4/3/2023 0 Comments Benchmark rings![]() ![]() This is a remarkable feature no other eGPU enclosure has managed. ASUS chose this option because it’s possible to engage silent mode with these fans during light load. The fans are the non-LED versions of InWin Polaris 120mm lineup. As the external GPU enclosure market expands, I hope Intel grants users more choices in power outputs for different uses.īeside lending design expertise, InWin provided cooling fans for the ASUS XG Station Pro. Again, Intel only approved the Thunderbolt firmware in this enclosure for 15W PD and that’s unlikely to change. I’ve also used an RX Vega 56 with this enclosure and it worked well.ĪSUS XG Station Pro Dual Ac Adapter Radeon Vega FEĮxploring this uncharted territory of stacking power adapters, I inquired with ASUS about whether there would be an alternate firmware for this Y adapter so that it would not only provide more output to the external graphics card but also carry higher power delivery to the host laptop. As seen in the featured photos, this ASUS XG Station Pro can power the GTX 1080 Ti without issue. I prefer to have the ability to pair the most powerful graphics card rather than charge a laptop. It’s a compromise that prevents charging Thunderbolt 3 laptops, but perfect is the enemy of good. Upon seeing the demo unit at CES 2018 running an ASUS Strix GTX 1080 Ti, I guessed this might have been the case. They opted for a minimal 15W Power Delivery to the Thunderbolt 3 host so that much of the AC adapter’s output goes to the graphics card (300W). It’s well-built though and keeps the connector securely in place.ĪSUS prioritized performance when setting the max power to the graphics card. The proprietary connector is bulky and looks a bit out of place due to the ROG branding on the backside. It’s about the size of the Dell DA-2, a popular AC adapter our eGPU community has used to build custom external GPU setups, yet produces much higher output. ROG’s parts bin contains many intriguing components, and the 330W (19.5V≈16.9A) power brick for this ASUS XG Station Pro is a good example. The decision to go with an external AC power adapter is crucial to keep thermal and noise levels in check. Also to note is that you can run this enclosure without the side panel installed to showcase the graphics card. The side panel’s vent cutout design maximizes airflow, and there’s even a nifty mesh filter insert that helps minimize dust buildup on the GPU’s fans. Once the top panel is off, the two side panels can slide upward and off the enclosure cage. The UNLOCK latch at the top rear allows the top panel to slide backward and out. There are three main panels that are easily removable without any tools. You won’t find fancy metal hinges for sideway opening of the body panels or the lava lampesque plasma tube in this enclosure as in the XG Station 2. Componentwise the ASUS XG Station Pro is stripped down to the essentials. Located above them are the power plug and power button. Rear ports are two USB-C receptacles, a Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) on the left and a USB 3.1 gen 2 (10Gbps) on the right. Minimal branding is imprinted on the right panel, while a small XG Station logo is placed on the front. This makes for a light chassis that feels solid to the touch. The inner cage is sheet metal construction. The shell and panels are made of aluminum, anodized in space gray to pair well with the MacBook Pro. ASUS partnered with InWin to produce a handsome enclosure. ![]() The Station Pro is geared toward professional uses rather than strictly gaming purposes. Unlike the wild design and multiple lighting zones of its older sibling, the ASUS XG Station Pro sports a more clean cut, purposeful look. Hardware SpecificsĪlienware 15R3 + ASUS XG Station Pro + GTX 1080 Ti + LG 4K Front View They set out to build a premium yet affordable external graphics enclosure that not only runs cool but also remains quiet. To address those shortcomings ASUS completely redesigned its newest eGPU enclosure, the XG Station Pro. Not to be ignored was the staggering cost it was the most expensive eGPU enclosure to date, retailing for more than $600 at launch. ![]() It would run loud and hot, subsequently overheating the graphics card inside. The ultimate undoing of that powerful enclosure was the placement of its 680W fATX power supply next to the GPU. When I finally got my hands on one to review, it was definitely out of this world but not in a good way. Its spec sheet was filled with many standout features unmatched by worthy competitors. One of the most highly anticipated eGPU enclosures of 2017 was the ASUS ROG XG Station 2. ![]()
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