ASUS unveils compact XG Core external Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU
ASUS has announced the XG Core Radeon RX 9060 XT LP 16GB GDDR6, an external graphics dock designed to add discrete GPU power to compatible laptops, gaming handhelds and mini PCs. The device connects through USB4, letting users upgrade graphics capabilities without modifying internal hardware.
- The XG Core uses a Radeon RX 9060 XT LP GPU with AMD RDNA 4 architecture.
- It includes 16GB of GDDR6 memory and USB4 connectivity with up to 40Gbps bandwidth.
- The 144 x 117 x 39mm dock supports compatible laptops, mini PCs and gaming handhelds.
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs support external displays.
- GPU Tweak III provides tuning, fan-control and monitoring features.
External graphics for compact devices
The XG Core is powered by a Radeon RX 9060 XT LP GPU based on AMD RDNA 4 architecture. It includes 16GB of GDDR6 memory and is intended for gaming, content creation and compatible AI workloads.
ASUS positions the dock as an option for people using thin laptops and compact PCs that need more graphics capability as games and applications become more demanding. Instead of replacing a complete system, users can keep their existing device and add dedicated graphics when required for work, travel or play.
According to ASUS, the GPU can support richer visuals and smoother gameplay on supported systems. It can also accelerate video editing, 3D rendering and design applications that can use Radeon graphics.
Portable design with USB4 and display outputs
The XG Core measures 144 x 117 x 39mm, giving it a compact format for carrying between home, an office and a creative workspace. A USB4 connection provides up to 40Gbps of bandwidth and links the dock to a compatible host device.
Compatibility includes supported laptops, mini PCs and gaming handhelds, including the ROG Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally X. ASUS also says the XG Core supports compatible Thunderbolt 3 systems. Host connectivity and external GPU support should be checked before use.
The dock includes HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for connecting a desktop gaming monitor, a larger creative-work display or a portable display. This allows users to move from a compact mobile device to a setup with an external screen and dedicated graphics.
AI workflows and GPU Tweak III controls
Beyond conventional graphics tasks, ASUS says the XG Core supports local AI image generation and large language model inference in compatible software. The company names ComfyUI, LM Studio and Ollama as applications that can be used to explore AI workflows on a user's own hardware. Performance and software compatibility depend on the workload, model and system configuration.
ASUS GPU Tweak III provides controls for GPU core clocks, memory frequency, voltage settings and fan behavior. It also includes real-time monitoring and a customizable on-screen display, allowing users to observe the GPU during gaming or creative work and adjust supported settings for their preferred balance of performance, temperature and fan noise.
The announcement gives users with compatible compact systems a way to add portable graphics and selected local AI capabilities without opening or internally modifying the host device. ASUS did not provide pricing or availability details in the announcement.
