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In a nutshell: The Ayaneo AG01 Starship Graphics Dock is a compelling product for gamers who want desktop-class performance from their portable devices. It is facing stiff competition as it enters the market, but its pricing should give it a leg up.
Ayaneo's first external GPU (eGPU) product is now available for pre-order. The Ayaneo AG01 Starship Graphics Dock is a retro-futuristic device designed to enhance gaming performance for handheld gaming PCs, mini desktops, and other compatible devices.
The device is powered by an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT GPU, a mobile graphics powerhouse based on AMD's Navi 33 architecture. This GPU boasts 32 RDNA 3 compute units, 2,048 shading units, and 8GB of GDDR6 memory.
One of the standout features of the AG01 is its versatile connectivity options, supporting both a 64 Gbps OCuLink connector and a 40 Gbps USB4 port.
The AG01 is a comprehensive docking solution that extends beyond graphics performance. The device includes an M.2 2280 slot for adding a PCIe 3.0 SSD, an SD 4.0 card reader for removable storage with speeds up to 300MB/s, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port.
The dock also offers a range of display output options, including two DisplayPort 2.0 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. This configuration allows users to connect up to four displays simultaneously, opening up possibilities for multi-monitor setups and immersive gaming experiences.
Given these specs, the AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT GPU is expected to outperform the desktop RTX 3060, although the bandwidth limitations of USB4 or OCuLink connections may result in some performance trade-offs compared to desktop implementations. However, for portable gaming scenarios, the AG01 promises to deliver a significant boost in graphics capabilities.
Despite its compact form factor, Ayaneo has implemented a robust cooling system to manage the GPU's thermal output. This includes a large 'silent' fan, a substantial cooling plate, and an extensive finned area. Vents on multiple sides of the device ensure efficient heat dissipation, allowing the AG01 to handle the user-selectable 100W or 120W power modes without thermal throttling.
Ayaneo has set the pre-order price for the AG01 Starship Graphics Dock at $599, positioning it as one of the more affordable eGPU solutions with a built-in GPU. However, potential buyers should note that this is an early bird price, so it may increase in the future. The first units, available in Nebula Red, are expected to ship by the end of November 2024.
The AG01 is entering a market where there's already competition from similar products. Devices like the GPD G1, OneXPlayer OneXGPU, and BoostR eGPU offer comparable features, and some competitors are even moving to more powerful GPUs like the Radeon RX 7800M.