ASUS ROG XG Mobile eGPU with RTX 5090 Mobile – An expensive pleasure?

With the ROG XG Mobile 2025, ASUS is launching a new version of its external GPU dock – this time with a GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile. Sounds impressive, but as always with such high-end products, the question arises: Is this still innovation or just an expensive gimmick?

Technical specifications – numbers that dazzle

The latest XG Mobile is the direct successor to the 4090 model and comes with the following specifications:

Thunderbolt 5 is the big highlight here. With up to 80 Gbit/s bandwidth, the dock can handle high resolutions and frame rates. According to ASUS, three 4K monitors with 144 Hz or even 8K content are possible. Sounds good – but who really needs that?

Performance and availability – paper vs. reality

The technical data reads like the wish list of a hardware enthusiast. But what’s the point if availability is ultimately a game of chance? The desktop versions of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are already rare, and it is doubtful that the mobile models will be more readily available. At the same time, the RTX 5070 Ti is due to be released on February 20 – presumably also with questionable availability.

Alternatives – cheaper is also possible

If you don’t want to invest a small fortune right away, you can get a version with RTX 5070 Ti Mobile for 1199.99 US dollars. Still expensive, but at least halfway within the budget. But it remains to be seen whether the surcharge for the RTX 5090 Mobile of a whopping 1000 dollars is justified. If you need an external GPU anyway, you might as well get a powerful notebook or desktop – with fewer compatibility problems.

Conclusion: Fast box, questionable added value

The ASUS ROG XG Mobile 2025 is undoubtedly technically impressive. But for 2199.99 US dollars, you can also get a decent gaming PC or a high-end notebook. The practical benefits remain questionable – and it remains to be seen whether the dock will really find its target group. Those who absolutely want the most powerful external GPU solution will go for it. Everyone else could save the money – or invest in something more sensible.

Source: Videocardz, WccfTech