Asus Unveils First Thunderbolt 5 External GPU: The XG Mobile 2025

Asus Unveils Groundbreaking 2025 XG Mobile: The Future of Portable eGPUs

Asus has surprised tech enthusiasts with the announcement of the 2025 Asus XG Mobile, a revolutionary portable docking station that redefines performance and portability for laptops and handheld devices. This innovative device seamlessly integrates the power of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 chip, delivering exceptional performance through a single cable.

The Power of Thunderbolt 5

The most remarkable feature of the Asus XG Mobile is its incorporation of Thunderbolt 5 technology. This allows for an impressive 80 Gbps bidirectional link, enabling multiple functionalities through just one cable. Users can expect to connect:

A high-end Nvidia graphics card
Up to 140 watts of electricity
Two external monitors
USB peripherals
SD card readers
5Gbps ethernet

Not Just Another eGPU

While it may not claim the title of the absolute most powerful eGPU available, the Asus XG Mobile is pioneering as the first standards-based portable eGPU featuring an Nvidia graphics chip. Previous models required a proprietary port, limiting accessibility.

Asus’ Anthony Spence highlights the 64Gbps bandwidth offered through the Thunderbolt 5 connection, which positions it ahead of competing technologies like USB4 while providing substantial performance potential.

Design and Functional Excellence

Weighing in at under 2.2 pounds, the Asus XG Mobile is designed for mobility without compromising on capabilities. It is:

25% lighter than its predecessor
18% smaller in volume

The docking station features HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 for stunning video output, along with two 10Gbps USB-A ports for comprehensive connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

Asus plans to launch the XG Mobile in Q1 of 2025, with premium versions starting at $2,199.99. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a model equipped with the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti will retail for $1,199.99. This pricing reflects the compact design that offers considerable power, appealing primarily to users valuing portability and performance over cost-efficiency.

Compatibility Considerations

The XG Mobile is designed to be compatible with any laptop or handheld device featuring Thunderbolt 4 or USB4. However, to unlock the full potential of the GPU, users are encouraged to utilize devices equipped with Thunderbolt 5. With new thin-and-light laptops emerging in 2025, we may see these devices serving dual functions as powerful travel desktops.

Conclusion

The 2025 Asus XG Mobile sets a new benchmark for portable performance in the gaming and productivity ecosystem, bringing desktop-class graphics to mobile users. The integration of cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 technology and Nvidia’s powerful mobile GPUs makes it an enticing choice for professionals and gamers alike.

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