DIY eGPU experiences

[User Retired 2]

I did more research on their BIOS and it looks like Dell offers an option to turn off the Optimus. In such case, I don't have to worry about the Setup 1.x right?

My understand is the E6520 has the rare ability to switch off Optimus in the bios where the NVS4200M will run as a dGPU and the iGPU is completely disabled.

If you intend to run a Optimus eGPU, then you want to do the opposite - disable the dGPU but leave the iGPU active. If the bios hasn't got an option to do that (likely) then you'd need to boot via Setup 1.x with a 'call dGPU off' entry in your startup.bat to disable the NVS4200M so the NVidia eGPU can function in Optimus capacity. If don't want to do that then consider the iGPU only version of the E6520.

[rubenhan]

My understand is the E6520 has the rare ability to switch off Optimus in the bios where the NVS4200M will run as a dGPU and the iGPU is completely disabled.

If you intend to run a Optimus eGPU, then you want to do the opposite - disable the dGPU but leave the iGPU active. If the bios hasn't got an option to do that (likely) then you'd need to boot via Setup 1.x with a 'call dGPU off' entry in your startup.bat to disable the NVS4200M so the NVidia eGPU can function in Optimus capacity. If don't want to do that then consider the iGPU only version of the E6520.

I see. Thank you. I'll try to look for the iGPU option. By the way, there's Dell Business Coupon right now! LQ3S565GMCP9T0 Amazing Deal if you ask me.

[Khenglish]

Thanks, Khenglish for taking time to respond. So are you suggesting that having an NVS would have a better cooling?

I put some wire between the cooler screw springs and base to tighten up the one side. I checked the paste and it's now level, but it didn't make a difference in temps. It turns out that I didn't run p95 long enough, and when running it longer I get up to 98C. Hot, but still below throttle point. Despite the unevenness, going with the iGPU seems to be the way to go as far as heat is concerned. The 2920xm is a 55W cpu after all, so high temps are to be expected.

[urigeller]

Do You have any news of thunderbolt-pcie adapter for macbook pro early 2011??

[rubenhan]

Well just purchased e6520.

After 20% discount, got it for $670.

It features
i7-2620m
4gb
250gb (5200rpm) --> will be replacing with an SSD
FHD
intel 3000

I think it's a steal for the price.

I can't wait to receive it!

[gilipollas]

Hi again. I found one source of error.

The mPCIe-card PM3N can loosen a litte bit out of the slot. Resulting in bsod or no detection of the egpu.

[ruhtraeel]

Would it be possible to get an adapter that turns USB (3.0 preferably so that there is more bandwidth) to expresscard so that I don't need to fiddle with the bottom of my computer every time I need to take my laptop on the go?

Maybe something like this?

USB to ExpressCard Adapter Ideal for Wireless Broadband Cards | StarTech.com

[Khenglish]

Has anyone found any framegrabbing software for usb? I can get an adapter for 3.0 and would love to use my internal monitor without a performance loss.

Also wicked, how long until you get the active cable?

[gjohnson]

guys ... you have been using express card for long time. does it get warm for you or should it stay cold like memory card. is there any heat dissipation technique for expresscards.

thanks.

[arnold-edward]

Does anyone know if you can use an eGPU with the new X121e? I really get confused by all of the different porst and things. The tech files says that the laptop has:

I/O (Input/Output)
1 x VGA, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
1 x Mic (microphone)/speaker combo jack
3 x USB 2.0 (including 1 powered USB)
4-in-1 media card reader (SD/SDHC/SDXC/
MMC)

WLAN
ThinkPad BGN (Realtek) 1x1 GN
ThinkPad ABGN (Broadcom) 2x2 AGN
Intel® Centrino Wireless-N 1000
Intel® Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
(2x2 AGN)

I also found this in a review - "2x2 a/b/g/n WLAN PCI-e half mini adapter "

Thanks for any help