Gigabyte Launches External RTX 5090 and RTX 5060 Ti AI Boxes with Thunderbolt 5

Gigabyte Unveils External RTX 5090 and RTX 5060 Ti Graphics Solutions

Gigabyte has officially thrown a curveball into the external GPU (eGPU) market with the launch of two new Thunderbolt 5-enabled devices: the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box and the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box. These aren't your typical portable graphics docks; they're designed to bring desktop-class power to portable setups, catering to a diverse range of users, from hardcore gamers craving peak performance to professionals demanding robust computational muscle.

The Unrivaled Powerhouse: Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box

Leading the charge is the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box, a beast of an eGPU that was first teased back in May and is now available for pre-order. At its heart beats a desktop-grade RTX 5090 GPU, kept cool by an advanced liquid cooling system. Powering this behemoth is a hefty 850W power supply, ensuring that even the most demanding workloads are handled with ease. The chassis itself is substantial, measuring 302x189x172mm and weighing in at a solid 5.4kg, a testament to the serious hardware it houses.

But raw power is nothing without connectivity. Gigabyte has equipped the RTX 5090 AI Box with an impressive array of ports, making it a true hub for any high-performance setup. Users will find three DisplayPort 2.1b outputs and one HDMI 2.1b port for stunning visual output across multiple displays. Networking is covered with a Gigabit Ethernet port, and the dual Thunderbolt 5 connections are a game-changer. One Thunderbolt 5 port is dedicated to connecting to your PC, while the other serves as a high-speed downstream port for a cascade of peripherals. Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port round out the connectivity options, offering versatility for all your accessories.

This flagship offering is unequivocally aimed at those who refuse to compromise. It's for the discerning user who needs the absolute pinnacle of desktop graphics performance but desires the flexibility of an external solution, all while embracing the cutting-edge of interface technology. In the UK, this technological marvel comes with a price tag of £2999.99, inclusive of VAT and delivery, with shipments expected to commence on September 30th. It's a significant investment, but for those seeking ultimate desktop graphics power without a dedicated tower, it presents a compelling proposition.

The Smart Choice: Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box

For a more accessible yet still incredibly capable option, Gigabyte presents the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box. This model leverages the new Blackwell architecture, featuring a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GPU paired with a generous 16GB of VRAM. This memory configuration offers a distinct advantage over its 8GB counterparts, promising smoother frame rates and enhanced stability, particularly in memory-intensive applications and games. The compact nature of this eGPU is immediately apparent, with dimensions of just 243x117x48mm, making it significantly more portable than its larger sibling.

Connectivity on the RTX 5060 Ti AI Box is streamlined but functional, featuring three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also boasts Gigabyte's signature Windforce cooling system to keep temperatures in check during intense use. Adding a touch of personalization, the device includes RGB lighting, and importantly, supports USB Power Delivery 3.0 for convenient charging of connected devices, further enhancing its utility as a hub.

Gigabyte boldly claims that this eGPU can even outperform gaming laptops equipped with an RTX 5080. This impressive feat is attributed to the minimal performance overhead inherent in Thunderbolt 5 connections, effectively delivering desktop-grade graphics performance to a portable device. While the price and release date for the Aorus RTX 5060 Ti AI Box are yet to be disclosed, its positioning suggests it will be a highly attractive option for users seeking a substantial graphics boost for their laptops without breaking the bank.

A New Era for External Graphics?

The introduction of these two AI Box solutions marks a significant step forward in the eGPU market. By embracing Thunderbolt 5, Gigabyte is not only offering immense bandwidth but also paving the way for future connectivity standards. Whether you're a professional pushing the boundaries of AI development and content creation, or a gamer demanding uncompromised visual fidelity on the go, these external graphics solutions from Gigabyte are certainly worth keeping an eye on. They promise to redefine what's possible when desktop power meets laptop portability.