DIY eGPU implementation: L9600@2.90 12.1" HP 2530P + NVidia GTX460/GTX560Ti @x1.Opt
Notebook
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Benchmarks L9400 has some results being higher due to 285.27 and 270.61 modded driver L9600 and L9400 testing variation respectively.
[highest - GTX560Ti: 3dmark: 06/vant.gpu/11.gpu=14248/14151/3391, RE5.dx9=94.6, dmcv4.dx10_s4=131.9].
[highest - GTX460..: 3dmark: 06/vant.gpu/11.gpu=14051/12889/3384, RE5.dx9=91.3, dmcv4.dx10_s4=129.4].
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^ = 1280x800 with internal LCD, ~ = 1280x1024 with 'internal LCD mode' provided via notebook VGA port to external LCD.
+25% pci-e = overclock the pci-e bus from 100Mhz to 125Mhz | ! = two back-to-back runs using result from the faster second run
& = eGPU overclocked results: GTX460=675/1800->950/1900 GTX460, GTX560Ti=880/2100->1030/2300.
# = min/average, London multi-car track with all HIGH except post-process=MED. cmd used "DiRT2.exe benchmark example_benchmark.xml", output saved to Documents/My Games/Dirt 2/Demo/benchmarks |
 |  |  |  |  |  | US$227 GTX460+
PE4H-EC2C+PSU | Setup 1.x showing system
details + GTX560Ti eGPU | Optimus driver setup | PE4H and GTX460 cabling | Optimus' internal LCD
mode playing MafiaII | Dirt2 on external LCD |
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Idea reference:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/gami...ml#post5324240
Software Setup
1. Boot Win7, sleep Win7, attach eGPU via expresscard slot and power it on, resume Win7. GTX460 is detected as
Standard VGA. There are no
error 12 or USB ports disabled issues with the 2530P.
2. Install 285.27
Retrofit Optimus driver. Disable
NVidia High Definition sound to maximize video bandwidth.
3. OPTIONAL for GTX460/GTX560Ti overclocking: Install
MSI Afterburner+Kombustor.
How to startup the eGPU
1. Poweroff the eGPU until get past the bios, then power it on OR set the PE4H PCI Reset Delay slider to 7s to effectively do this automatically for you which works during a cold reboot but not a warm reboot.
OPTIONAL: use sleep-resume method. Boot Win7, sleep Win7, attach eGPU via expresscard slot and power it on, resume Win7. If a LCD is attached to the GTX460 then make it the Main Display in Display Properties to output accelerated graphics to it. NOTE: this method does not allow Optimus to output accelerated graphics to the internal LCD - the eGPU must be detected on bootup for that.
2. Use the
Safely Remove Hardware And Eject Media systemtray icon when finished using eGPU.
Comments
I sidegraded to a GTX460 for it's smaller size, quieter operation and significantly lower power requirements while delivering similar real-gaming performance to my previous GTX470. I was surprised to find that with stock 675/1800 clocks
this GTX460 can be powered by a basic 12V/15A ATX PSU. Previously I needed two to drive the GTX470. Overclocking's higher power did require a second 12V/15A PSU to supply power via one GTX460 pci-e lead. I don't intend to overclock the GPU during regular use since there aren't any significant real-world gains to be had doing so. Quite content with the GTX460
The 950/1900 GPU overclock gives about approx 10% more performance with up to 20% more in 3dmarkvantage. The 25% pci-e overclock has a greater real-life effect. When using the
internal LCD mode: 3dmark06's SM3.0, RE5-var, Dirt2 all register a solid 20% FPS improvement with smoother rendering with high detail. This would indicate that the x1 2.0 Optimus (x1.2Opt)
doubling of bandwidth with the Series-6 systems will mean it's viable to use only the notebook internal LCD with great performance.
One other observation. When using the internal LCD mode, 3dmarkvantage's texture loading bar was noticably slower to expand even though it wasn't actively changing the screen image. So NVidia allocate a portion of the bandwidth for the internal LCD. Now if NVidia could change their algorithm to maximise usage of the available bandwidth based on load it would improve the internal LCD mode performance.
Is a GTX560Ti worth it over an overclocked GTX460? A GTX560Ti is a 54% price premium over a GTX460, yet you'd see at best 15% more performance with a GTX460 being able to handle a significant overclock. Is then a GTX560Ti worth it? In the case of a x1.Opt link on a 2530P, I think the GTX460 represents much better value.
Appendix: other mods/discoveries during this implementation
1. Modified 1GB GTX460 reference bios with fan+voltage unlock
I created a modified GTX460 bios to correct the GTX460 internal thermal throttling as
discussed. The source was a
Gainward factory 800/2000 overclocked 1GB GTX460 bios
modified back to reference 675/1800 clocks, 1.025V Vcore with unlocked fan and voltage control. The result packaged as
GTX460_anti-throttle.exe.
Seems to have done the trick. This also corrected an instability issue which was due to my stock bios being undervolted @0.963V with full 3D clocks.
If you wish to try this vbios then extract the package to c:\GTX460_anti-throttle, run 'flash_it'. You'll need to re-install your NVidia drivers. Run 'reverse' to flash back your original bios if it causes any issues. Ensure you keep a copy of the saved GTX460-original.rom in a safe place in case you need to flash back for warranty purposes.
2. Making a modular PSU from an ATX one
My PSU was AU$5 so it was an easy decision to cut unneeded molex leads in order to tidy up my cabling. Required and unrequired molex leads were noted. Then I used a jeweller's flat screwdriver to remove the pin from the junction-point molex plug, snip off the extra cabling using pliers + nail clippers ensuring a clean cut at the base, then careful put back the pins in the correct order. This way I ended up with a PSU with only 3 molex leads.
3. Quietening the ATX PSU fan by driving it with 5V
My AU$5 PSU had a noisy fan. To quieten it down I changed the fan's +12V line (RED) to use +5V instead. This involved unfastening 8 screws, de-soldering the fan connector and attaching it to a nearby 5V connector. A 5V point was found by attach one multimeter probe to the 5V (RED) molex lead and continuity probing the circuitboard.
Yes.. running the slower fan will mean less heat dissipation and higher internal temps. Not that this has caused any problems so far. Should it happen that my AU$5 PSU fails prematurely then I'll use my other AU$5 one.