Hardware stub

Hands-On: Alienware Graphics Amplifier Bridges External GPU with Laptops, Hosts 460W PSU

Posted on January 16, 2015

Judging by our content traffic trends, there's an express user interest in external graphics solutions as employed by laptops. These solutions allow desktop-quality graphics output without restricting the laptop in non-gaming tasks; that is, the GPU is connected via docking station, granting full mobility of the portable when used for usual commuting or work tasks.

This is a topic we first approached with SilverStone's XG02 at CES 2014, but revisited when MSI launched their GS30 Stealth external graphics enclosure last week. The XG02 promised utilization of the Thunderbolt interface, but sadly won't make it to market due to legal reasons; MSI's GS30 uses a PCI-e riser through the dock, specifically demanding MSI's accompanying laptop for compatibility. Alienware's Graphics Amplifier sees further visitation to the topic, opting for yet another interface: PCI-e through a proprietary cable that connects to the back of all current-gen Alienware gaming notebooks.

The Graphics Amplifier is a $300 enclosure + PSU combo that uses a PCI-e extension (not x16) to bridge the GPU to the laptop. Alienware's box is capable of piping the graphics output back into the native laptop display, eliminating the requirement for (but not eliminating the possibility of) an external display.

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Alienware included a 460W PSU – further specs unknown – and supports full-length / 11” graphics cards at 2 expansion slots. Together, this means everything up to a reference GTX 980 or 290X will be supported by the box. A single fan (either 92mm or 80mm) rests at the front of the enclosure, forcing air through the video card heatsink like a wind tunnel.

We're yet unsure of latency added by the lengthy cable and proprietary interface.

The necessity of an Alienware laptop does drive cost up a little bit, though their costs are significantly reduced from the company's long-standing reputation of exorbitantly high retail.

- Steve "Lelldorianx" Burke.