DIY eGPU experiences

[useafo]

Removing drivers is not a solution.

You are correct, the BSOD problem still exists, What settings should I make in diy vidock setting.

[nefx]

LRH19200
I am too have X220t i2520 8gb. I ordered P4EH, but i don't know whats the diferent with GTX560TI and GTX570 on this i2520 processor (3.2ghz on turbo)?
As i know 560TI require 200W over 12v line (its means 2*12v*20A lines).
I will use for ext display projector Qumi q2, and will use 720p resolution.
Any body test high performance card(GTX 570\580 ATI 6950\6970) on opt1.1(lenovo x220)?

[Derbish]

Did you try the second procedure?

I went back again and checked but even with the card off and express port unplugged, I have to have all 3 other ports out as well or it will not boot up. I tried 3, 2, and then 1 of them and they all need to be unplugged from the PE4H for it to boot up. Otherwise it turns off after a the keyboard lights up for a few seconds then it turns off.

[vivithemage]

I just bought a new macbook air, if I boot camp'd win 7, is there a good thunderbolt solution for it, with the egpu?

[useafo]

BTW, I have installed a latest modded driver for my video card, I set the pci reset delay to 7s, boot up my laptop, it worked well until I tried to refresh windows experience index, the screen freezes and goes either black or blue screen of death. I might need some setting to make in diy vidock setting, but I do not know how. Care to share some tips to make the graphics card work flawlessly? I will type my laptop's specs again and I will post a diy vidock setting picture later, for now here's the specs:

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge 14"
Windows 7 Professional 32-bit
Intel core i3 390M
6GB DRR
eGPU: EVGA Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 SE

EDIT: here are the photos that I took just right now, see below:

[hatoblue]

These what you can do:-

1. Set ExpressCard slot speed/mode to Gen1¹, either in BIOS or using Setup 1.x².
2. Update BIOS to latest version, 1.24.

¹ Please refer to Xav's installation procedure (at the end of the post, below "Installation").
² Any information regarding Setup 1.x, including how to install is available at Setup 1.x page.

Hey, thanks for replying. I have already set the ExpressCard slot speed to Gen1 in the BIOS. I tried to follow Xav's installation procedure, and everything goes fine until I try to get a successful reboot with the eGPU connected. My computer won't detect the eGPU unless I take it out manually and plug it back in. As for the BIOS, I originally had v1.24 but decided to install v1.11 in case that was what was causing the problem, since Xav's post only confirms the v1.23 BIOS working. Anyways, I will go ahead and reupdate my BIOS because I don't know what else I can do at this point.

[SimoxTav]

Has anyone tried a PCI-e riser with a DIY eGPU solution? ( Photo )
I'm trying to design a case to fit all the stuff inside (with this 1U PSU http://www.fspgroupusa.com/fsp350701uj/p/773.html). With a PCI-e riser should be possible to get the mini HDMI plug on the short side even keeping the card horizontal (like viDock).

Speaking about the mentioned PSU, as far as i know, on maximum, the GTX560 Ti draws 202W (17A on +12V rail), I'm only worried to build the 2 PCI-e cables needed to feed the card, from three molex connectors (even if reading the schematics 2 molex are on one single 12V rail and on the remaining one + the FDD plug one are on the second 12V rail).
What do you think about this solution?

[Xav]

Hey, thanks for replying. I have already set the ExpressCard slot speed to Gen1 in the BIOS. I tried to follow Xav's installation procedure, and everything goes fine until I try to get a successful reboot with the eGPU connected. My computer won't detect the eGPU unless I take it out manually and plug it back in. As for the BIOS, I originally had v1.24 but decided to install v1.11 in case that was what was causing the problem, since Xav's post only confirms the v1.23 BIOS working. Anyways, I will go ahead and reupdate my BIOS because I don't know what else I can do at this point.

there's no difference between 1.24 and 1.23 actually. just a naming error from lenovo. i've updated my post to reflect the new BIOS number.

i used to get that intermitten detection problem when i first started. Ends up its always best to install it on a FRESH copy of windows (as in retail fresh and not recovery disc). Install the intel HD 3000 drivers first (currently using http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...=3319&lang=eng , the lenovo ones consume an extra 4-5 watt on battery mode even when its on max battery life) then follow my procedure. should be able to get it working.

[useafo]

Anyone want to help me by looking to my last post?

[kizwan]

Hello everyone,

I want to set up a DIY egpu for my Lenovo X220..

1. PE4H-EC2C ver2.4 Package (PE4H (PCIe passive adapter ver2.4))

You also can use PE4L (here OR here) too & it's cheaper than PE4H. You only need one PCIe x1 link to do x1.Opt with Nvidia Fermi desktop graphic card. Of course, PE4H have sturdier base than PE4L.

You also can wait for PCIe 2.0/Gen2 compliant kit. It will support native PCIe 2.0 speed which is 5Gb/s at each direction (10Gb/s concurrent). In simpler word, it will deliver better performance.

3. Power supply - how much wattage do i need for the power supply?

When you choose power supply, make sure you get trusted brand. Some cheap brand unable to deliver enough peak power to GPU. When choosing power supply, it's not the total wattage you need to look but max current on the +12V. For example, GTX460 1GB power requirement is 160W. So, the PSU must have at least 15A on the +12V (15A * 12V = 180W. Calculated with 10% margin).

LRH19200
I am too have X220t i2520 8gb. I ordered P4EH, but i don't know whats the diferent with GTX560TI and GTX570 on this i2520 processor (3.2ghz on turbo)?
As i know 560TI require 200W over 12v line (its means 2*12v*20A lines).
I will use for ext display projector Qumi q2, and will use 720p resolution.
Any body test high performance card(GTX 570\580 ATI 6950\6970) on opt1.1(lenovo x220)?

GTX560Ti power consumption is 170W & can go up to 205W on peak 3D. For GTX560Ti OC, the power requirement is up to 260W.

For GTX560Ti, you will need PSU with at least 19A on the +12V (19A * 12V = 228W. Calculated with 10% margin).

I went back again and checked but even with the card off and express port unplugged, I have to have all 3 other ports out as well or it will not boot up. I tried 3, 2, and then 1 of them and they all need to be unplugged from the PE4H for it to boot up. Otherwise it turns off after a the keyboard lights up for a few seconds then it turns off.

If that is the case, did you try connecting all cables in windows?

1. Power on notebook & boot into Setup 1.x.
2. Set x4 on PCIe port#1.
3. Chainload.
4. After boot into windows, put notebook to sleep.
5. Connect eGPU to notebook.
6. Power on eGPU.
7. Resume notebook from sleep.

BTW, I have installed a latest modded driver for my video card, I set the pci reset delay to 7s, boot up my laptop, it worked well until I tried to refresh windows experience index, the screen freezes and goes either black or blue screen of death. I might need some setting to make in diy vidock setting, but I do not know how. Care to share some tips to make the graphics card work flawlessly? I will type my laptop's specs again and I will post a diy vidock setting picture later, for now here's the specs:

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge 14"
Windows 7 Professional 32-bit
Intel core i3 390M
6GB DRR
eGPU: EVGA Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 SE

EDIT: here are the photos that I took just right now, see below:

The symptom you're experiencing right now are associated with insufficient power supply. GTX460 SE power requirement is only 140W. So, it's unlikely the fuse on the PE4H tripped upon detecting a very high load. The only explanation is PSU unable to deliver enough power for GPU to work properly. However, you can try setting PE4H fuse bypass jumper. It located near the floppy power port on the PE4H. If after setting the jumper, the problem still persist, I recommend you, if possible, to borrow another PSU & try again. You also can combine two PSU to drive the GPU where one 6-pin PCIe power connector is from one PSU & the other 6-pin PCIe power connector from another PSU.