Intel approves external graphics cards via Thunderbolt 3

Several computer manufacturers are experimenting with full-featured graphics cards in external cabinets. The point is that even thin laptops should be able to be used for serious gaming and other graphics-heavy tasks. So far, however, there are no universal solutions, largely due to the fact that Intel has so far stopped all attempts to use the high-speed connection Thunderbolt for this purpose.

At the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, it is now revealed that Intel not only gives the green light to use Thunderbolt 3 to connect graphics cards but also encourages manufacturers to develop new products. A solution from Inventec is demonstrated on the exhibition floor with the ability to connect any model.

The prototype is a simple enclosure with PCI Express 3.0 and a graphics card from the Radeon 200 series. As long as the power supply is sufficient, however, there are apparently no restrictions on which graphics cards can be used, which means that it is free to upgrade to a more powerful model.

Intel Thunderbolt 3 is introduced together with the processor family Skylake and increases the bandwidth to as much as 40 Gbit / s. The connection works with a variety of protocols, including PCI Express, Displayport and USB. For the port itself, the new reversible connector USB Type-C is used.

Image source: Gizmodo.