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.