GIGABYTE has revealed the AORUS RTX 5060 Ti AI BOX during its Beyond Edge online event. The new external graphics enclosure is equipped with a full desktop-class NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GPU featuring 16 GB of VRAM. This move sets it apart from many current eGPU designs that commonly rely on mobile-class GPUs such as the Radeon RX 7600M XT.
The device measures 117 x 243 x 45 mm, making it a compact option for users who want to extend laptop or mini PC performance. By choosing a desktop-grade GPU instead of a mobile variant, GIGABYTE delivers increased memory capacity compared to the more common 8 GB versions of the RTX 5060 Ti. While this approach enhances capability, it may also push pricing above the $460 desktop card baseline.
The AORUS RTX 5060 Ti AI BOX connects through Thunderbolt 5, delivering PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth. According to GIGABYTE, this setup results in only about a 5% performance difference compared to a standard PCIe 4.0 x16 desktop slot. Thunderbolt 5 adoption is still largely limited to high-end laptops and compact PCs, but the port maintains backward compatibility with USB4.
When operating in USB4 mode, the eGPU can work alongside integrated graphics solutions, using Project G-Assist to distribute workloads effectively. This feature allows the AI BOX to support not only gaming but also creative applications and AI-driven tasks.
The AORUS RTX 5060 Ti AI BOX offers more than graphics acceleration. It functions as a docking station, providing three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with Power Delivery 3.0 for charging peripherals and devices, an Ethernet port for stable wired connectivity, and Thunderbolt 5 daisy-chain support for connecting additional devices.
The design includes RGB lighting and an illuminated AORUS logo. GIGABYTE’s WINDFORCE cooling system is implemented to maintain performance and temperature stability in the compact enclosure.
GIGABYTE has not yet provided details regarding the official release date or pricing of the AORUS RTX 5060 Ti AI BOX. More information is expected in the coming weeks as the company outlines regional launch schedules.
The new eGPU aims to give laptop and mini PC users a desktop-grade upgrade path with added docking functionality, targeting professionals and gamers who require more power in a portable setup.
GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 5060 Ti AI BOX – Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti (Blackwell architecture) |
| Video Memory (VRAM) | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt 5 (PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth), USB4 backward compatibility |
| Performance Gap | ~5% slower than PCIe 4.0 x16 desktop configuration |
| Ports | 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with Power Delivery 3.0), 1 × Ethernet port |
| Daisy Chain | Thunderbolt 5 daisy-chain support |
| Cooling | WINDFORCE cooling system |
| Lighting | RGB lighting with illuminated AORUS logo |
| Dimensions | 117 × 243 × 45 mm |
| Power Delivery | USB PD 3.0 quick charge support |
| Other Features | Supports Project G-Assist with USB4 for integrated graphics workloads |
| Availability | Pricing and release date not yet announced |
