The RTX 4090 is a beast of a GPU, but can it run well over OCuLink?
However, it has recently gained attention for consumer uses, such as external GPUs.
OCuLink offers higher bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt 4 up to 64 Gbps versus 40 Gbps.
This increased bandwidth opens up the possibility better eGPU performance compared to Thunderbolt.
A Chinese tech enthusiast website put itto the testto find out.
The results are surprising and show the potential and challenges of OCuLink for external graphics.
But with an external display, the losses dropped to 17% and 0%.
This shows OCuLink’s higher bandwidth can better feed these hungry GPUs, especially paired with an external display.
The reason the external monitor improves performance is that it reduces the burden on OCuLink’s bandwidth.
Pushing frames back to the internal laptop screen eats up bandwidth that could otherwise go to the GPU.
With an external display, more bandwidth is available for the GPU to stretch its legs.
This further burdens the interface bandwidth.
Lower resolutions or frame rates will tax the connection less.
Products like the GPD Win Max 2 and upcoming eGPU docks are bringing OCuLink to consumers.
Currently, OCuLink serves as an alternative to Thunderbolt, particularly with its higher bandwidth.
As always with eGPUs, managing expectations is key.
For many uses though, the performance may be “good enough” for ultraportable gaming or content creation.
