Tag: eGPU support

  • Lenovo Launches Compact Mini PC with Intel Lunar Lake Processor

    Lenovo Launches Compact Mini PC with Intel Lunar Lake Processor

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Lenovo Lecoo AI Mini Pro is a compact mini PC available in China with three CPU options from the Lunar Lake lineup, featuring integrated Intel Arc iGPUs suitable for gaming at 1080p.
    2. The system supports eGPU via USB4, but lacks more advanced external GPU interfaces like OCuLink or Lenovo’s TGX.
    3. It has a design similar to the Mac mini with a metallic finish and efficient cooling, with prices ranging from approximately $586 to $880.
    4. No clear plans are announced for international availability outside China.

    Introduction to the New Lecoo AI Mini Pro

    Lenovo has recently announced a new mini PC called the AI Mini Pro, branded under Lecoo. This small but mighty computer has been teased for sometime now and is finally available for purchase in China. While Lenovo’s also released a Panther Lake mini PC, this Lecoo model uses the older Lunar Lake architecture, bringing a different set of features and options to users who are looking for compact computing solutions.

    Hardware Options and Performance

    The AI Mini Pro offers three different CPU configurations, catering to a range of needs. The lowest tier features the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, paired with an Intel Arc 130V iGPU, which offers decent graphics performance for everyday tasks. Moving up, the middle variant is equipped with the Core Ultra 5 228V, which comes with 32GB of RAM compared to 16GB in the base model, enhancing multitasking abilities.

    The highest-end version packs the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, also with 32GB RAM, and includes the more powerful Arc 140V iGPU. This setup is designed to manage many AAA games at 1080p resolution, making it suitable for gaming enthusiasts or content creators seeking portability.

    Connectivity and Design

    This mini PC allows eGPU support through USB4, which can be extended via an Aoostar AG02 dock that costs around $229, though this could be better if it had OCuLink or Lenovo’s proprietary TGX interfaces. The system provides a variety of ports for connectivity, ensuring versatility for different external devices.

    Design-wise, the Lenovo Lecoo AI Mini Pro has a look similar to the Mac mini, particularly from the bottom. It features a metallic finish, giving it a sleek and premium appearance. Lenovo emphasizes its efficient cooling system that can keep the internals cool without making excessive noise, with noise levels staying below 35dB.

    Pricing and Market Availability

    Pricing for this mini PC starts at CNY 3,999 ($586), with the high-end configuration priced at CNY 5,999 ($880). It remains uncertain whether Lenovo will expand its availability beyond China, as Lecoo products tend to have limited international reach. For those interested, it looks like an affordable option for compact computing needs with multiple CPU and GPU configurations.

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  • Lenovo Launches ThinkBook 14+ and 16+ with AMD Gorgon APU

    Lenovo Launches ThinkBook 14+ and 16+ with AMD Gorgon APU

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo has updated its ThinkBook 14+ and 16+ laptops in China with an advanced AMD Ryzen AI 7 H 450 APU, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads.
    2. The new APU offers a 100 MHz speed boost over the previous model and can handle faster memory, outperforming the Apple M4 SoC in leaked benchmarks.
    3. The laptops lack an integrated GPU, relying on the Radeon 860M iGPU, but support ultra-fast external graphics via a TGX slot.
    4. The 14.5-inch model features a 3072 x 1920 resolution display at 120 Hz, while the larger model has a 3200 x 2000 display at 165 Hz, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.
    5. Available in China for 6,999 Yuan (about $1,008), the laptops include 32 GB of memory, 512 GB of storage, and various advanced features, but there are no plans for a global release.

    Lenovo is rolling out a fresh version of its ThinkBook 14+ and 16+ laptops in China, now featuring an advanced AMD Gorgon Point APU. The overall design and features of the laptops appear to be the same, maintaining their premium specs and high-speed eGPU compatibility.

    New APU Details

    The latest addition to the lineup includes the AMD Ryzen AI 7 H 450 chip, which consists of 4 Zen 5 and 4 Zen 5c cores, totaling 8 cores and 16 threads. This chip is basically a reworked version of the previous Ryzen AI 7 350, boasting a 100 MHz speed boost and the ability to handle faster memory. According to leaked Geekbench 6 results, this APU seems to slightly surpass the Apple M4 SoC in performance.

    Graphics Performance

    There is no integrated GPU, which means the Radeon 860M iGPU is responsible for graphics tasks. When faced with demanding workloads that the older iGPU can’t handle, the ThinkBook 14+/16+ has a TGX slot for ultra-fast eGPU setups, comparable to OCuLink in performance with about 64 Gbps throughput.

    Display and Features

    Lenovo’s new 14.5-inch ThinkBook will showcase a stunning 3072 x 1920 resolution display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and claims to cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. The larger model will feature a 3200 x 2000 display with an even quicker refresh rate of 165 Hz. The I/O options are quite robust, including a variety of useful ports:

    Memory and storage capabilities are managed by dual-channel LPDDR5X-8533 and two M.2 2280 slots. Additional highlights include an IR camera supporting Windows Hello, a physical camera shutter, a four-speaker audio system, a 99.9 Wh battery, WiFi 7, and compatibility with MagicBay accessories.

    These Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ and 16+ laptops, equipped with 32 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage, are currently available in China at a price of 6,999 Yuan on JD.com, which is about $1,008. Unfortunately, there’s no sign of a global release anytime soon, and it seems pretty unlikely.

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  • GMK NucBox K15: Affordable Mini PC with 24TB Storage Support

    GMK NucBox K15: Affordable Mini PC with 24TB Storage Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. The NucBox K15 is priced starting at $359.99 and supports external GPUs via an OCuLink port and USB4 port.
    2. It features an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor with a 4-core integrated GPU, suitable for general use but not optimal for gaming at 1080p.
    3. The mini PC supports up to 24 TB of NVMe storage and 96 GB of DDR5 RAM through expandable slots.
    4. It includes features like WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a dual-fan cooling system.
    5. The base model is barebones, with additional configurations available for users seeking more options.

    The NucBox K15 was first unveiled in December 2025 in China, and it has now launched worldwide. Priced starting at $359.99, this mini PC offers significant capabilities, including support for external GPUs.

    eGPU Compatibility

    Specifically, the GMK K15 includes an OCuLink port, allowing users to connect a high-performance external GPU to enhance its graphical capabilities. Additionally, it comes equipped with a USB4 port, which broadens its compatibility with various external GPU options.

    Performance Specifications

    Inside, the NucBox K15 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125U, a mid-range processor from the Meteor Lake series. It features a 4-core integrated GPU, which we found to struggle with delivering a satisfactory gaming experience at 1080p resolution; however, the CPU performance remains acceptable.

    Users can expand storage options with this Meteor Lake chip, supporting up to 24 TB of NVMe storage via three PCIe 3.0 slots (currently, a 2 TB Samsung SSD 9100 Pro is priced at $254.99 on Amazon). The device also has two SO-DIMM slots capable of accommodating up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM. The port options are good, with the inclusion of the OCuLink and USB4 ports, along with the following:

    Additional Features

    Some standout features of this budget-friendly mini PC include WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a dual-fan cooling system. It’s important to note that the starting price is for the GMK K15 in its barebones form. There are also two more configurations available:

    GMKtec

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