benchmarks further highlight the AD-GP1’s capabilities. At 1080p High settings, it delivers smooth gameplay for graphically demanding titles such as:

• Spider-Man 2
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Doom Eternal

For less demanding games like Forza Horizon 5, the eGPU handles 1440p resolutions effortlessly, providing a high-quality gaming experience. These results underscore the AD-GP1’s ability to elevate the performance of systems that lack dedicated GPUs, making it a valuable tool for gamers and professionals alike.

Use Cases and Portability

The AD-GP1 is particularly advantageous for users with laptops, mini PCs, or handheld devices that lack the power of dedicated GPUs. Its compact design ensures it can be easily transported, allowing high-performance computing wherever it is needed. However, the portable power supply does add some bulk, which may be a consideration for those who travel frequently.

For professionals, the AD-GP1 offers a versatile solution for a variety of tasks, including:

• Video editing, where GPU acceleration can significantly reduce rendering times
• 3D modeling, allowing smoother workflows and faster previews
• Rendering, where the GPU’s power can handle complex scenes with ease

Gamers will appreciate the AD-GP1’s ability to deliver smooth, high-quality visuals at both 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making sure an immersive gaming experience. The device’s dual connectivity options—OCuLink and USB4—further enhance its appeal by making sure compatibility with a wide range of systems. Whether you’re a creative professional, a gamer, or someone looking to enhance your system’s performance, the AD-GP1 offers a compelling mix of portability and power.

Media Credit: ETA PRIME

Latest thetechnologysphere Gadgets Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, thetechnologysphere Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.