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Alienware's Concept Polaris revivifies its eGPU at CES 2022

Dell explores ways to modernize its Alienware Graphics Amplifier.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
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Lori Grunin
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The Polaris concept design uses a slide-out tray, much like Razer's eGPU.

 Alienware

Seeking to update its Alienware Graphics Amplifier external GPU -- it has yet to bring its trademark Legend 2.0 design to the AGA -- Alienware showed us one of four variations it was thinking about before CES 2022. In addition to simply making it look like the rest of the brand's products, Alienware is also trying to figure out ways to improve it.

When I first saw the box, my instinctive reaction was "Yay! It's bringing back a compact gaming PC!" (Sadly, I was mistaken.) The Polaris can be oriented horizontally or vertically and incorporate more dock-like features.

More notably, it's a better design for overclocking your graphics card, using the same Cryo-tech cooling system that's in Alienware's laptops and can accommodate up to a 16-inch card. It doesn't include a power supply, which lets you choose between a 330 watt or 425 watt depending upon your needs.

My only reservation is that it swaps the current proprietary AGA connector for a more convenient (but more stressful on your system) Thunderbolt 4 connection.