DIY eGPU experiences

[Joss27]

Thank you Guy's! It's the case that i would like made at the beginning, and i found it only 3 weeks ago!
Now it's more quiet and more cold than the old box!!

[Hunter20]

Guys i dont understand why everyone is using a huge psu. A smaller psu like a xbox adapter would allow to create a more portable implementation, isn't it?

I think thunderbolt is basically the same of the current pci-e(3.0?) protocol but in a newer closed appearance. I guess they discovered people are creating cheap egpu solutions, now they can claim profits for egpu solutions since they have the market in their hands due to licences/encryption chips. I hope the DIYegpu is not going to die in future.

[noric]

I'm about do decide which gpu to buy in order to set up and running my egpu!
There is already one implementation with my system, i.e. Jeykhob's X59SL. He used an Nvidia Fermi GTS 450, which requires (I think) 128MB of free PCI-space, without needing any PCI compaction.
The point is: I was thinking of opting for an AMD card, since my system can't handle optimus and AMD is better at x1 1.0 bandwidth. How can I find out if the system will be able to accomodate the 256mb of contiguous PCI space that AMD cards need?

[louiebh]

im in possession of an m11x r3, im looking to create a portable on the move and is powerful which brings me here. when im on the move the m11x is perfect does everything i need but my problem is now when i get home im in need of a way to set up my m11x r3 to push multiple monitors specifically 30" monitors 2-3 at 2560x1600 i believe it requires dual dvi and seems one of these eGpu's/vidocks would be my solution can anyone confirm this for me? sorry im not too tech savvy

A desktop eGPU such as a GTX460 or better will outbench the GT540M in a m11xR3. Only issue will be bandwidth where the GT540M will have the lead. The m11xR3 has a pci-e 2.0 capable mPCIe slot, so could run a x1.2Opt configuration. Problem is that the expresscard slot pci-e 2.0 kit was only announced this week. The mPCIe one requires more time, or otherwise can just get a x1 1.0 kit in the meantime. It around $200 for a GTX460-768MB eGPU, all inclusive. Could get that lower by using a s/h or free PSU or if can source the video card at rock bottom pricing via Craiglist/friends/forums.

We've just had a Acer 3820TG mPCIe DIY eGPU implementation at http://forum.notebookreview.com/gami...ml#post8246405 . Would love to see a m11xR3 one too

also i saw this post a few months ago if the m11x is 2.0 capable what kind of fps could i get?

[serialk11r]

Guys i dont understand why everyone is using a huge psu. A smaller psu like a xbox adapter would allow to create a more portable implementation, isn't it?

For one thing the xbox adapter is known to have some issues with burning up spontaneously (and I suspect the power quality isn't so good either). For another thing, 12V brick adapters tend to be quite expensive compared to a old computer PSU. For portability though, sure, it's a good idea.

Hey guys it's been a million years since I've dropped by this thread, got swamped by homework and stuff so never had the chance to run some tests for y'all before the pcie 2.0 capable PE4L and PE4H were released, sorry about that! It's exciting to see so many 1.2 opt systems with newer cards delivering absurd levels of performance, and it is pretty cool knowing I had the first ever 1.2 Opt capable system :P

Quick little update that's relevant for people trying to cheap out and get a PE3A. I noticed someone using a riser card with the PE3A, very nice. I noticed that after several months of use my PE3A seemed to have an unreliable electrical connection at times. I suspect it is my heavy GTX460 not being supported properly (I have one edge sitting against my laptop lid, and the other end is held up by the PE3A). The problems have gone away, but I haven't been playing games much anyways. Another issue is that even though I have the 5V on the PSU wired up to the PE3A, if I try to charge my phone off my USB hub connected to the USB port, all devices connected to the hub start going crazy and I hear the device connect/disconnect sounds playing over and over in Windows.

I bought a Dell RM112 PSU off Ebay because it was 23 dollars, my old Antec broke, and it's a 80+ Gold rated PSU. My first RM112 was defective and eventually stopped working after making buzzing noises for its short life, so I got a replacement from the seller which has been going strong ever since.

[neological]

Hey guys,

I just finished my eGPU, but I got some problems with it.

Laptop is:
HP Compaq 6720s ICH8 bridge,
T9300 2.5 GHz
4 GB DDR2
Intel X3100 iGPU
WinFast GTX 560 eGPU

In first stage I used a no-name 450 W power supply 12V/18A (1 FDD, 4 molex connectors, and that's it, all were used by the eGPU, because the FDD powers the PE4H, and the 4 molex converted to 2x6 pin PCIe) but when the GPU is at high capacity after 10 minutes it tends to shut-down (BSOD) and reboot. In desktop applications works like a charm.

So I decided and bought a Cooler Master GX 500W Lite, with 12V/36A. When I set it up and plug the express-card in, the 3 leds (3.3, 5, 12V) on the PE4H lights on but in 5 seconds when the monitor should turn on, the 12V led on the PE4H (v2.4a) shuts down, the cooler on the ePGU and PSU stops and I got a freeze or BSOD and reboot.

I have to mention that I tried with different drivers, same result, and tried with and without the 12V bypass jumper set on the PE4H.

Do you have any ideas what is this cause, some protection on the PSU (because it has OVP, SCP, OPP protections), the no-name has no protection and it's working while it's not heavy loaded, why does the PSU stopping? Has anyone else used a Cooler Master PSU with the eGPU?

[LoneNF]

For one thing the xbox adapter is known to have some issues with burning up spontaneously (and I suspect the power quality isn't so good either). For another thing, 12V brick adapters tend to be quite expensive compared to a old computer PSU.

5~8 Euros for a used xbox PSU isn`t sooooo expensive
On Amazon you get a new one for 27$

[pyr0]

Wohooo! 10000 posts in the DIY eGPU experiences thread - this is dedicated to one of the best communities on the internet:

[neological]

Anyone, any idea about http://forum.notebookreview.com/gami...ml#post8482599 ?

[LoneNF]

Dedicated to one of the best communities on the internet:

Why 10000? Did you mean 1000?