MSI Graphics Upgrade Solution seeks an ExpressCard slot to call home

It seems like we've been talking about external graphics cards forever, but how many do you recall that look quite as raw and ready as this? The Graphics Upgrade Solution, set for a full unveiling at Computex, is MSI's latest answer to the eternal problem that is gaming on the move. Serving as a conduit -- via its own PCI Express interface and the oft-neglected ExpressCard slot -- between desktop GPUs and laptops, the GUS comes with its own power brick that can support cards with up to an 84W TDP. That, together with the limited bandwidth on offer, makes the ATI Radeon HD 5670 bundle pretty much the top of the GUS pile, but at somewhere around $229 that doesn't look like a terrible deal at all. Alternatively, you can buy the bare unit for around $100 and make use of some old GPU to give a little extra pep to your laptop. It's all good.

[JeremyBenthem Posted May 21st 2010 10:55AM]

@thefrataline
only die-hard mac users consider a 9400m beefy

[SpacedOut Posted May 31st 2010 10:18PM]

@JeremyBenthem
The thing that is the base for NVidia Ion 1? That's beefy?

Then, please tell me what you think my ATi 4670 for desktop is? Because by his definition, it would be Kick-@$$.

[dedparrot Posted May 21st 2010 10:56AM]

release date?

[Vrmithrax Posted May 21st 2010 10:59AM]

I can see where this would be cool if, say, I wanted to throw another nVidia card into the mix on my laptop... Provided both cards were still available (like to use 1 for PhysX). But I'm not so sure how it will all work out, guess we'll have to wait and see some benchmark tests.

[Luffy Posted May 21st 2010 11:20AM]

I'm still waiting for an enclosure where we can select what graphics card we place inside of it.

[dedparrot Posted May 21st 2010 12:21PM]

@Luffy

did you even read the post?

[MiketheVee Posted May 21st 2010 11:55AM]

My only wonder is, do i have to use an external monitor to enjoy the upgrade? If it is able to work without an external monitor, then i'll be a happy man, but otherwise, i'll have to think twice about it.

[thefrataline Posted May 31st 2010 11:18PM]

@MiketheVee Thats what i have been wondering. If you need an external monitor then screw it. That pretty much defeats the purpose of buying it for a laptop.

[zelannii Posted May 21st 2010 11:59AM]

This makes the choice between a MBP 15" and 17" lean even more to the 17". A couple hundred more for a MUCH better screen, and with the ExpressCard slot, now i could upgrade video capabilities of it down the road too? SWEET!

[DanaG Posted May 21st 2010 2:29PM]

Nice.... finally a not-insanely-expensive version of this thing, with a nice case:
http://www.hwtools.net/Adapter/PE4H.html
One downside to MSI's design: you can't leave the ExpressCard in the slot.... the cable seems to be hardwired to the card. What happens if the cable fails or breaks? MSI really should adopt the same mini-hdmi format this thingy above uses.

[DanaG Posted May 21st 2010 2:32PM]

@DanaG
Er, I mean, a not-insanely-expensive version of the insanely-expensive "ViDock"... and yet still has a nice case (unlike the hwtools.net product).

[Timerider Posted May 21st 2010 2:53PM]

Do want for my MacBook Pro. However, it should be even more powerful than a 5670.

[Chaosdivine Posted May 21st 2010 3:36PM]

Well I see the potential for this product way outside of the gaming realm. Some of you people need to expand your vision and apply technologies to other applications.

Take digital signage in 3D, tradeshows, CAD work/modeling on large CNN style touch screen monitors (can't remember the brand name now but ya), mapping, surveying and medical imaging. All of that and much much more all done from a frigging laptop and this beauty?

Don't know a damn thing about this but wouldn't it be nice to daisy chain a bunch of these together for a mobile super computer and all that offloaded to the GPU's...hmmmm...

Sign me up...I wan't to make money!

[Chaosdivine Posted May 21st 2010 3:43PM]

@Chaosdivine
Oh and one more thing...MSI, that thing is gorgeous! Very Art Deco...I want one just to sit on the end of my desk and to heat my room.

[CuraeL Posted May 22nd 2010 6:19PM]

OMG. :/ I'm so interested in something like this, for my black MacBook.. But I'm in serious need of an Express slot to begin with.

- Will there EVER be some other solution? Im studying atm. and I won't afford a new computer for some years.. And I really do like my mac, does what I need. But i YAWN the day they'll release Diablo 3, and I wont be able to join in on the fun. :/ "Yawn's already actually."

[techwhoregalore Posted May 23rd 2010 3:33PM]

can this be eventually hacked to get hella good graphics on the ipad cuzz razors edge on that sux ass!