Asus is launching its latest external graphics unit, the ROG XG Mobile 2025, on February 25th. Initially unveiled at CES 2025, this redesigned eGPU boasts Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, a significant upgrade from the proprietary connector used in prior iterations. This transition opens up compatibility with a much wider range of laptops and devices.
The original ROG XG Mobile, introduced alongside the ROG Flow X13 in 2021, offered RTX 3080, 3070, and Radeon RX 6850M XT configurations. However, its PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, limited to 63Gbps bandwidth, created a performance bottleneck. This older proprietary port also restricted compatibility to select ROG laptops and the ROG Ally handheld. The 2023 model, featuring RTX 4090 and 4080 laptop GPUs, retained the same proprietary connector, further limiting its usability outside the Asus ecosystem.
Thunderbolt 5 brings a substantial performance boost to the 2025 XG Mobile, offering up to 80Gbps of data transfer, double the 40Gbps of Thunderbolt 4. This increased bandwidth has the potential to significantly reduce performance bottlenecks common in external GPU setups. Crucially, the 2025 model is compatible with devices supporting Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and even USB4, expanding its usability beyond ROG Flow laptops.
The ROG XG Mobile 2025 will be available with RTX 50-series laptop GPUs in two configurations: an RTX 5070 Ti starting at $1,199 and an RTX 5090 for $2,199. The RTX 5090 version features 24GB of GDDR7 VRAM and operates at a 150W power limit. This differs from the desktop RTX 5090, which boasts 32GB VRAM and a 575W power draw. The RTX 5070 Ti provides a more budget-friendly option for users seeking an external GPU solution.
The 2025 XG Mobile sports a refreshed design with a new translucent finish and a slightly smaller footprint than its predecessors. Weighing under 1kg, it offers improved portability compared to bulkier external GPU enclosures that often necessitate a separate power brick. Continuing the tradition of previous models, it also functions as a docking station, providing DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, USB-A ports, an SD card reader, and Ethernet connectivity.
By adopting Thunderbolt 5, Asus directly addresses the compatibility limitations that hampered previous XG Mobile iterations. While the price point, especially for the RTX 5090 model, remains premium, the 2025 version finally caters to a broader user base beyond ROG Flow owners. It remains to be seen, however, how the performance delivered over Thunderbolt 5 compares to the direct PCIe connection of earlier models. The enhanced compatibility and expanded connectivity options make the ROG XG Mobile 2025 a compelling prospect for users seeking a portable and powerful graphics solution.
