Pocket‑Sized Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Delivers Radeon RX7600 Performance
Pocket‑Sized Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Delivers Radeon RX7600 Performance
Introduction
The market finally has a truly portable external graphics solution that doesn’t sacrifice performance. The 1XGPU Light packs a full‑blown AMD Radeon RX 7600 MXT into a chassis that weighs just 469 g and can slip into a large pocket. Supporting the latest USB 4 V2, Thunderbolt 5, and even Oculink, this eGPU promises desktop‑grade graphics for mini‑PCs, handhelds, and on‑the‑go workstations.
Design and Build Quality
Constructed from a solid metal enclosure, the 1XGPU Light features a vapor‑chamber cooling system and a triple‑fan array that keeps the GPU temperatures in check even under load. The unit sits vertically on a desk, stabilized by rubber feet, and includes a subtle adjustable RGB strip on the front for a touch of personalization.
Key Physical Specs
- Dimensions: Small enough to fit in a pocket (exact dimensions not disclosed)
- Weight: 469 g
- Materials: CNC‑machined aluminum with a vapor‑chamber
- Cooling: Triple fans + vapor chamber
Connectivity Options
The eGPU offers a versatile I/O layout that covers virtually every modern external graphics interface:
- Rear I/O: Full‑size DisplayPort, full‑size HDMI, and a 230 W power input
- Side I/O: Oculink port and USB 4 V2 (compatible with USB 4 V1, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 5)
- Front I/O: Adjustable RGB and optional USB‑C power delivery
The inclusion of both Oculink and USB 4 V2 makes the device future‑proof, allowing it to connect to a wide range of host systems.
Power Delivery and Efficiency
Inside the box you receive a 230 W power supply that is almost as large as the eGPU itself. While the unit draws 120 W at full GPU load (the RX 7600 MXT’s TGP), the power brick ensures stable operation and leaves headroom for future upgrades. The reviewer notes a desire to replace the bulky brick with a 240 W PD charger via a USB‑C to barrel‑jack cable, a potential improvement for true pocket portability.
Performance Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| GPU | AMD Radeon RX 7600 MXT (8 GB GDDR6) |
| TGP | 120 W (full power) |
| Charging Output | 65 W via USB‑C |
| Cooling | Vapor‑chamber + triple fans |
| Weight | 469 g |
| Supported Interfaces | USB 4 V2, Thunderbolt 5, Oculink |
USB 4 V1 vs. USB 4 V2 Bandwidth
Understanding the difference between the two protocols is crucial for eGPU performance:
- USB 4 V1 – Up to 40 Gbps bandwidth, 100 W PD (extended range up to 240 W on some devices)
- USB 4 V2 – Up to 80 Gbps bandwidth, asymmetric lanes (120 Gbps one way, 40 Gbps the other), and 240 W PD
In practice, the 1XGPU Light achieved:
- ~42.4 Gbps over USB 4 V2
- ~30.4 Gbps over USB 4 V1
While the raw numbers may seem modest, the extra bandwidth translates into noticeable gains in real‑world gaming performance.
Benchmark Results
Synthetic Benchmarks
- 3DMark PCIe Express Test confirmed the GPU runs at PCIe 4.0 x4 when connected via USB 4 V2, delivering the expected bandwidth.
Gaming Performance
| Game | Resolution & Settings | USB 4 V1 FPS | USB 4 V2 FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Ultra, no FSR) | 1080p Ultra | 59 | 74 |
| Borderlands 4 (1080p Medium) | 1080p Medium | — | >70 |
| Doom: The Dark Ages (1440p Medium, FSR Balanced) | 1440p Medium | — | >70 |
The jump from 59 FPS to 74 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrates the tangible benefit of the higher‑speed USB 4 V2 link.
Real‑World Use Cases
The compact size and broad compatibility make the 1XGPU Light ideal for:
- Mini‑PCs that need a graphics boost without sacrificing desk space
- Handheld gaming devices (once Thunderbolt 5 handhelds become available)
- Travel‑oriented workstations where a full‑size eGPU would be impractical
Future experiments aim to power the unit directly from a 240 W USB‑C PD charger, which would eliminate the bulky power brick and truly make the eGPU pocket‑ready.
Conclusion
The 1XGPU Light proves that external graphics solutions no longer have to be bulky, noisy, or limited to older interfaces. By marrying a Radeon RX 7600 MXT with USB 4 V2/Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, it delivers desktop‑class performance in a chassis that can fit in a pocket. The device’s robust cooling, versatile I/O, and solid benchmark results make it a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade a mini‑PC or future handheld platform. As USB 4 V2 adoption grows and power‑delivery solutions become more compact, the 1XGPU Light could set a new standard for portable eGPUs.