ASUS RTX 4090 XG Mobile debuts in China at $2,600
The RTX 4090 XG Mobile an external GPU designed by ASUS for ROG Flow systems. It uses a proprietary connector that cannot be used by any other product. The XG Mobile interface uses PCIE Gen3 x8 connection with 63 GB/s dedicated bandwidth just for the GPU. It is therefore faster than Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gb/s) by 57%.
The 2021 version featured up to GeForce RTX 3080 graphics and had a maximum power delivery up to 330W (integrated supply). That’s despite the GPU requiring just 150W TGP, but with Dynamic Boost and up to four USB connectors, that power may be required elsewhere. A year later, ASUS launched a Radeon RX 6850M XT-based version. The newest 2023 model features RTX 4090 GPU (AD103) with TGP at 150W. This model has 16GB of VRAM and also uses a 330W power unit.
ASUS ROG XG Mobile (2023) with RTX 4090 GPU, Source: ASUS
This external GPU is also a docking station, featuring up to 2.5 Gbit Ethernet, has one HDMI 2.1 port, DisplayPort 1.4 with GSYNC support and three USB 3.2 Gen2 (3x Type-A + 1x Type-C). The full dock weights 1.3kg, and it is designed to be smaller than most external GPU options.
ASUS did not announce any other XG Mobile unit with RTX 40 GPU, it is now exclusively available with RTX 4090 GPU only. The whole idea of this product is to allow owners of the ROG Flow systems to upgrade or replace external GPU to RTX 40 series. The modularity gives ROG Flow owners a choice between a lightweight and easy to carry laptop/tablet or a proper gaming platform. With the XG Mobile unit, users can also swap the connector and use the external unit with other Flow products. The XG GPU is compatible with ROG Flow X13, X16 and Z13 systems.
ASUS ROG XG Mobile (2023) with RTX 4090 GPU, Source: ASUS
The 2021 GeForce RTX 3080 dock is currently priced at around $1,499, while the newer 2022 model with Radeon RX 6850M XT costs $1,399. This means that the 2023 version with RTX 4090 GPU is now 87% pricier than the last year’s model.
Update: ASUS confirms $1,999 price for the US market.
