GPD has officially announced the Win Max 2. The new design includes the transition from an 8-inch to 10.1-inch screen and the adoption of a new Intel Alder Lake mobile processor with up to 14C/20T. He deserves his nickname “Max” in several ways; you’ll be able to buy this laptop with up to 32GB of RAM, and it comes with up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 SSDs in one of two M.2 slots. All of this eye-catching hardware resides inside an aluminum-magnesium alloy unibody chassis.
The previous generation GPD Win Max came with an 8-inch screen with 1280 x 800 pixels. With the Win Max 2, this screen changes to a 1,920 x 1,200 pixel panel with a diagonal of 10.1 inches. GPD says retro gamers will appreciate the screen size. We think the screen size inflation helps GPD differentiate itself from the affordable and well-reviewed Steam Deck portable PC gaming machine with its 7-inch screen.
GPD says the new model only goes from 207 x 145mm to 228 x 160mm despite this significant change in screen size. The “ultra-narrow borders” help to reduce the size. The Hong Kong-based diminutive device specialist chose not to reveal the thickness of the new Win Max 2 at this time, but says it’s thinner. However, he may not yet know the exact thickness, judging by the basic sketch of the new device accompanying the blog post.
Another headline change with the GPD Win Max 2 is the processor which arrives from one of Intel’s new Alder Lake mobile ranges. GPD specifically mentions the Intel Core i7-1280P with 14 cores and 20 threads. This processor boosts up to 4.80 GHz, has 24 MB of smart cache and consumes 20 and 64 watts.
The processor’s iGPU will be required for any non-cloud gaming on the Win Max 2. Intel’s Iris Xe graphics are present, with 96 EU, and running up to 1.45 GHz. With gamers pushing the TDP and maximum CPU and iGPU high on this gaming device, you may be concerned about cooling. GPD says this new laptop uses the same fan as the Win 3, which “provides heat dissipation and quietness.” We don’t know if there will eventually be other processor options for buyers.
| Characteristics |
GPD Win Max 2 |
|---|---|
|
Screen |
1920 x 1200 pixels with ultra-thin borders |
|
Processor |
Intel Core i7-1280P with 14C/20T and Iris Xe Graphics |
|
RAM |
16 GB or 32 GB versions will be sold. Chipset supports up to 64 GB |
|
Storage room |
1 TB or 2 TB versions will be sold. The two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots support up to 8TB each. SD and microSD slots are present for up to 4TB of additional storage. SD slot offers up to 300MB/s and microSD up to 160MB/s |
|
Ports |
Thunderbolt 4, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, |
|
Multimedia |
Built-in webcam, quad-speaker surround sound |
|
Keyboard |
QWERTY keyboard with backlight and OC key |
|
Game control |
Recessed joystick using Hall Effect technology, clickable joystick, motion controls, shoulder triggers, two other keys |
|
Other |
4G LTE, 65Wh battery |
Overall, the GPD Win Max 2 shapes up a pretty powerful 10.1-inch notebook. The CPU side looks good, but the iGPU isn’t the best for modern gaming. GPD must realize this and don’t forget to tout this laptop as being capable of being a highly mobile “desktop laptop” as well. However, the previous generation came with both Intel and AMD processor options, which are often much better for gaming. The company may repeat the dual-CPU product strategy, but we don’t know that at this early stage.
We don’t have essential information about the new GPD Win Max 2, such as availability and pricing. It would also be great to get some product renders, photos or videos, but obviously we’re at a development stage too early.
