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You can get some pretty decent gaming laptops these days but they'll never be able to quite compete with a fully fledged desktop system, which is why Alienware has decided to launch a new desktop graphics card adapter for those who choose to game on a desktop replacement laptop.
This isn't the first time we've seen an external graphics adapter for laptops but they are usually only seen at trade shows as prototype models rather can consumer products. The ‘Graphics Amplifier' from Alienware will cost $300, it's essentially a large cage for your desktop GPU. The amplifier hooks up to the Alienware 13, the company's latest laptop to release. Users will have to buy a desktop GPU separately, making this a pretty expensive upgrade for most.
The amplifier is designed to only support two slot GPUs, although height and length won't be a problem when it comes to AMD or Nvidia's latest solutions. With the amplifier, you'll be able to connect a few external displays as well, just in-case that one 13 inch laptop screen isn't enough for you.
The Alienware 13 starts at $1000 and comes with a 720p screen, although you can step up to 1080p or 1440p models. If you were planning on doing this graphics upgrade your best bet would probably be sticking to the base model and picking up a nice external 1080p monitor to hook up to your graphics amplifier.
While the Alienware 13 is the only supported laptop for now, future models will be supported eventually. The GPU enclosure comes with its own power supply, so you'll have another power lead to plug in to the wall, not much is known about the cooling inside but there seems to be plenty of ventilation for non-blower style coolers.
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KitGuru Says: Honestly, $300 seems a bit steep for a GPU enclosure, especially if you factor in the external monitor and the desktop class GPU itself that you'll need to make the most out of it. It is also limited to just one of Alienware's current models. What do you guys think of this? Are desktop GPU enclosures for desktop replacement laptop systems a good idea? It doesn't seem too bad if you have the money but most will probably opt to built their own systems.
Too espensive…
sorry i dont see the point of it ? you might as well get a mitx case and put a proper cpu and gpu in it
It would be useful for people who want only one PC. One laptop to take on the fly while a gaming machine at home. However $300 just for a case is a bit steep for only being able to use it on one type (or one model atm) of laptop. If it was universal say USB3 this could be useful to some.
Agree, but I’m pretty sure USB3 is way too slow for graphics cards, thus why they chose Thunderbolt instead. Although future iterations of USB might fix this.
You are correct. It could handle low res/quality however you might as well get a better laptop lol
SilverStone are currently working on something very similar which is based on their FT03-mini chassis. It will have its own power supply, room for 1 graphics card and will connect to any machine with a thunderbolt port. I bet it will cost less than $300 too lol.
Nice idea in principle, but too expensive and limited in application. No doubt either Alienware will adapt or someone will latch onto the concept and make this more accessible and cheaper.
In the long term this could be a great development for PC gaming.
300 ain’t bad if it comes with the PSU
It doesn’t connect with usb 3, it uses a proprietary connector exclusive to alienware laptops
Really excited by this, going to university next year to study computer science and I’ll relish the perfect portability to power mix 🙂
Kind of perfect for me, currently running 2 1080p monitors off my Dell 7520 15R SE, with 2GB AMD and Intel HD4000.
The laptop sits on the side i run 2 screens, amplifier, and wireless keyboard and mouse, however when i need to move from the desk, i can just unplug and move away with all my stuff with me.
There is guides on how to do this online, which involve some risers and replacing your WLAN Card (it’s generally installed in a Mini PCI-E Port).
Oh, lel, didn’t even read this article much. Thought it used one because just before I read about some previous prototype of another company which never saw the markets.
The Alienware-only compatibility makes way more sense now… bastards!
Yes, but the problem with that is:
1) Restricted compatibility;
2) No dust protections;
3) Unsafe (it can fall, a lil’ cute kitten may mess around with it, etc.);
4) It’s not fapulous, generally.
Didn’t MSI already do a concept for this? Nice idea. You’d need more money than sense though.
Actually this would be perfect for me as I’d only like to have 1 pc. Small 13″ but powerful enough for Computer science and if I ever get time for gaming I could just pop in my 680.
Yes indeed it does. Just another way for Alienware to be greedy….
Just get a desktop?
You can’t use this with your normal Laptop, only with the Alienware 13.
yeah thats the issue 🙁 and the i5 that it uses despite using 1/4 of the power of my i7 its alot slower and more expensive 🙁
What the interface conection that device use to conect to laptop?