Asus Debuts The Compact XG Core Radeon RX 9060 XT LP 16GB GDDR6 External GPU

A new external graphics card from Asus brings desktop-level hardware to a highly portable form factor. The XG Core Radeon RX 9060 XT LP is designed to enhance the gaming capabilities of compact computing devices.

Compact Design And Connectivity

The XG Core is an exceptionally small external GPU enclosure, measuring 144 by 117 by 39 millimeters. It utilizes a 40 Gbps USB-C interface to link with mini PCs, gaming handhelds, and laptops. To support its operation, the unit includes a dedicated USB-C power input. For visual output, it is equipped with DisplayPort 2.1a and HDMI 2.1b ports, enabling the connection of two external monitors simultaneously.

Technical Specifications And Memory

Despite its size, the device maintains several core features of the desktop Radeon RX 9060 XT. It incorporates 2,048 Stream Processors and 16 GB of GDDR6 memory. The memory operates at a speed of 20 Gbps with a 128-bit bus. These specifications ensure that the hardware retains the fundamental architecture of the original GPU while fitting into a much smaller chassis.

Power Constraints And Clock Speeds

To maintain a strict 75 W power limit, Asus has significantly reduced the operating frequencies. The default game clock is set at 1,010 MHz, with a boost clock of 1,600 MHz. Users can slightly increase these values to 1,030 MHz and 1,620 MHz by activating OC mode through the GPU Tweak III software. These speeds are roughly half of what is found in reference models, where boost clocks can reach 3,130 MHz.

Performance Expectations

The combination of lower clock speeds and the 40 Gbps external connection, rather than a native PCIe 5.0 interface, may impact overall gaming performance. While there are claims that the device can achieve over 60 FPS in certain AAA titles at 1440p resolution, specific testing data has not been released. Pricing and the official launch date remain unannounced.