Tag: GPD Box

  • GPD Box mini PC launches with MCIO eGPU port

    GPD Box mini PC launches with MCIO eGPU port

    Key Takeaway

    – GPD Box mini PC available on Indiegogo, starting at $1,452 for Intel Core Ultra 7 356H with MCIO 8i eGPU port (512Gbps bandwidth)
    – Second config has Core Ultra X7 358H with Intel Arc B390 iGPU but no MCIO 8i port (starts at $1,534)
    – Both have 160W GaN power supply, 15-80W TDP, dual M.2 slots (one PCIe Gen 5 x4), and up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM
    – MCIO 8i port offers near-native desktop eGPU performance, far exceeding OCuLink 4.0 (64Gbps)
    – GPD G2 eGPU dock bundle with MCIO port available from $1,837

    Pricing and Specifications

    GPD has made the Box mini PC available to purchase through the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. Backers can get this Intel Panther Lake system at a discounted price, and the starting price is $1,452. That starting price is for the configuration with the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, which doesn’t have the Arc B390 iGPU. Instead, it features the less capable 4-core Xe3 iGPU, but this config features the OCuLink-beating MCIO 8i eGPU port.

    MCIO 8i Port Advantages

    For reference, the MCIO 8i port is based on PCIe Gen 5 x8, and it promises 512Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth. The OCuLink 4.0 port that’s found on most mini PCs is rated for 64Gbps. This jump means that with a capable eGPU setup, it’s possible to get near-native desktop performance through this port. This is a significant uplift for users who need external graphics power.

    Alternative Configuration Details

    There’s another configuration of the GPD Box available, and it comes with the Core Ultra X7 358H. It has the more capable Intel Arc B390 iGPU but misses out on the MCIO 8i port. Beyond these, the other aspects of the two configurations are the same. Both come with a built-in 160W GaN power supply, and they can be adjusted from anywhere between 15W and 80W TDP.

    Storage and Memory Options

    GPD further highlights that this Intel Panther Lake mini PC has dual M.2 slots, and one of them can hold a PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD (2TB Samsung SSD 9100 Pro curr. $423.91 on Amazon). There’s also a rich set of connectivity ports for easy expansion, including:

    • Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
    • USB4 Type-C
    • HDMI 2.1
    • Dual 2.5GbE LAN
    • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
    • 3.5mm audio jack

    Pricing Tiers and Bundles

    The company is offering the mini PC with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and on Indiegogo, it’s possible to purchase the Core Ultra 7 356H config bundled with the GPD G2 eGPU dock, which also features the MCIO port. This bundle starts at $1,837, while the config with the Core Ultra X7 358H starts at $1,534. GPD on Indiegogo provides these early bird options for backers.

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  • GPD Launches Mini PC with Panther Lake Chip and Fast MCIO eGPU Port

    GPD Launches Mini PC with Panther Lake Chip and Fast MCIO eGPU Port

    Key Takeaway

    1. The GPD Box is among the first mini PCs to feature a high-speed MCIO eGPU port with PCIe 5.0 x8 interface.
    2. It offers two configuration options powered by Intel Panther Lake CPUs, with only the lower-tier iGPU version supporting the MCIO port for eGPU setup.
    3. The device includes up to 64GB RAM, dual M.2 slots for up to 4TB storage, a compact 0.93-liter chassis, built-in 160W GaN PSU, dual USB4 v2 ports, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.

    Introduction to GPD’s New Mini PC with MCIO eGPU Port

    GPD recently announced a new mini PC named the GPD Box, which features the innovative MCIO eGPU port. This device is among a handful of systems now available that boast this high-speed interface. Its PCIe 5.0 x8 connection has been shown to outperform the more common PCIe 4.0 x4 OCuLink ports, making it a notable contender for power users requiring fast external GPU connections.

    Specifications and Processor Options

    The GPD Box will be powered by Intel’s Panther Lake processors, offering two main options. The first comes with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, equipped with an Intel Arc B390 iGPU. We’ve seen that this iGPU can match performance levels similar to the Nvidia RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. The second option features the Core Ultra 7 356H, which includes a 4-core Xe3 iGPU that compares to AMD’s Radeon 780M.

    Design and Connectivity Features

    Designers at GPD have emphasized that the mini PC will have a compact 0.93-liter chassis, with a built-in 160W GaN power supply to keep things efficient. The device also incorporates dual fans for cooling, along with multiple ports like two USB4 v2 ports, compatible with newer docks and peripherals. For wireless, it supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast, reliable connections.

    Memory, Storage, and Expansion

    In terms of upgradability, the GPD Box supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It includes two M.2 slots for SSDs, and GPD plans to let users install up to 4TB of storage, making it flexible for various storage needs.

    Pricing and Release Details

    There’s no official word yet on how much the mini PC will cost or its exact release date. However, since all specifications are now available, it’s expected to launch soon. Alongside the Box, GPD is also releasing the GPD G2 dock, which features the MCIIO port, allowing easy connection to external GPUs and other high-speed peripherals.


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