Key Takeaways
1. Aorus has launched a new external GPU, the RTX 5060 Ti AI Box, aimed at mainstream users, based on Nvidia’s desktop-grade GPU.
2. The eGPU features 16 GB of VRAM and uses the Windforce cooling system, offering more memory than some competitors.
3. It connects via Thunderbolt 5, which is claimed to be only 5% slower than traditional desktop connections, but TB5 is not widely available yet.
4. The device also functions as a docking station, providing multiple USB ports and Ethernet connectivity.
5. The Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box is more portable than the RTX 5090 model, with compact dimensions of 117 x 243 x 45 mm.
Among the many new products showcased today at the Beyond Edge online event hosted by Gigabyte, the Aorus brand has unveiled its newest external GPU designed for mainstream users. This device is based on Nvidia’s desktop-grade RTX 5060 Ti model. It is expected to be available in the next few weeks, alongside the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU that was presented at Computex.
A New Option in the Market
Until recently, only a handful of OEMs offered eGPUs, and they mainly concentrated on the more budget-friendly AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, which is based on the laptop-grade RDNA 3 dGPU. Aorus steps in with a new Nvidia option that’s actually derived from a desktop GPU. It comes equipped with the same Windforce cooling system and boasts 16 GB of VRAM, doubling the 8 GB found in some alternatives. Therefore, it’s likely that the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box will be priced higher than the desktop GPU, which currently retails for $460.
Worth the Investment?
The potential price might be justified, especially since the eGPU connects via Thunderbolt 5 to compatible devices. Gigabyte claims that the TB5 (PCIe 4.0 X4) connection is only 5% slower than a desktop GPU utilizing a PCIe 4.0 X16 slot. However, TB5 is not yet a common standard, being primarily found in high-end laptops and mini PCs. Fortunately, the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box supports USB4 backward compatibility, allowing users to use it as a game renderer, while a less powerful dGPU in their laptop can share the workload with Project G-Assist.
More Than Just an eGPU
In addition to its eGPU capabilities, this device serves as a docking station, providing 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports with Power Delivery 3.0 and an Ethernet NIC. The Aorus logo and the interior are illuminated with RGB LEDs for an appealing aesthetic. The box is significantly more portable than the RTX 5090 model, measuring at 117 x 243 x 45 mm, making it easier to transport.
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