The progress of portable microPCs has been incredibly rapid, and what used to be a leading device just a few months ago is now facing tough competition from new market entries. One such example is the Steam Deck, which finds itself challenged by alternatives equipped with RDNA3 graphics, like the AYANEO 2S and the ASUS ROG Ally. In light of this, the question arises: Can the performance of the Steam Deck be enhanced?
Using an eGPU on the Steam Deck
A video posted by the YouTuber ETA PRIME has introduced us to the new GPD product—an intriguing small external graphics card. This compact device utilizes the Oculink interface, enabling it to offer the performance of an external graphics card in a highly portable form.
The key lies in the Oculink interface, which facilitates cable communication through a PCIe interface, ensuring seamless data transfer without any loss of speed. But here’s the challenge: how do you install this external graphics card on the Steam Deck, given that it lacks an Oculink port?
The solution lies in using the console’s PCIe socket and connecting an Oculink adapter. By employing the appropriate casing, users can access the connection port necessary to link the cable. The outcome is a clever, albeit somewhat risky, workaround for the life of the connector, but it indeed works.
A compact graph
GPD’s product offers a remarkable advantage, featuring the AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT graphics card with RDNA3 architecture significantly shrunk in size. What’s more, it includes additional connection ports to support docking functionalities.
However, when removing the internal memory from the Steam Deck, users must install the operating system either on a microSD card or an external dock with memory. Due to Linux not yet fully supporting the accessory, a Windows installation is necessary to ensure seamless functionality and optimal performance.
Performance that stands out
The tests conducted by ETA PRIME leave no room for doubt—the graphic and performance enhancement provided by the GPD G1 is truly impressive. While it may result in sacrificing some portability, the opportunity to breathe new life into the Steam Deck would undoubtedly entice many users who wish to push the limits of their console’s performance.
Currently seeking financing on IndieGogo, the GPD G1 can be reserved at a price of 630 euros, with a scheduled delivery date in September of this year. The manufacturer’s forward-thinking approach involves incorporating the Oculink port into future console models like the GPD Win 4. This way, users would have the option to connect an external GPU if they ever require additional power in the future.
Overall, this solution offers an intriguing perspective for this type of gaming consoles. It presents a flexible and scalable approach that allows users to customize their gaming experiences by potentially upgrading their console’s performance when needed. This forward-looking design could open up exciting possibilities for gamers who seek the best of both worlds—portability and enhanced performance.