Key Takeaways
1. The Thunderbolt 5 external GPU (eGPU) is now available for purchase at $699.99.
2. The Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box offers performance close to a desktop GPU, but real-world gaming performance may vary compared to PCIe connections.
3. It includes a robust 330W power adapter for sufficient power supply.
4. Enhanced connectivity options include multiple ports along with a Thunderbolt 5 connection, making it compatible with many modern laptops and mini PCs.
5. The Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box is also available for users seeking higher GPU capabilities.
Gigabyte first revealed the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box in early September 2025, then later provided a detailed overview of the Thunderbolt 5 external GPU. During the second reveal, the company shared many specifics but did not mention the price or when it would be available.
Finally Available for Purchase
Now, the Thunderbolt 5 eGPU is up for grabs, priced at $699.99 on Newegg. This cost is not too far off from the standard price of a desktop Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, making this external GPU a solid option for anyone looking to create an external GPU setup. It also comes with a robust 330W power adapter.
Performance Insights
Regarding the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box, it includes a desktop-quality GPU, and Gigabyte asserts that its performance is around 5% lower than a PCIe on-slot configuration with an equivalent GPU. However, this assertion is based on a comparison using a 3DMark Timespy benchmark score, which may not accurately reflect real-world performance.
Independent tests suggest that there can be a significant difference in gaming performance when using an on-slot PCIe connection versus a Thunderbolt 5 eGPU, even with the same GPU. Additionally, it supports USB4 v2, making it compatible with many of the latest laptops and mini PCs, like the Minisforum MS-S1 Max.
Connectivity Options
The Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box also provides enhanced connectivity options. Besides the Thunderbolt 5 port for connecting to the host PC, it includes several ports:
For more information on the Thunderbolt 5 eGPU, check out the spec sheet below. If you need even more GPU capabilities, consider the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.
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