The move toward lighter and more compact computers brings many benefits, but it also creates a performance gap that can only be crossed with additional hardware. The market has long demanded a robust and accessible solution for external graphics cards, and HP believes it has the ideal product in the Omen Accelerator. This special enclosure, built around Thunderbolt 3, supports AMD and Nvidia cards, features an independent power supply, and even works as external storage thanks to a 2.5-inch bay.
Smaller PCs, But Graphics Keep Growing
Computers are getting smaller, but when it comes to graphics cards, some advanced models are enormous, with significant power demands and cooling solutions to match. Nvidia has made notable progress by designing its GTX 10 series with laptops in mind, but there are cost and flexibility issues that users want to keep under their control. Slowly, manufacturers are responding to the need for more graphics power, and one of them is HP with its new Omen Accelerator.
More Than Just a Graphics Enclosure
The most interesting part is that it doesn't just work as a simple enclosure; it also takes on the role of external storage, USB 3.0 hub, secondary network card, and alternative charger, all over Thunderbolt 3 with a Type-C connector. Inside, you'll find a 500-watt power supply (which appears to be ATX), but only 300 watts are available for the graphics solution. HP offers GeForce GTX 1060 and 1070, or a Radeon RX 580 from the factory. On the storage side, there are options for 256 GB of SSD, or 1 TB of hard drive, whether at 5,400 or 7,200 RPM. Four USB 3.0 ports and another USB Type-C dramatically expand connectivity, and the Thunderbolt 3 link itself serves as a simultaneous charger for compatible laptops.
Only Certified for HP Systems
Now, you'd assume that the presence of Thunderbolt 3 would eliminate any technical conflicts, but HP said the Omen Accelerator was only certified for the company's computers, and it cannot guarantee a problem-free experience on other systems. It sounds a bit like "we are washing our hands", but I figure that for $300 (the enclosure alone, without graphics or storage) many users will be willing to give it a try, especially when the Razer Core costs almost twice as much.
