The eX Core promises desktop-grade GPU performance in a pocket-sized form factor
A mobile GTX 1050 enclosure that offers more performance than its desktop counterpart
Published: 18th April 2018 | Source: Kickstarter |
The eX Core promises desktop-grade GPU performance in a pocket-sized form factor
Through Thunderbolt 3 external graphics cards can be connected to both mobile and desktop systems, allowing low-power mobile hardware to be given a significant performance boost in either gaming or GPU accelerated workstation applications, allowing ultralight machines to be turned into powerful gaming rigs using a single cable.
This is where the eX Core comes in, a pocket-sized external GPU which is around the same size as an external hard drive. Offering users an overclocked Nvidia GTX 1050 which can be used with any Thunderbolt 3 compatible system. This will allow this solution to accelerate both Windows and MacOS systems, though Nvidia drivers for this device are not available at this time.
One of the best aspects of this mobile GPU is its ability to offer more performance than its desktop counterpart, shipping with a factory overclock within an enclosure which is designed to keep the GPU at a cool temperature of 62 degrees Celsius or lower. In games, the GTX 1050 powered eX Core can offer a 6x improvement over Intel's integrated graphics solution.
Exklim claims that they have made some hardware changes to their unit to minimise the effects of the PCIe bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt 3, which alongside the GTX 1050's overclock should explain the performance gap between the eX Core and a standard GTX 1050. Even so, it would be nice to see some 3rd party performance tests to confirm that the eX Core indeed offers a performance advantage over a standard GTX 1050.
Below are the eX Core's specifications and box contents
Box Content
eX Core NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 w/4GB
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C ) Cable
Compact 90W USB-C power adapter
Exklim Welcome Manual
Exklim Carrying Case
Specifications
eX Core Size (5.9''x4.1''x0.8'') | Weight 1.57 lbs. / 0.71 kg.
2x Intel Thunderbolt 3 Ports
1x HDMI 2.0b audio and video output Port
USB-C DC-IN Port
Compact 90W USB-C power adapter w/Power Share Charge-Laptop up to 40w
Exklim's eX Core is currently available on Kickstarter with an early bird price of CA$499 for the device's cheapest model. This translates to roughly £279, though this does not account for international shipping charges or taxes for UK buyers.
The eXCore has already broken through its CA$80,000 funding goal, already raising over CA$108,500, with the campaign having around three weeks of funding to go.
You can join the discussion on Exklim's eX Core external GPU enclosure on the OC3D Forums.
Most Recent Comments
| [...] it would be nice to see some 3rd party performance tests to confirm that the eX Core indeed offers a performance advantage over a standard GTX 1050. |
Nice Idea, nothing new, really and why OC a 1050 instead of picking a 1060 in the first place?
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Originally Posted by Peace Ã
And that's where you guys come in, I'd say
Nice Idea, nothing new, really and why OC a 1050 instead of picking a 1060 in the first place? |
Plus you should really only be using a 1080p screen on Laptops, so realistically speaking a 1050 would be a pretty good for many games and even a good renderer option for lighter workloads.Quote
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Originally Posted by NeverBackDown
because it's cheaper and requires less cooling. It's not exactly that big of a heatsink it seems.
Plus you should really only be using a 1080p screen on Laptops, so realistically speaking a 1050 would be a pretty good for many games and even a good renderer option for lighter workloads. |
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Originally Posted by NeverBackDown
because it's cheaper and requires less cooling. It's not exactly that big of a heatsink it seems.
Plus you should really only be using a 1080p screen on Laptops, so realistically speaking a 1050 would be a pretty good for many games and even a good renderer option for lighter workloads. |
With a 1080p 15.4" screen you can see the pixels without too much effort (I can and I don't have the best eyesight).Quote
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Or you could just get the Dell XPS 15 for an integrated 1050 but you pay for that in many ways..
Decisions decisionsQuote