DIY eGPU experiences

[Fabi3n]

Success with x220 + PE4L v2.1b + 9800 GT!

Plugged the eGPU in, booted laptop up, installed nvidia desktop driver (mobile Verde driver reported no compatible hardware) and it was good to go!
...

Ok you don't use internal screen also ?

[Joss27]

ok thanks joss

So i have tested that :
-laptop without egpu, just using internal lcd, i can't open nvidia control panel
-laptop with egpu, just using internal lcd, nvs4200 activate in system manager, the same thing
-after i launch BF3, come back in windows (without quit BF3), try to open nvidia control panel but not possible
-desactivate nvs4200, launch BF3, come back in windows (without quit BF3), try to open nvidia control panel but not possible
-connect my laptop on dockin station (who have a external lcd connected in dvi), try to open nvidia control panel but not possible
-after i activate the nvs4200, try to open nvidia control panel with success, configure physx on gtx, launch BF3, performances are the same that if egpu is not connected
-i desactivate nvs4200, plug a external LCD on GTX in HDMI, and i can open nvidia control panel !

So i don't know how to say at windows to use GTX when there is no external screen connected.

[Fabi3n]

So i have tested that :
-laptop without egpu, just using internal lcd, i can't open nvidia control panel
-laptop with egpu, just using internal lcd, nvs4200 activate in system manager, the same thing
-after i launch BF3, come back in windows (without quit BF3), try to open nvidia control panel but not possible
-desactivate nvs4200, launch BF3, come back in windows (without quit BF3), try to open nvidia control panel but not possible
-connect my laptop on dockin station (who have a external lcd connected in dvi), try to open nvidia control panel but not possible
-after i activate the nvs4200, try to open nvidia control panel with success, configure physx on gtx, launch BF3, performances are the same that if egpu is not connected
-i desactivate nvs4200, plug a external LCD on GTX in HDMI, and i can open nvidia control panel !

So i don't know how to say at windows to use GTX when there is no external screen connected.

Ok so I feel reassured that Optimus® doesn't work for you too
Nando is surely right when he says that NVS4200 needs to be deactivate before loading windows, to get Optimus® working in internal LCD.
I buy setup 1.x this morning and am waiting for DL link to try this evening.
I'll make a report as soon as possible.

Specials thanks to you Joss, for long and complete tests

[sivikchen]

Ok you don't use internal screen also ?

No, internal screen reverts to integrated Intel HD3000, and no Optimus functionality since 9800GT is not a Fermi card. 3DMark Vantage scores are the same with eGPU enabled and disabled on internal screen. (low)

[Joss27]

it's maybe drivers modded who made that

[Fabi3n]

@sivikchen: ok
@Joss27: I think it's just windows who doesn't understand what to do with optimus. Because, even if you disable nvs in windows, dGPU is enabled at start up. Dell could program in the BIOS, a functionality to disable dGPU, but if we ask them, they would think we are crazy, and that there is no reason to do that ...

[bjorm]

Please post screenshot of Playback tab (Control Panel >> Hardware and Sound >> Sound).

solution: turn on 8460p + eGPU with audio cable out od socket.
thanks!

[blizzard2012]

The screenshot show you didn't load the modded DSDT into registry (no. 5 in DSDT Override).

If you did load the modded DSDT into registry, please reboot your notebook & check the Device Manager again.

Hi Kizwan,

i have repeated the steps a couple of times but it still aint working.
Maybe you could help take a look at the following screen-shots if
i have made any mistakes.

Thanks Again

[Snake105]

Hi, im new to this but i have read quite a bit about how to configure an EGPU, so about 3 weeks ago i got the PE4H 2.4 Kit with the express adapter and i seem to be having some problems, first of all here are my system specs

Lenovo x200 laptop
p8600 core 2 duo processor
Windows 7 32bit
PE4H V2.4
NVIDIA GTS 450
Optimus Driver Verde 285.62 32bit driver

I want to be able to render the graphics onto the internal screen and as far as im aware i would need the 4500mhd which my laptop does, so i installed the optimus driver and it seems to have been done correctly as the graphics card is showing up in device manager, so i open nvidia control panel and select "High Performance Nvidia Processor" in the Preferred graphics processor option, then i go to play a game call of duty modern warfare 3 but the graphics seem to be having no effect, i done a benchmark on my graphics card and i got the same score i got on my intergrated graphics, i have a feeling i might be missing out on something but i am not an expert PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME! I REALLY WANT THIS THING TO WORK

[Essenar]

Okay guys, I ordered parts finally!
I ordered the PE4L from HIT. You should update the OP to reflect the price increase. I had to pay $78 shipped for it versus $65 shipped.

And I ordered a GTX 560 from Amazon. Originally I had bought a 6850 from Fry's, but upon the realization that I was going to build an eGPU instead of a desktop, I knew it'd be better to use a Fermi card instead of a Radeon.

I have a Corsair VX450W I hope will be enough to power the video card.

A few questions:

How do I do 1.2Opt? I want to use the internal monitor and have the better performance from Nvidia drivers. I have a Lenovo E420 with i3-2310m and 8GB of memory.

Anyone can help with this?