DIY eGPU experiences

[kizwan]

When you see exclamation mark at the device in Device Manager, you should see what is the exact error code.

[blizzard2012]

When you see exclamation mark at the device in Device Manager, you should see what is the exact error code.

Its showing the usual, error code 12.

[Mech0z]

Anyone seen if W520 is also just plug and play like the X220?

[ghopesc]

Does the fact that DSDT override works with 3 gb but not 8 gb (BSOD) in any way help me to get past error 12 with more than 3 gb?

[User Retired 2]

Its showing the usual, error code 12.

Perform a 36-bit compaction on the eGPU as described in the DSDT override page. If you still get an error12 then do a !Save Diags->Windows fails, upload the resultant archive to mediafire.com and link here for analysis.

Anyone seen if W520 is also just plug and play like the X220?

We've just seen accounts of a NV4200M equipped Dell E6420/E6520 require the dGPU to be disabled for the iGPU+eGPU to work in harmony in a x1.Opt configuration (pci-e compression and internal LCD mode). So unless you have a facility to disable the dGPU in the bios you'll need Setup 1.1x to disable it. A iGPU-only T520/E6520/8560P would however be plug-and-play.

Does the fact that DSDT override works with 3 gb but not 8 gb (BSOD) in any way help me to get past error 12 with more than 3 gb?

The DSDT override is based on trial-and-error with two successful applications of it so far. I'd suggest try altering the range (lines 3,4 and 6 below) starting with the suggestion below to see if it boots Win7 without a BSOD with 8GB installed.

QWordMemory (ResourceProducer, PosDecode, MinFixed, MaxFixed, Cacheable, ReadWrite,
   0x0000000000000000, // Granularity
   0x0000000220000000, // Range Minimum,  set it to 8.25GB
   0x000000031FFFFFFF, // Range Maximum,  set it to 12.25GB
   0x0000000000000000, // Translation Offset
   0x0000000100000000, // Length calculated by Range Max - Range Min.
   ,, , AddressRangeMemory, TypeStatic)

[captainvera]

Would an Asus g1s work? i don't know if it has a mpcie port or not..

[Mech0z]

We've just seen accounts of a NV4200M equipped Dell E6420/E6520 require the dGPU to be disabled for the iGPU+eGPU to work in harmony in a x1.Opt configuration (pci-e compression and internal LCD mode). So unless you have a facility to disable the dGPU in the bios you'll need Setup 1.1x to disable it. A iGPU-only T520/E6520/8560P would however be plug-and-play.

I can disable my Quadro in Bios, but its just a bit troublesome having to that everytime I connect the eGPU, but if thats the best solution so be it

Still tempted just to wait for thunderbolt devices and then just upgrade laptop

[sugiyama]

Hi

My monitors connected to eGPU is not detected.
After PCI compaction with Setup 1.x, eGPU seems fine with no errors, but any external monitor does not work.
What should I do?

HP Pavilion dv5t-1000 with anti-whitelist modded BIOS
8GB DDR2
Vista x64
dGPU:GeForce 9600M GT
eGPU:GeForce GTS 450@x1
Driver 295.73 with modded nvam.inf

Thanks in advance.

[jemino]

@Nando4 : I added the DX10 and DX11 benchmarks to my previous post

On the technical front, this setup has really been hassle-free : no need to use the Setup software nor modded Nvidia drivers. I powered the X220 with the eGPU connected (and on). Installed the latest nvidia drivers, rebooted and that's all.

The only (very small) issue is that I use grub to dual boot linux and windows, and grub doesn't show on the screen that's connected to the external card. This is solved by this :

http://www.amazon.fr/HQ-AVSWITCH-10-...3802399&sr=8-1

This allows me to use the same external screen for the eGPU and the docked X220, and I can have the grub boot menu by selecting the dock video output, and then switching to the eGPU output when I need full graphics performances.

[Snake105]

Hey nando i got an external monitor like you suggested but everytime i try it, i get BSOD 5 mins into playing a game, how do i fix this?