The GMKTec AD-GP1 is a compact external GPU that houses an AMD RX 7600M XT graphics card with 8GB of video memory. Designed for portability, it connects via USB 4, Thunderbolt or Oculink connections. This device is a good external graphics option for those looking to boost the graphical capabilities of an ultrabook while maintaining the flexibility of a lightweight laptop. You can check it out in my latest review.
It is important to note that while the GPU supports Thunderbolt-enabled devices, it does not function with Apple’s silicon-based Macs, limiting its compatibility to certain Intel-based Macs and Windows ultrabooks with Thunderbolt, USB 4 or Oculink connections.
The price point is approximately $469 on GMKTec’s website. Depending on sales you might find a lower cost option on Amazon (compensated affiliate links).
The AD-GP1 features two HDMI 2.1 outputs and two DisplayPort 2.0 outputs, allowing for up to four external displays with resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz. However, despite its compact form factor, the GPU requires an external 240W power supply, which is roughly the same size as the unit itself. This power supply not only supports the GPU but also provides up to 100W of power back to the host device.
In testing, the GPU demonstrated solid performance when paired with an Asus Vivobook S 14 ultrabook with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. Running No Man’s Sky at 1080p on high settings, the system maintained a consistent 60 frames per second (fps). At ultra settings, performance fluctuated between 45 and 60 fps. However, in Red Dead Redemption 2, performance gains were negligible due to CPU bottlenecks, highlighting the fact that the GPU’s benefits will depend on how graphically demanding a game is relative to the processor’s capabilities.
Benchmark testing using 3DMark Time Spy revealed a significant increase in graphical performance with the external GPU attached. The laptop’s base score of 4,385 jumped considerably to 9,421 when the AD GP1 was connected, though the improvement was primarily in GPU-intensive tasks, with the CPU performance remaining unchanged.
Additional testing was conducted using a GMKTec Evo X1 mini PC (compensated affiliate link) equipped with a Ryzen AI 9 HX-370 processor. When connected via OCuLink, the external GPU delivered a performance score of 10,026, which was nearly identical to its performance over USB 4, suggesting that the GPU was not pushing beyond the bandwidth limitations of the connection.
Beyond gaming, the external GPU proved beneficial for tasks like local AI processing. Running a distilled version of DeepSeek 8B using the GPU significantly outperformed CPU-only processing.
Fan noise is minimal even when running at full blast for extended periods of time. The 3DMark Stress Test came in at 99.2% indicating that there won’t be much thermal throttling under sustained loads.
While external GPUs like this remain a niche product, they offer a good solution for users who need enhanced graphical power with a lightweight laptop. For those with compatible hardware, it’s an option worth considering for boosting graphics performance at home or in the office.