DIY eGPU experiences

[User Retired 2]

I attempted to use the video card state method to get the settings while running on 2gb and reapply when running with 4gb. It seemed to have no effect. When I attempted this method, I saved both graphics cards settings one after another in the same session/boot. I then rebooted and loaded the settings on both cards and attempted to chain boot. Is this the proper method? So far I get error 12 on 4570 (the external card).

Save/Load PCI dump will only update the video card PCI space. There are still bridges to configure and alterations to addresses made to accomodate the 4GB config, which compaction does.

Below are the DOS prompt instructions on how to integrated these steps. Try each compaction method. If gets a solution then run the generated pci.bat and chainload to Win7 as shown. If don't get a solution at all then test to see if devcon.txt is the problem by removing the "import \config\devcon.txt" text. Note too the memory and I/O allocated to the HD4650, then view Device Manager in Win7 to confirm those addresses are not somehow reallocated after you chainload which would cause the error 12 to remain. I'm hopeful the loading of the PCI dump will eradicate firmware error 35 you were seeing.

%DRV%:
cd config
:: Load HD4650 8kb dump captured when when it functions in Windows (2GB)
:: Save instructions are in the "Video Card->Save PCI dump (Win)" menuitem
pcicap load -d 1002:9498 %DRV%:\config\10029498.bin

:: Try 32 then 36-bit selective compaction.
compact pciend 100000000 useonly 1002:9498 1002:aa38 import \config\devcon.txt makebatch pci.bat
compact pciend 310000000 useonly 1002:9498 1002:aa38 import \config\devcon.txt makebatch pci.bat

:: Try 32 then 36-bit all compaction
compact pciend 100000000 import \config\devcon.txt makebatch pci.bat
compact pciend 310000000 import \config\devcon.txt makebatch pci.bat

:: Run pci.bat and chainload to Win7 if find a solution
pci.bat
grub4dos w7

@Adjai, good to see it up and running. M640-2.6 will boost results as would a HD5xxx or, when released, a HD6xxx video card.

EDIT: replaced pciload with correct "pcicap load" syntax.
EDIT #2: Replaced 1002:9490 (HD4670) with 1002:9498 (HD4650)

[fishy8082]

>save c:\10029498.bin memory f0300000 2000
Operand format error.

Im assuming it is expecting that first number to be hex? typing in
>save c:\10029498.bin memory 0xf0300000 0x2000
functions properly. this would also save 8k of data

I noticed you are using this number 1002:9490
I am usually seeing 1002:9498. Should I replace wherever you used 1002:9490

[fishy8082]

cant find pciload? bad command file name

[K5Doom]

I am using a 4870 on a netbook (acer timeline 1410), using the mini pci-e port. I am able to use the Boot with wifi card -> sleep -> hotplug -> resume and it works. But I am unable to boot directly with the express card plugged in, it shows up as EMPTY in everest. I tried the DIYVidock loader on a USB stick but it won't start any setup, it stays on the MSDOS prompt on C:\

Not sure what to do next, I'll probably try to reformat it again and try to install the loader again.

Oh and here's pics of my working setup

[Adjai]

I am using a 4870 on a netbook (acer timeline 1410), using the mini pci-e port. I am able to use the Boot with wifi card -> sleep -> hotplug -> resume and it works. But I am unable to boot directly with the express card plugged in, it shows up as EMPTY in everest. I tried the DIYVidock loader on a USB stick but it won't start any setup, it stays on the MSDOS prompt on C:\

When it is in MSDOS prompt type: 2510p and press Enter.

Wait 2 sec and press keybutton 7 for Windows 7, then it should work.

I have the exact same card btw, Sapphire 4870 512MB Silent Efficiency

@Adjai, good to see it up and running. M640-2.6 will boost results as would a HD5xxx or, when released, a HD6xxx video card.

Yeah i'm probably gonna get a 5870 when it is dropped in price.

[K5Doom]

Hm the 2510P command is not working.

The thing is that if I have the mini pci-e connector plugged in it boots up but if the GPU is powered on, the laptop won't bootup properly, both screens stays black.

I tried to boot with the GPU powered off, it booted, I went in the DOS environment to C:\Scripts\ and ran "2510P" but it says
"Scanning for ATI video card...
Bad command or file name
Bad command or file name
Label not found"

Note that my laptop is NOT an Hp, its an Acer Timeline 1410.

It does work if I put the laptop to sleep and plug it though.

[User Retired 2]

Oh and here's pics of my working setup

That's a picture of a Gateway. A Timeline 1410T only has mPCIe slots. Would be great to have full details/specs and pics of a Timeline. CULV owners would then see they have gpu upgrade options.
If you post an Everest port screenshot, can see if you can do the x1E tweak.

Suggest use disk image method of DIY ViDock Setup 1.x as your USB thumbdrive is not setup correctly.

Please ignore comments of running 2510P.bat. That was relevant to the original bootdisk which not recommended for use anymore.

[Adjai]

Ok, good to know but the 2510p works for me atm.

I have a PCI-E 2.0 x16 port #0 that is connected to my ati mobility 4530, do you think i can use that port for my 4870 with the diy setup 1.x?

See picture below, the highlighted one is my 4870 connected with the PE4H and E2C2 ExpressCard on x1. Is it possible to use the x16 port with my 4870?

[NosIreland]

Hi everyone I'm new here.
Reading this forum I've decided to try DIY ViDock.
Have bought PE4H-EC2C ver2.0a.
My laptop is HP 6910p and video card Saphire HD5570.
Initially was having problems with 'error 12 not enough resources' but this was fixed with DIYVidock setup. Windows is detecting card and I can use it but I don't have 3D.
When launching ATI CCC and choosing 3D from the menu I don't see 3D image rendered it only says loading.
When starting Starcraft 2 getting the following message:

Also Civilization 5 does not start.
Both games start with integrated card.

Here is the info about system:
HP 6910p
Ram: 4GB
OS: Windows 7 64bit
Video Card: Saphire hd5570
Video Card drivers: Catalyst 10.9

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[K5Doom]

That's a picture of a Gateway. A Timeline 1410T only has mPCIe slots. Would be great to have full details/specs and pics of a Timeline. CULV owners would then see they have gpu upgrade options.
If you post an Everest port screenshot, can see if you can do the x1E tweak.

Sorry for the gateway/acer confusion but this IS a rebranded Acer Timeline 1410. It's the Canadian version, it's just sold under the Gateway brand. The exact model is "ec1803h" As far as I know It's exactly the same as the 1410. I only have one mPCIe slot. I even flashed the bios with the 1410 bios and it's working perfectly fine.

This is my everest southbridge S/S
My port is on an even number.



also, here's a pic of the bottom of the ec1803h, I had to hold the cable since the hdmi connector is too big to let it stay still, even if I break the board to get it half-sized. I just let the laptop put weight on it so it stays still, like in previous S/S: