Alienware Graphics Amplifier

[amcleod]

I process drone imagery for terrain mapping purposes using Metashape v 1.7.2 on an Alienware M17 laptop. The laptop has the ability to add a graphics amplifier through an external port and I am considering buying it to reduce processing time in the field. Does Metashape utilize this as a GPU?

[Alexey Pasumansky]

Hello amcleod,

Which GPUs support the Amplifier that you are considering and which ports are available for connection with a laptop?

[amcleod]

Alexy,
I am considering the RTX3080 in an Alienware Graphics Amplifier 9R7XN throught the Thunderbolt port.
Andy

[Alexey Pasumansky]

Hello Andy,

With Thunderbolt it should work effectively, however, I suggest to double-check the list of supported GPUs for this Amplifier in advance. RTX3080 is quite big and may not fit the box physically.
But with anything starting from GeForce GTX 900 series you should gain the additional boost in Metashape.

Although we have not tested Alienware Amplifier, we had some experience with dock-stations from other manufacturers and it worked as expected both with AMD and NVIDIA cards connected to a laptop via Thunderbolt. But the model that I have by the hand isn't big enough for GeForce RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 6800 XT, for example. That's why I'm suggesting to check the list of confirmed supported GPUs.

[amcleod]

Alexy,
Thank you for that perspective! I'll make sure of box and card dimensions before purchase. Looking forward to faster processing in the future!

Andy