AMD Presents XConnect: An External GPU For Laptops Based On A Type-C Connector

AMD has announced a partnership with Razer and Intel for developing the xConnect technology, which facilitates the connection of desktop graphics cards to laptops compatible with Thunderbolt 3. This concept was first introduced last year in the form of Razer Blate Stealth along with the Razer Core, AMD being the first partner to implement support for these drivers.

XConnect operates with a large variety of graphic card solutions with most laptops that have a Thunderbolt 3 Type-C port. Thus, you can transform a simple ultrabook, which is based on a high-performance processor and cannot provide high-performance in 3D applications, in a genuine gaming station. Furthermore, XConnect features Plug and Play connectivity, which makes it easy to disconnect the graphics solution at any given time, without having to reboot the operating system.

Razer Core, the first accessory that is compatible with this technology, can accommodate high-end graphics cards in its casing, providing access to a wide range of ports for extras, such as four USB 3.0 connectors and Gigabit Ethernet. It integrates a 500W power source, which can feed video cards with TDP up to 375W. For guaranteed compatibility, AMD recommends the Radeon R9 285, R9 290 and 290X cards, all R9 300 models and the new R9 Nano and R9 Fury. In order to receive the plug and play functionality, AMD recommends the Radeon Software Crimson Edition 16.2.2 driver.

In theory, Razer Core is compatible with competing graphics cards, but without the innovative XConnect, they cannot safely be disconnected during operation.