ASUS XG Core packs Radeon RX 9060 XT into a compact USB4 enclosure

Using a gaming handheld on the go and connecting it to an external GPU at home: this is one of the scenarios ASUS is targeting with the XG Core. The compact enclosure houses a Radeon RX 9060 XT LP with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory and connects to a compatible computer via USB4. Laptops and mini PCs are also supported. Pricing and specific availability for the Netherlands have not yet been announced.

Radeon GPU in a 14.4-centimeter enclosure

The XG Core measures 144 by 117 by 39 millimeters. That makes the enclosure compact enough to carry between workspaces. You do not need to open up your laptop or handheld to use the extra graphics hardware: the GPU sits in a separate enclosure that connects externally.

The Radeon RX 9060 XT LP is based on AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture. ASUS lists gaming, video editing and 3D rendering as potential uses, but provides no benchmarks. The frame rates this model can deliver and how its performance compares with a desktop graphics card therefore remain unclear.

• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT LP with RDNA 4 architecture.
• Video memory: 16 GB GDDR6.
• Connection: USB4 at up to 40 Gbit/s.
• Display outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort.
• Dimensions: 144 × 117 × 39 mm.
• Management software: ASUS GPU Tweak III.

USB4 requires a compatible computer

ASUS explicitly lists the ROG Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally X as supported handhelds. The XG Core also works with compatible laptops, mini PCs and Thunderbolt 3 systems. Check beforehand whether your device supports external graphics hardware; simply having a port with the right shape is no guarantee.

You can connect an external monitor via HDMI and DisplayPort. The versions of these ports and their supported display modes are not specified. ASUS also provides no details on power consumption or any charging capabilities for the connected device.

Adjust settings and run AI locally

GPU Tweak III lets you adjust supported settings for GPU clock speed, memory frequency, voltage and fan control. The software also offers real-time monitoring and a customizable on-screen overlay. While gaming, for example, you can track how temperatures and fan behavior respond to the load.

Beyond gaming, ASUS mentions local AI image generation and running language models, citing ComfyUI, LM Studio and Ollama as examples. According to ASUS, suitability depends on the software, model and system configuration. Having 16 GB of video memory alone therefore does not tell you how well a particular AI application will run.

What does this mean for you?

The XG Core could be worth considering if you are happy with your handheld or compact PC but want more graphics processing power at your desk. For PC builders, the key consideration is how it stacks up against a desktop with an internal graphics card. Without pricing, performance measurements and information on noise and power supply, it is too early to say whether this is a sensible upgrade. Check your device’s compatibility first and wait for tests that reflect your games and use case.

Source: ASUS Pressroom