ASUS has unveiled the latest generation of its portable external GPU, the ROG XG Mobile (2025).
This new version replaces ASUS’s proprietary connector with Thunderbolt 5, making it compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops and delivering performance comparable to NVIDIA’s latest RTX 50-Series graphics chips.
With support for up to an RTX 5090 laptop GPU, improved cooling, and a lightweight chassis, the 2025 model aims to deliver desktop-class gaming power in a device small enough to fit in a backpack.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| GPU Options | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti / RTX 5090 Laptop GPU |
| VRAM | Up to 24 GB GDDR7 |
| Connection Interface | Thunderbolt 5 (120 Gbps) with Power Delivery 3.1 (140 W) |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, SD (UHS-II), 2.5 Gb LAN |
| Max Graphics Power (TGP) | 150 W |
| Power Supply | 330 W AC adapter |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Lighting & Control | Aura Sync RGB, Armoury Crate support |
| Dimensions | 20.8 × 15.5 × 2.96 cm |
| Color | Off Black finish |
Thunderbolt 5 Brings Universal Compatibility
Earlier XG Mobile units relied on ASUS’s proprietary connector, limiting their use to ROG Flow and Zephyrus laptops.
The 2025 generation adopts Thunderbolt 5, which provides 120 Gbps bandwidth and makes the dock compatible with nearly all upcoming gaming laptops and compact PCs.
Thunderbolt 5’s bandwidth is three times higher than Thunderbolt 4, supporting three 4K 144 Hz monitors or one 8K display without compression.
It also boasts 140 W of power, allowing a single cable to handle both charging and data, simplifying setup for gamers and creators.
This change makes the ROG XG Mobile the first nearly universal eGPU with full Thunderbolt 5 support, freeing ASUS from brand lock-in and giving ASUS a strategic advantage over competitors like Razer and Gigabyte.
RTX 50-series GPUs Offer a Major Leap in Performance
The top configuration uses NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU with 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, while the base model features the RTX 5070 Ti.
Both are based on NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and include support for DLSS 4 and Reflex 2, ensuring frame pacing and reduced latency in demanding games.
According to ASUS’ internal tests, the RTX 5090 model offers up to 40 percent better performance and lower power consumption than a 2023 RTX 4090 eGPU setup.
Even at 150 W TGP, it can run modern games like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty at above 90 FPS on 4K Ultra settings when connected via Thunderbolt 5.
For creators, the combination of CUDA, Tensor, and RT cores delivers faster rendering times in Blender, Davinci Resolve, and Unreal Engine 5 than most mobile workstations.
Improved Cooling and Energy Efficiency
To manage high thermal loads, ASUS has redesigned the internal cooling layout.
The new vapor-chamber cooler provides 150 percent more surface area than the previous heat-pipe system and utilizes large exhaust vents on both sides of the chassis.
Fan noise remains below 38 dB during gaming, and the compact 330 W power brick provides ample headroom for both GPU boost and system charging.
A MOSFET-based power regulation circuit reduces power ripple, improves long-term stability, and reduces heat generation by up to 10 percent.
With all these improvements, the XG Mobile (2025) is 150 grams lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, although its performance is better.
A Portable Design for Gamers and Creators
The ROG XG Mobile is one of the smallest eGPUs on the market.
Weighing around 1 kg, it’s roughly the size of a hardcover book, yet it serves as both an external GPU and a desktop-grade docking station.
The matte black finish, semi-transparent side panels, and a slight RGB glow give it a premium look.
The stand can be positioned both vertically and horizontally, allowing users to easily fit it with the ROG Flow Z13, G14, or any Thunderbolt 5 laptop.
Despite its small size, ASUS has included a 2.5GB Ethernet port, an SD card reader, multiple USB ports, and a DisplayPort 2.1 connector.
This enables the XG Mobile to replace an entire docking station for work or creative setups.
How It Compares with Competitors
| Model | Interface | GPU | Power | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG XG Mobile (2025) | Thunderbolt 5 | RTX 5090 / 5070 Ti | 150 W | 0.95 kg | $1,299 – $2,499 |
| Razer Core X (2024) | Thunderbolt 4 | RTX 4080 Desktop | 300 W | 6.4 kg | $499 (dock only) |
| Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 Box | Thunderbolt 4 | RTX 5090 | 200 W | 3.9 kg | $2,199 |
Although the Razer Core X desktop offers more power with a GPU, it is heavier and requires external card installation.
The Gigabyte Aorus Box matches ASUS in GPU range, but lacks Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth.
ASUS offers better portability, lower power consumption, and wider compatibility, making it better for professionals who travel or prefer a minimal setup.
Real Benefits and Use Cases
For gamers, the ROG XG Mobile (2025) delivers desktop-class performance on thin-and-light laptops, such as the ROG Flow Z13 or Zephyrus G14.
Connecting via Thunderbolt 5 transforms these laptops into 4K-capable gaming systems without compromising mobility.
For creators, it also serves as a workstation accelerator.
Fast storage expansion, an SD reader, and high-speed networking make it easy to edit 8K RAW footage or large 3D projects directly from an external drive.
Its ability to power a host laptop via a single cable means fewer adapters and a cleaner desk setup, a small but meaningful improvement in productivity.
Market Impact and Expert Insights
Switching to Thunderbolt 5 is more than just a convenience; it could reshape the external-GPU market.
Until now, ASUS’s XG Mobile ecosystem was limited to ROG Flow products.
By adopting an open standard, ASUS positions itself ahead of competitors who still rely on older Thunderbolt 4 or proprietary solutions.
Analysts predict the eGPU segment will grow as more laptops prefer compact designs with smaller internal GPUs.
The ROG XG Mobile (2025) addresses this trend by combining high bandwidth, universal connectivity, and portability.
Its success could encourage other manufacturers to move to Thunderbolt 5 eGPUs by 2026.
Pricing and Availability
ASUS has confirmed two main configurations for the global market:
- ROG XG Mobile (5070 Ti) – $1,299 (approximately ₹1,08,000 / £1,099)
- ROG XG Mobile (5090) – $2,499 (approximately ₹2,08,000 / £2,149)
Both variants include a 330W power adapter and Thunderbolt 5 cable in the box.
The RTX 5070 Ti model is already available on Amazon US and ExcaliberPC, while the RTX 5090 version will begin shipping on November 7, 2025.
In the United Kingdom, both models are expected to be available by mid-November 2025 through the ASUS UK official store and major retailers such as Scan Computers, Overclockers UK, and Amazon UK.
Depending on regional stocks and certification timelines, rollouts are also planned soon in the European and Asia-Pacific regions.
