Let's figure out how to convert internal MXM connector an external PCI-E x16 box

[User Retired 2]

Hmm I know that thread, but that diy dock has no near the potential. I mean the bench so far does not seem good and from what I could read this guy had a different approach

[deleted - not relevant]

[babatman]

Hey,

No news about this project? The begining was good;so wha'ts up?

[__-_-_-__]

I known the thread is rather old.
Now we all known the future isn't bright for this to happen.
PCI Express 2.0 (x4 link) 16 Gbit/s 2 GB/s
Thunderbolt 10 Gbit/s x 2 1.25 GB/s x 2
ExpressCard 2.0 PCI Express mode 5,000 Mbit/s 625 MB/s
USB Super Speed (USB 3.0) 5 Gbit/s 625 MB/s
External PCI Express x16 32 Gbit/s 4 GB/s

so we came to the conclusion the only way is to convert mxm to pci-e.
problem was we didn't had access to the specifications. pci-sig required a $3000 year fee to access the documentation. I made some "requests" regarding if anyone could... get access to some...
I think I was heard because I just found out this:
PCI.Express.Specifications (download torrent) - TPB
including the piece we most needed:
PCI_Express_External_Cabling_Rev1.0_updated.pdf
I'll be studying this documents to see what I can do.

[King of Interns]

Sounds excellent!! Glad someone on the forums is still as interested in mxm upgrades as myself

I am happy to do any testing etc if it helps. Although my knowledge of hardware beyond the basics is quite limited

[__-_-_-__]

the problem: even if I could grab some components (which is already not an easy task), I couldn't solder all the micro ultra thin and sensitive components. It would require someone with great soldering skills and/or some sort of a specialized soldering iron. the kind that costs several thousands of dollars.
so this approach is a no go. I have to try something else. The good news is that the device we want CAN BE MADE. the technology is already here for several years and we even have all the specifications, regarding pci-e and mxm. the only difficulty? built the first one.

[beatTheRestrictions]

This idea is definitely not impossible but it definitely cannot be easily standardized unlike the DIY VIDOCK.. err eGPU now which uses easily accessible x1 and expressports.

Problems:
1) Have to totally rip open the laptop - big hassle.
2) MXM standard is kept under wraps, MXM has so many different versions.
3) Each laptop manufacture use different MXMs versions or not even MXM for dedicated graphics as they solder the GPU directly to the MOBO
4) LVDS - big time hassle.
5) Most laptops don't even have dedicated graphics

If I were to try I'd probably use a series of CAT6A cable which can provide 10Gb/s @ 500MHZ.

But then again the PCIe x16 is 164pin and CAT6A is 8 pin per cable...

So 164 / 8pin = 20 CAT6a cables ...

~$10 (for 30cm cable) * 20 cables = $200 .. ouch

I can now see why this thread was abandoned..

With express port 2.0 eGPU will get much better

BTR

[King of Interns]

I disagree. LVDS might be a big time hassle but a huge deal worth it. What's the point on gaming on an external monitor if you don't have to. Of course with optimus it is already possible to do this anyways with vidock. Just a shame there is nothing for ati users yet.

[Pizpump]

so we came to the conclusion the only way is to convert mxm to pci-e.

Would be very interested in MXM 3.0 to PCI-E adapters as running Mobility series cards in desktops would significantly reduce overall power consumption.

[highfly]

forgive my ignorance as i may be missing something and asking a stupid question but wouldn't a an MXM adepter require you to take out your mobile GPU and in essence defeat the point in have a laptop in the first place. As you would have to re-apply thermal paste every time you wanted to move your laptop or is the idea that you will carry around the external GPU everywhere you go

[__-_-_-__]

Would be very interested in MXM 3.0 to PCI-E adapters as running Mobility series cards in desktops would significantly reduce overall power consumption.

you already have on the market this kind of solutions. you can today buy a mxm to pci-e card (not pci-e to mxm, that's what we need). problem is, you can't buy mxm cards, at least it's not very easy.

forgive my ignorance as i may be missing something and asking a stupid question but wouldn't a an MXM adepter require you to take out your mobile GPU and in essence defeat the point in have a laptop in the first place. As you would have to re-apply thermal paste every time you wanted move your laptop or is the idea that you will carry around the external GPU everywhere you go

yes because you would have to use the same interface. that's the problem, you need a faster interface, in this case,mxm. but there are notebooks with 2 graphic cards ie 2mxm slots, you could easily make an adapter for 1 slot. anyway, if you need this kind of gpu power on a notebook you certainly won't bother having less portability, since desktop replacement notebooks aren't exactly known for their great battery life. what we need is flexibility, having a notebook that can have the power of a desktop without compromising portability, you can't have both at the same time. ie, there aren't many notebooks, if any, that the battery lasts more then 1hour playing crysis at high settings. Also this kind of solution would make us able of achieving way better performance at a fraction of a cost and also solves the huge problem of upgradability.