DIY eGPU experiences

[mactavish2k8]

I went on to experiment with BIOS 1.06, very first initial BIOS for W520 but there was no difference in the results re egpu. (ie Error 12 still persists, no change in memory configuration)

Changed BIOS Setting to Gen1 and reinstalled Win 7 SP1 x64 again with eGPU plugged in and powered all the way.

Able to get display onto the external GPU (FIRST!). Only able to get a display on external LCD. Not able to span across both screens.

Went on to run 3D Mark 11 but I was greeted with a black display and eventually the driver crashed and went back to internal LCD only. External VGA was also disconnected from my drive as well.

I still don't understand why on every alternate reboot I get Error 12. One moment it works and the next reboot it doesn't.

Further description
Odd Reboots
Windows attempt to display on external LCD but fails.(LCD screen flashes). However device manager says everything is okay.

BSOD on detecting display.

Even Reboots
Windows doesn't attempt to display on external LCD. Device manager says Error 12 for the egpu.

[kizwan]

What is the PSU specification, especially the +12V max current? The "black screen" usually associated with insufficient power or fuse on PE4H is kicked in due to high load.

EDIT: You use Antec HCG-620 PSU. It have +12V@48A = 576W. It is more than enough for GTX460 (160W). If you use PE4H, set the fuse bypass jumper (near the floppy power connector).

[mactavish2k8]

What is the PSU specification, especially the +12 max current? The "black screen" usually associated with insufficient power or fuse on PE4H is kicked in due to high load.

PSU is Antec 620W. Sufficient for GTX 460.

Here are the specs
http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MjU5NQ==

I'm having Error 12 (on alternate reboots) and driver issues and GRUB errors at the moment. Can't get any bit of the software parts working at all.

[kizwan]

To solved Error 12, use Setup 1.x to disabled dGPU (Quadro 1000M). You also need to set ExpressCard speed to Gen1. It running in Gen2 speed which explain why you get "black screen". Did you try "Chainload Win7"?

[Lachie3112]

One last question, how much is this PSU? Does it cheaper than Corsair CX-430 or CX-500?

The Gigabyte 460W PSU from a store I will be buying from is only $45 AUD. Thanks for helping me choose what PSU I need.

[mactavish2k8]

Try this:

Go into BIOS, into the Display section, and change Graphics Adapter into Integrated Graphics, and turn off Optimus detection. Then plug in the eGPU before cold-booting the laptop. This worked for me.

I've just tried that but I'm still getting driver issues. I BSOD on display detection.

[mactavish2k8]

To solved Error 12, use Setup 1.x to disabled dGPU (Quadro 1000M). Did you try "Chainload Win7"?

Switched and remained at Gen1 before Win 7 installation.

The BSOD are very likely due to driver issues. The driver keeps attempting to display on the external screen multiple times (screen flashes 4 times) but eventually times out and BSOD.

GRUB error. I can't load any OS from GRUB. I keep encountering errors like operating system missing. Or Error 13 Invalid or unsupported executable format.

I have no special configuration on my hardware. Install Win7 on blank HDD, install Setup1.x and nogo. No GPT, just MBR (default installation option in Win 7 SP1 x64).
Legacy only selected in BIOS.

Is there a special Setup 1.x software that I'm missing?

Another 6 hours gone sigh.

[User Retired 2]

GRUB error. I can't load any OS from GRUB. I keep encountering errors like operating system missing. Or Error 13 Invalid or unsupported executable format.

I have no special configuration on my hardware. Install Win7 on blank HDD, install Setup1.x and nogo. No GPT, just MBR (default installation option in Win 7 SP1 x64).
Legacy only selected in BIOS.

Appears you have a MBR installation. Only other thing that could cause problems with grub4dos is encrypted or compressed boot volumes so grub4dos can't read the bootmgr file properly.

[kizwan]

Please see my post again (I edit my post).
http://forum.notebookreview.com/gami...ml#post8194152

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gami...ml#post8194187

Please post screenshot of your Disk Management.

[kizwan]

I read Antec HCG-620 have voltage regulation issue on the +12V where the voltage drop at certain load. I don't know whether this is cause of the BSOD/black screen problem.