DIY eGPU experiences

[nando4]

THIS PAGE IS A RUNNING SUMMARY OF THIS THREAD, NOW OVER 800 PAGES. >> CLICK << for wide format.

experiences N E W S (02-03-2012) vote us in The NBR Amazing Content Contest (02-02-2012) Virtu driver for ATiAMD internal LCD mode (timohour) (02-02-2012) Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, PCIe 2.0 eGPU update #2 (02-02-2012) main page tune-up by SimonxTa (02-01-2012) X9000-2.8 +GTX460@x1 impl (01-31-2012) Khenglish's scaling (pci-e 1.1 v 2.0, +30% GTX580) (01-28-2012) US$55-shipped PE3A+riser (pci-e 2.0) (01-27-2012) i3-2350M 2.3 +GTS450@x1.1Opt impl (01-25-2012) US$92-shipped PE4L 2.1 (pci-e 2.0) tested

GETTING STARTED >>>
Introduction	A brief introduction with the story of the solution.
Pros and Cons	A summary of the pros and cons of a DIY eGPU.
Pre purchase FAQ	Answers to questions before you commit.
First steps	Parts/software/info for a successful installation.
Performance: ATI versus NVIDIA benchmark results	Compares ATI and NVIDIA perf on the same sys.
Performance: Scaling Analysis	Compare performance over x1, x1E, x1.Opt, x2, x2E links
Implementations: Examples	A table of eGPU implementations by NBR users.
Implementations: Macbook	Implementations on Mac systems.
Implementations: CUDA/OpenCL	Implementations using the GPU for applications+computation.
Implementations: non-video	Non-video implementations: soundcards atm.
Non English eGPU forums	eGPU forums in non-English speaking locales
Archived news	Misc other articles

INTRODUCTION >>>

The Let's figure out how to make a ViDock thread has produced a PE4L and a x2/x4-link capable PE4H product, either of which can host a PCIe RAID, soundcard or a desktop video card. This thread is dedicated to the practical application of these products to attach a desktop external Graphics Processing Unit to a notebook via a expresscard, mPCIe slot, or Thunderbolt port. Ideally, this thread is a place for users to share installation and performance details for others to duplicate or reference.

* SimoxTA's Video game benchmarking * Graw/TWE/MafiaII 12" Len.X201t+HD5770 * StarcraftII 13"_Dell_M1330+GTX460 * Star Trek Online 15"_Macbook Pro+GT240
Gaming videos running on DIY eGPU or ViDock implementations	US$71 PE4L-EC2C (expresscard) or PE4L-PM3N (mPCIe) products	$91 PE4H-EC2C (expresscard) or PE4H-PM3N (mPCIe) products	HP 2560P GTX560Ti @x1.2Opt DIY eGPU impl playing NFS Shift on the internal LCD	Sony VPC-Z11 running 3 displays: 1 via onboard graphics, 2 via eGPU	HP 2510P: [mPCIe] Swap wifi card via underside covers

A compact US$200 12V/120W HD5750 kit was tested on a 14" T6600-2.2 Inspiron 1440 and a ATX PSU driven US$297 GTX560Ti kit was tested on a 12.5" i5-2540M 2.6 HP Elitebook 2560P here. The performance difference b/w the onboard 4500MHD/HD3000 and an attached desktop eGPU is staggering. The Inspiron 1440 using the x1E tweak saw 3dmark06 go from 866 to 9551. RE5 benchmark went from an unplayable 4.1FPS to a very playabe 60.9FPS. The HP 2560P's x1.2Opt link saw 3dmark06 increase over 4 times to 18340 and RE5 gave an average of 148.3FPS(!!), even allowing the internal LCD to be driven by the eGPU.

If you run Windows 7 exclusively, it is very easy to enable the eGPU without a reboot. Just standby the system, plug in the PE4L, resume, Windows 7 detects the desktop GPU and reverts back to how you have your desktop setup (eg: HD5750 as primary or extended display). Easy.

PROS AND CONS >>>

Pros Inexpensive: US$77-shipped PE4L with HD5770+120W=$200, GTS450+120W=$160, GTX460-1GB+430W=$210, GT430+72W=$130, HD5670+72W=$140. Add $66 for a x2 capable kit using a PE4H. can be used on any system with an accessible expresscard OR mPCIe slot has inexpensive eGPU  enclosure examples if you want an enclosure 10 times or more increase in video performance can have Internal LCD-only setup: NVIDIA Optimus or "]Ultramon/Chung-Gun method. provides additional HDMI video+audio, s-video and VGA out provides dual-link DVI connection for 2560x1600 LCDs allows multi-monitor connectivity: ATI Eyefinity to provide up to 3 LCDs attached to any HD54xx or better card. ATI 5870 Eyefinity edition providing up to 6 LCDs off a single card. ATI FirePro 2450, 2450x1, and 2460 to drive up to 4 monitors from a low power card NVIDIA Surround can connect up to 2 LCDs. special NVidia cards can drive more than 2 like: ZOTAC GTX550Ti Multiview (3 displays), Zotac GTX460 3DP (4 displays), Zotac GTX560 Multiview (3 displays) or KFA2 GTX560Ti MDT X5 (5 displays). easy, on-demand attachment without a reboot if running Win7 can be reused after a system upgrade, or shared amongst multiple systems see an extra 30-60% in performance when attached to an expresscard 2.0 system, or do a x2 1.0 setup provides an additional USB port when connected to expresscard slot Time-share your desktop video card b/w your desktop and notebook system. perform CUDA/OpenCL processing for applications that support it like Adobe CS5/Premiere [NVIDIA graphics only] ability to use physX/hybrid physX & game detail components can become a stepping stone to a full deskop system if want higher performance Cons requires a 12V PSU to drive the desktop eGPU requires an external LCD/CRT/TV to connect to display at highest FPS   may require booting DIY eGPU Setup 1.x from a disk image or USB stick to overcome error 12 issues restricted bandwidth: a x1/x2/x4 link represents 1/16, 1/8 or 1/4 the bandwidth of a x16 slot.

PRE PURCHASE FAQ >>>

1. How does a DIY eGPU differ from a Villagetronic ViDock3/4?

Spoiler :

The Villagetronic ViDock 3/4 is in essence a PE4L packaged together in nice chassis with a PSU. eGPU's flexibility makes it imho an overall better solution over ViDock 3/4. Consider the eGPU's advantages:

• significantly cheaper: US$77-delivered PE4L versus US$215-delivered for the ViDock3. A GTX460-768MB eGPU setup works out to be US$230 cheaper, or half the cost of an equivalent Vidock4+ GTX460 setup. Costs can be reduced further by recycling or salvaging power supplies with savings put towards a higher grade gpu, a cpu upgrade OR even towards a system upgrade that's a better eGPU candidate.
  
  
• less losses to try: can try and if unsatisfied, can resell on ebay with minimal losses. Villagetronic's strict return policy means higher ebay reselling losses.
  
  
• has DIY eGPU Setup 1.x software to overcome error 12: cannot allocate resources issues.
  
  
• developed the x1E tweak and custom NVIDIA Optimus drivers to deliver highest possible performance. DNA drivers for ATI cards are available too.
  
  
• mPCIe AND expresscard systems are supported. Villagetronic only caters to expresscard systems.
  
  
• PCI reset delay circuit to boot past problematic bios with unit switched on (PE4L 1.5+/PE4H 2.4+).
  
  
• x2 capable on some systems: x2 1.0 provides ~60% better performance than x1 1.0.
  
  
• can add PSU to match your video card.
  
  
• has inexpensive eGPU enclosure examples if you want an enclosure.
  
  
• unrestricted video card sizes or cooling space: Not limited by chassis package dimensions.
  
  
• PE4H allows desktop video card to be hosted externally and shared b/w notebook and desktop (@x4 2.0 speed via P4HA).
  
  
• extensive user submitted experiences to replicate and set realistic performance expectations.
  
  
• uses a replacable US$6-delivered mini HDMI interconnect cable
  
  
• a NBR creation: came from a global community to serve a global community

2. How can I check if my notebook is compatible with an eGPU?

Spoiler :

If the system has a dGPU then ensure it's switchable with the Intel 4500MHD/HD/HD3000 providing primary video if you want to do a higher performance Optimus x1.Opt setup with allows accelerated graphics to the internal LCD as well as an external LCD.

Pretty much any notebook can be eGPU compatible if it's run with 2GB of RAM. 95% are OK with 3GB of RAM. It's only if it runs 4GB or more that there needs to be particular attention paid to free pci-e configuration space to host it, which can be checked by:

• if the system has a switchable iGPU+ATIAMD dGPU or switchable iGPU+NVidia Optimus dGPU configuration then can use Setup 1.x to disable the dGPU component to allow a eGPU to use it's pci-e space. This also works with all Intel chipset systems with NVidia or ATiAMD switchable graphics with the exception that Series-6 AMD switchable graphics hasn't been confirmed to be allow such disabling as explained.
  
  
• if the system has only a dGPU or iGPU (not switchable) then check the system's TOLUD+Large Memory to ensure there will be no issues running 4GB+. Check in Device Manager. Set View to "Resources by connection" & expand the Memory tree like shown.
  
  If you have the somewhat rare large memory memory entry then the eGPU can be hosted in 36-bit pci-e space.
  If not, as is far more common, then the eGPU will be hosted in 32-bit pci-e space where you'll require TOLUD being 3.25GB or less. Identify this by looking for the first PCI bus entry with a 8 digit memory address. Compare it with table below (thanks Kizwan!):
  
  

  First PCI bus with 8 digits memory address	TOLUD
  E0000000	3.5GB
  D0000000	3.25GB
  C0000000	3GB

  
  As long as TOLUD is equal or lower than 0xD0000000 (3.25GB) your notebook will have enough 32-bit PCI space for a eGPU to work with 4GB or more of system RAM. See details. Some examples:
  
  
  • older C2D/Arrandale Dell Latitudes could only do a 3GB setup. A fix requested in REQ: bios mods to make Vostro/Latitude eGPU friendly.
    
    
  • Sandy Bridge Lenovo X & T series require the latest bios to do a 4GB+ setup. See Petition to fix TOLUD in newer BIOS files - Lenovo Community.
  
  There is some exception to this rule. We've found some systems have bios allocate systemboard devices that sit right in the middle of a "free" 32-bit 256MB pci-e block that cannot be relocated and prevents an eGPU from that space.
  
  To be absolutely sure an eGPU can be accomodated requires booting Setup 1.x and performing an 32-bit PCI "All" compaction, and seeing if you now have 256MB free shown in the Status window and confirming your system can chainload to Windows. If not, but you do have 128MB contiguous free space shown then consider that NVidia Fermi cards use a fragmented 128MB+64MB+32MB PCI BAR so might still be able to be allocated where ATiAMD cards that require a straight 256MB contiguous block cannot.
  
  If this is a bit too confusing then proceed to boot Setup 1.x, run Save Diags->compact_fails, then Save Diags->Windows_fails following the prompts. Boot back to Windows, mount the Setup 1.x image, archive the v:\diag folder with Winrar/WinZIP, upload to mediafire.com and link here for analysis of your diagnostic output.

3. I don't have an ExpressCard slot. Can I still do use a eGPU?

Spoiler :

Yes, if have an accessible mini PCIe (mPCIe) slot via the underside covers that works with your wifi card, as show here, then could use a PE4L-PM3N or PE4H-PM3N mPCIe setup. The example Dell XPS15 L502, Acer 1810TZ, HP 2510P and Lenovo X61T below all use a PM3N mPCIe-based eGPU.

NOTE: WWAN mPCIe slots with only USB pins connected (pin 36+38) rather than PCIe pins (23, 25, 33, 35) cannot do a eGPU.

USB-to-ExpressCard adapters cannot be used since they uses just the 480Mbps USB pins on an ExpressCard slot.

mini PCI slots can't be used. Can see the difference between mini PCI and mini PCIe here.

4. Can I make this work using just my notebook's LCD display?

Spoiler :

The desktop video card outputs to it's HDMI/VGA/DVI connector. The notebook's LCD display uses a LVDS input on your systemboard with no external jack to connect to it. Meaning then they cannot be physically connected together unless adapt a US$30 ebay kits allowing external input to the internal LCD as discussed, which only quite an advanced user would ever attempt.

Another more elegant solution would use a HDMI input expresscard as described at Play PS3/X360 on laptop screen using new HDMI Input Express Card. . Though current costs of $170 for the item makes it unattractive AND you'd need to then do a mPCIe eGPU implementation.

There are however these less drastic ways of getting your accelerated graphics card to render to the internal LCD, all of which will have lower performance than when running using an external LCD:

• NVIDIA Optimus driver provides a transparent internal LCD cloning mode for systems with a 4500MHD/HD/HD3000 iGPU primary video when using a NVIDIA GTS4xx/GTX4xx card.
  
  
• Use Lucidlogix virtu drivers to provide transparent output using the internal LCD if you have a Sandy Bridge cpu. (timohour)
  
  
• Ultramon/Chung Gun method can clone from the desktop eGPU's window to the internal LCD for windowed games/apps.
  
  
• USB 3.0 framegrabbers have sufficient bandwidth to capture the image from the desktop eGPU and pipe it back to your notebook's display.

It is not feasible to use USB 2.0 framegrabbers. The desktop video card outputs HDMI/S-Video. To try to clone the output from the desktop video card via a USB frame grabber can be done, but consider say 1280x800x32-bit = 4MB per image. If gaming at 30FPS that's 120MB/s bandwidth required. USB 2.0 is 480Mbps (60MB/s in *best case* scenario.. more like 30MB/s in real-life).

5. (Performance) What affects the performance of a eGPU?

Spoiler :

The x1 1.0 PCIe link restricts performance from normal desktop levels. PCIe Scaling Analysis shows x16, x2 and x1 performance. Compared to x16 2.0 we can summarize that there is 50% performance loss at x1 1.0 and 20% performance loss at x2 1.0 link speeds. Or x2 1.0 is 60% faster than x1 1.0. ViDock and BPlus PE4L are using the same x1 ExpressCard/mPCIe pins so we will get exactly the same performance using either solution. Only ways either solution will see improved performance is by:

RE5 Config Resolution FPS U7600-1.2@1.6 HD4670-1GB x1 1.0 W7/DX9 1280x800 34.7 1280x1024 32.5 1680x1050 27.6 1920x1080 25.3

Performance Scaling with resolution

• Petition ATI/AMD to get full duplex performance on Intel chipsets without needing the x1E tweak.
  
  
• Petition NVIDIA to roll the Optimus performance tweak into their standard desktop driver as shown here
  
  
• Try 3rd-party tweaked drivers. Realistically only giving < 10% better performance.
  
  
• Wait for ExpressCard 2.0, with it's x1 2.0 providing ~60% faster performance than x1 1.0.
  
  
• Link two x1 ExpressCard and/or mPCIe ports to get a x2 link, like BPlus' PE4H does.
  
  
• If system supports it, overclock the PCIe bus using setfsb. Eg: 100->105 yields a 3.3% RE5 FPS increase.
  
  
• Minimize PCIe traffic by disabling hypermemory/turbomemory and video card's HDMI soundcard.
• Reduce all possible PCI bus communications shown to improve performance.
• Apply game-specific tweaks like the SCII one here from apac.

6. (Performance) Can my system do a PE4H x2 or x4 link as shown in PCIe Scaling Analysis?

Spoiler :

BPlus' PE4H has made provision to allow compatible 2xmPCIe ports, or mPCIe+expresscard ports to be combined to form a x2 port. To identify what is possible, find your Intel I/O chipset below to identify what ports can be combined to create a x2 or x4 width link.

Intel Chipset max# pci-e ports x2 link x4 link ICH7M 4 p1+2, p3+4* p1+2+3+4 ICH8M/ICH9M/HM55 6 p1+2, p3+4*, p5+6 Series-5 PM55/HM5x/QM57 8 p1+2, p3+4*, p5+6,p7+p8^ p1+2+3+4, p5+6+7+8 Series-6 HM6x, QM6x 8 NA NA

2510P's port

DV2000's port

*=switches [port1+2] into x2 mode. ^switches [port5+6] into x2 as well. An Intel limitation. NA=feature locked into BIOS flash descriptor

Other combinations to get x2/x4 ports such as p1+3, p2+4 do not work! In example above, the 2510P can't do a x2 link since it has only the 1 physical mPCIe slot. You'll notice on the 2510P port1 is enabled - it's a root port that must be enabled for *any* port to work. 2510P's port1 is not physically connected. The DV2000 has ExpressCard=port1, mPCIe=port3, mPCIe=port4. So the DV2000 can do a x2 link using the 2 mPCIe slots as port3+4.

The best way to identify your port layout is to insert a ExpressCard e-sata card and see what port it reports as being on, then checking too the wifi card. If have multiple mPCIe slots, worth swapping the wifi aiming for a [port1+2], [port3+4], [port5+6] or [port7+8] setup.

NOTE: port1 is the root port and must be enabled for any of the ports to work. On quite a few systems this is just a phantom port with no electrical connections to a mPCIe or expresscard slot.

Where can I find schematics of my systemboard to find port layout? Try laptopdesktopschematic, lqv77, GSM-extreme, notebookschematic and a general google search.

Related: How do I enable port1-port6 if bios has disabled them? Use eGPU Setup's 'iport on'.
Related: How do I setup a x2 1.0 link? Use eGPU Setup's 'iport x2 [port]'.

8. (Performance) What recommended candidate notebooks should I buy for best performance?

Spoiler :

Quick answer - choose any from this list: Example ExpressCard equipped SB systems suitable to attach an eGPU.

Performance will be determined by PCIe bandwidth available, which is ranked from highest->lowest below and and if the notebook has Intel 4500MHD, HD, HD3000 iGPU primary graphics so is NVIDIA Optimus capable.

1. PCIe 2.0 series-6 chipsets providing equivalent to x2 1.0 bandwidth. Current ATI cards appears to be running crippled half-duplex links on Intel pci-e ports. Compare HD5750@x2 and HD5770@x2E and techpowerup's HD5870 x1 2.0 results. Series-6 chipsets might deliver x1 2.0 *full duplex* with ATI cards, or 4 times more bandwidth than what ATI cards appear to be getting on series-5 or older chipsets.

2. a Intel-chipset system that allows a x2 link by ganging [port1+2], [port3+4], [port5+6], [port7+8] using mPCIe+expresscard or mPCIe+mPCIe slots. Note: using a x2 port3 affects port1/port2 operation since it sets port1 into x2 mode.

3. series-4 or older Intel-chipset system that allows a x1E link off an odd numbered port for ATI cards OR an AMD/NVIDIA chipset that provides full x1 1.0 performance using an ATI card

Intel 4500MHD, HD or HD3000 iGPU allows NVIDIA Optimus superior performance with latest Fermi NVIDIA cards.

7. (Performance) Can I do a SLI/Crossfire implementation combining mPCIe+mPCIe or EC+mPCIe ports?

Spoiler :

timohour found this is not possible here.

9. (Performance) How could manufacturers make eGPU x2 2.0 notebooks?

Spoiler :

UPDATE 2-24-2011 The Apple+Intel Thunderbolt port is a x4 2.0 external PCIe port. Perfect for high performance eGPU purposes.

As it appears there is no desire to make an external graphics port standard it can do be done effectively another way. All that is required are 12-18.4" notebooks with:

• 2x34mm Intel ExpressCard 2.0 ports electrically configured as either [port1+2] or [port5+6]. Doable with series-6 chipsets.
  
  
• switchable HDMI input back into the internal LCD to route the external GPU output to like the Clevo X8100 provides.

In addition provide a bios that

• can set [port1+2] or [port5+6] as x2 width.
  
  
• performs correct PCI allocation when attach a desktop eGPU to it.

Such a notebook will be perfect for eGPU purposes, offering the equivalent of x4 1.0 in bandwidth. Performance then would be ~95% of when using a desktop eGPU with full x16 2.0 bandwidth.

Only dilemma for manufacturers being such notebooks would become a serious competitor to bulky expensive gaming notebooks that have poor battery life.

10. My system has switchable graphics. Can I still do install a DIY eGPU?

Spoiler :

Yes you can. Setup 1.x's (Video card->Hybrid Graphics.dedicated=off) allows the dedicated graphics component to be completely disabled on Series-5 or older chipsets, freeing up 32-bit resources to host the desktop eGPU. If your primary video card is a Intel 4500MHD, HD or HD3000 then can even do a x1.Opt NVIDIA setup.

11. My Villagetronic ViDock product isn't working. Can you help?

Spoiler :

I've never used a Villagetronic Vidock so am not familiar with their hardware. Consider then opening a support ticket on Villagetronic's support page or asking for help on the Villagetronic community Facebook page. If Villagetronic can't provide a working solution then consider obtaining a refund from them.

FIRST STEPS >>>

See Techradar's How to make an external laptop graphics adaptor article for an overview.

1. What parts do I need and where can I buy them?

Spoiler :

Above: Fujitsu S710 eGPU implementation - US$85 PE4H-EC2C(comes with SWEX and PCIEMM-030) plus a HD5770+ATX PSU

1. The expresscard or mPCIe to PCIe adapter. See related 2. Can my system use PE4H's x2 1.0.. in FAQ. You'll need the US$92-shipped PE4L 2.1 available on Feb-20-2012 if want the faster pci-e 2.0 performance on a Sandy Bridge notebook. The linked units below are pci-e 1.1 which is the maximum speed available on Series-5 (1st gen i-cores) or older chipsets.

x1 or x2 link mode1		x2 link mode
US$71/$76 PE4L-EC2C or PE4L-PM3N / & US$22/$7 shipping	US$91 PE4H-EC2C or PE4H-PM3N / & US$22/$7 shipping	US$91 PE4H-EC2C or PE4H-PM3N / & US$20 PM3N US$10 PCIEMM-100 US$28/$7 shipping
US$93/$83 (BPlus/HIT)	US$113/$98 (BPlus/HIT)	US$149/$131 (BPlus/HIT)

HIT: Harmonic Inversion Technology. A US distributor of BPlus' PE4H-EC2C/PE4L-EC2C with a cheaper base price, cheaper US$7 UPS shipping, plus get Setup 1.x software bundled free with your purchase. It is recommended US customers purchase from HIT as highlighted.
¹ buying the PE4H means can acquire parts later to do a x2 link
Recommend: an extra US$6-shipped DX mini hdmi cable. 2 users requiring a replacement part for the setup to work.

Which one? PE4L or PE4H?

PE4H has a sturdier base, can allow a 15-19V DC jack input and up to x4 connectivity.
PE4L is not as sturdy but is smaller and lighter. It can allow a 12V DC jack input and x1-only connectivty.

Amfeltec has a cheaper x1 1.0 mPCIe kit starting at US$29 here.

2. A video card of your choice

Review next item 2. Which video card do you recommend for best performance on my system? to determine if an ATI or NVIDIA solution will perform better on your setup.

3. A suitable power supply to drive your video card

Can determine how much power you require by counting the number of 6 or 8-pin PCIe connectors on your video card. The total power required to drive it will then be:

75W for the slot¹
+ 75W for each 6-pin PCIe connector
+ 150W for each 8-pin PCIe connector

¹: Can be supplied using either the DC or the floppy molex jack. The DC jack differs on the PE4L and PE4H: PE4L takes 12V input, PE4H takes 15-20V (regulated) > 84W. The AC adapter must have a 2.5mm/5.5mm or 2.5mm/5mm barrel end to use the DC jack. The floppy molex input is used with an ATX PSU..

Power can be supplied by using either an ATX PSU or AC adapters. Can also split AC adapter power to supply a PCIe connector as shown here.

Refer also to ithildin's and serialk11r's PSU recomendations for details on how to read the PSU labelling. 430W may actually mean it only supplies 168W for our purposes!!

2. Which video card do you recommend for best performance on my system?

Spoiler :

This will be determined by your chipset, if additional ports available for x2 linkage and whether you have Intel 4500MHD, HD or HD3000 graphics. The matrix below makes recommendations based on the system chipset with:

-LIME recommend NVIDIA Fermi (GT430 or better) solution for best performance

-RED recommend ATI HD5750 or better solution for best performance

-CYAN choose based on preferred performance bias: DX9 (ATI HD5750 or better) or DX10/DX11 (NVIDIA Fermi). Refer to Performance: ATI versus NVIDIA benchmark results to help you decide. If not sure then suggest a NVIDIA Fermi solution which on balance gives better overall performance and has the option of x1.Opt with the right notebook. Note: if the NVIDIA x1.Opt driver was unlocked to allow primary video cards other than Intel 4500MHD/HD/HD3000 plus it engaged with x2 links then I would recommend only NVIDIA solutions.

I/O Chipset

PCIe 1.0 (2.5GT/s) lanes

PCIe 2.0 (5GT/s) lanes

x1

x1E

x1.Opt

x2/x4

x2E

x2.Opt

x1

x1.Opt

x2/x4

x2.Opt

AMD RS*

Y1

N

N

?

N

N

N

N

N

N

NVIDIA MCP*

Y1

N

N

?

N

N

N

N

N

N

Intel ICH7M

Y

Y3

N

Y5

Y4

N

N

N

N

N

Intel ICH8M

Y

Y3

N

Y5

Y4

N

N

N

N

N

Intel ICH9M

Y

Y3

Y2

Y5

Y4

N2

N

N

N

N

Intel Series-5

Y

N

Y2

Y5

N

N2

N

N

N

N

Intel Series-6

Y

N

Y2

N6

N

N26

Y

Y2

N6

N26

 

Left-to-right: slowest-to-fastest with NVIDIA x1.Opt and x2 delivering similiar performance

¹ provides full duplex performance equivalent to x1E on Intel chipsets.
² Optimus tweak engages only when Intel 4500MHD/HD/HD3000 primary graphics AND x1 link is detected, improving performance by 20-333%. Provides ability for the internal LCD to render games running on the external GPU.
³ x1E tweak uses a x2 link on port1, 3 or 5 with a single lane for 15-30% more perf (ATI/non-Fermi NVIDIA only).
⁴ x2E tweak use two lanes of a x4 link, [port1+2] as EC+mPCIe or mPCIe+mPCIe for 30-60% more perf (ATI/non-Fermi NVIDIA only).
⁵ x2=combining expresscard+mPCIe or mPCIe+mPCIe slots (p1+2, p3+4, p5+6 or p7+8); x4=p1+2+3+4 or p5+6+7+8.
⁶Series-6: Intel setting link width of in the flash descriptor. Requires advanced hacking to configure x2 link, cannot be done using Setup 1.x.
? Don't know if non-Intel chipsets can do x2 links.

If going ATI, recommend a HD5xxx/HD6xxx series card over a HD4xxx series due to their more efficient usage of PCIe bandwidth. Benchmarks would predict a HD5670 to outperform a HD4870.

Avoid twin-gpu cards like a HD6970/GTX590 since they require 2x256MB PCIe space windows which might be difficult to accomodate.

Examples based on power consumption requirements

• 12V/75W adapter: HD5670, unplugged HD5750, NVIDIA GT430.
• 12v/80w: specific HD5750 units. See comment here, implemented here.
• 12V/120W: GTS450 described here using DC adapter that is shared between notebook and eGPU
• 12V/203W xbox360 PSU: GTX460
• ATX PSU: AMD HD68xx, NVIDIA GTX4xx/GTX5xx

See also Suggested NVIDIA Setups.

3. Is it possible to get an enclosure?

A good thread to see some professional designed enclosures is at redback79's DIY enclosure project. There are some for sale or examples to build on your own. For example:
SimoxTa's, #1, sprtnbsblplya, Agent9, Lurifax (mini ITX), kizwan (Aero QX2000, mITX), the endless +XB360 PSU, max_headroom and Oddious (1U), lightnica (JuiceBox), pengy_666's 5.25" drive enclosure, 12V/120W "portable", pimped-up (xb360) which is similar to Building an eGPU (CUDA).

4. What software setup do I need to make this work?

Spoiler :

You just need video card drivers for your chosen operating system. This will be available for download from www.amd.com (ATI/AMD) or www.nvidia.com (NVIDIA).

Or custom NVIDIA Optimus, DNA drivers for ATI cards are available too.

DIY eGPU Setup 1.x may also be required if encounter error 12: cannot allocate resources in Device Manager or have specific port requirements such as x1E, x2, x2E link widths or mPCIe antiwhitelisting. Click link for more details.

5. I'm using an ATX power supply to power my graphics card. How do I switch it on?

Spoiler :

PE4H is supplied with a SWEX, a small switched circuitboard used to power on/off the ATX PSU. The alternative is do the paperclip trick to switch on the PSU.

6. What cable connects PE4L/PE4H to EC2C/PM3N and is it replaceable?

Spoiler :

It's a mini_hdmi to mini_hdmi cable. Cheapest replacement being $US6-shipped DX 1.5m cable confirmed to work here.

7. [mPCIe] What can I do to make it easier to connect the mini hdmi cable to the PM3N?

Spoiler :

Could consider a cutout hole on the bottom plastic cover to provide an access point if you otherwise need to remove covers to get to it. OR could permanently attach PM3N internally, threading through a flat mini HDMI cable + adapter. The adapter would go on the PE4H/PE4L end. The bulb of the cable can be dremelled to sit more flush as shown here.

8. Why does my video card fail with an error 12: cannot allocate resources in Device Manager? See Troubleshooting FAQ - Q3.

PERFORMANCE >>>

ATI versus NVIDIA back-to-back benchmark results

GTX480 versus GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt (i7-620M 2.66, Mikjoa)
GTX460-1GB versus GTX560Ti @x1.1Opt (i5-2520M 2.5, Warwickeo)
GTS450 versus GTX460 @x1.Opt (i7-640M 2.80, docusyn)
HD5750 versus GTX470 on x1, x1.Opt and x2 links (i5-430M 2.26, nando4)
HD5750 versus GTX460 on x1 and x1E links (T9300-2.5, ithildin)
HD5750 versus GTX470 on x1, x1E, x1.Opt and x2 links (T6600-2.2/T2050-1.6/U7600-1.2, nando4)

Scaling Analysis

HD7970: pci-e 3.0 x2, x4, x8, x16 scaling
GTX580: x1.2Opt vs x1.1Opt +30% overclock (i7-2920XM 2.4, Khenglish)
GTX560Ti: x1.2Opt vs x1.1Opt [internal LCD vs external LCD] (i5-2540M 2.6, nando4)
HD5850: x16, x4, x2, x1 (~i7-2820QM, timohour)
HD5870: x2 versus x1 (i7-720QM 1.6, kizwan)
GTX580+GTX460: x2 vs x1 vs GTX260M (P8700-2.53, mangos47)
GTX460@x1.Opt scaling analysis internal vs external LCD, +25% PCIe, +40% GPU core O/C (L9600@2.90, nando4)
GTX460@x2 scaling analysis +20% cpu, +20% PCIe, ~20% GPU (T9400-2.53, khenglish)
HD5750: x1 versus x1E (T9300-2.5, ithildin)

IMPLEMENTATIONS >>>

Examples

Game screenshots taken by hitting ALT+TAB to go into the windowed mode, then ALT+PRTSC to capture screen. NVIDIA users: please set PhysX in the NVIDIA Control Panel to use the CPU rather than the GPU. Disable the external video card's HDMI audio for best performance.

DX9-centric Performance: RE5 1280x800-variable, 3dmark06 1280x1024, +optional any other current games.

System	CPU	RAM	eGPU+enclosure	benchmk &OC		Setup Details
				3Dmk6	RE5var	Experience details		Setup1	Ports2	OS
Thunderbolt port &	i5/i7	??	HD5870@x4.2	22905	150?	85% of x16 2.0 performance			HM6x/QM6x TB	Win7/64
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2920XM 2.4	8.0	GTX580@x1.2Opt	22596	193.0	Khenglish			QM67 EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2560P	i5-2540M 2.6	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.2Opt	18340	148.3	nando4 SimoxTa			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2920XM 2.4	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	20661	141.3	Khenglish			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" HP 4530s	i7-2630QM 2.0	8.0	HD5850@x1.2	17765	139.9	timohour		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2620M 2.7	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	18249		rubenhan			QM67 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X220/T	i7-2620M 2.7	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	18216	131.4	Xav Suumas mavrik13			QM67 EC	Win7/64
						crunchytheory thendless
12" Lenovo X220/T	i5-2520M 2.5	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	17237	125.6	atticus182 Warwickeo			QM67 EC	Win7/64
						Striker_Zero, MuF
15" Lenovo W520	i7-2720QM 2.2	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt			mactavish2k8			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell XPS15.L502	i7-2720QM 2.2	8.0	GTX460.7@x1.1Opt	19009	123.7	wicked20		Y	HM67 mPCIe	Win7/64
15" Fujitsu AH531	i5-2410M 2.3	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	16138	122.5	Fardavid		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Studio 1557	i7-720QM 1.6	4.0	HD5870@x2	13556	121.2	kizwan		Y	PM55 mPCIe x2	Win7/64
14" HP 8460P	i7-2720QM 2.2	8.0	GTX460.7@x1.1Opt	18517	120.8	danenick1212			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell XPS15.L502	i7-2720QM 2.2	8.0	HD5870@x1.1	18415		wicked20 &		Y	HM67 mPCIe	Win7/64
13" Fujitsu T901	i7-2620M 2.7	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	16560		maeth soundoff geinmass			QM67 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo T420	i5-2540M 2.6	6.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	16399		sprtnbsblplya &			QM67 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z11	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX580@x1.Opt	16270	117.5	pyr0			HM57 EC	Win7/64
15" Lenovo Y560P	i7-2630QM 2.0	8.0	HD6850@x1.1	15891		bakudannar			HM65 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z13	i7-640M 2.80	8.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	15867		kturnbull docusyn &		Y	HM57 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z11	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	15623	116.0	MikjoA &			HM57 EC	Win7/64
15" Sager NP2096	E8435@3.8	4.0	GTX460@x2	11060	110.8	Khenglish & & &		Y	ICH9M EC+mPCIe	Win7/64
14" Lenovo T410	i5-580M 2.66	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	15645	110.0	ittius			QM57 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z12	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX470@x1.Opt	15600		yuuma			HM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Dell Vostro 3450	i5-2410M 2.3	4.0	GTX560@x1.1Opt	15540		Xenitic		Y	HM67 EC	Win7/64
13" Acer 3820TG	i5-450M 2.4	8.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	15479	107.8	Ponjornoh²³			HM55 mPCIe	Win7/64
14" Lenovo E420	i5-2410M 2.3	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	15385		apac		Y	QM65 EC	Win7/64
13" HP 4330s	i5-2410M 2.3	8.0	GTX460.7@x1.1Opt	15073	107.4	lerdlarp damogari			HM65 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Prec.M4500	i7-920XM 2.0	8.0	HD6850	14979		bc2946088			QM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo T410	i5-560M 2.66	8.0	GT460@x1.Opt	14492		Mide			QM57 EC	Win7/64
15" MSI CX623	i5-460M 2.53	4.0	GTX560@x1.Opt			demolk			HM55 EC	Win7/64
17" MSI CR720	i5-460M 2.53	3.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	14268	103.7	tootthebagal			HM55 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_X201	i7-620M 2.66	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	14530	100.6	AgentYura			QM57 EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2540P	i7-640LM 2.13	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	14114		Skiddy			QM57 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_X201	i5-540M 2.53	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	13910		shining.at &		Y	QM57 EC	Win7/64
	i5-520M 2.4	6.0		13852		Harris M &
12" HP 2540P	i5-540M 2.53	4.0	GTX460.7@x1.Opt	13817		robotti80			QM57 EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2540P	i7-640LM 2.13	4.0	GTX570@x1.Opt	13742		allister			QM57 EC	Win7/32
14" HP 8440P	i5-540M 2.53	6.0	GTX460.7@x1.Opt	13702		Ramizs &			QM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_Y460	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	13500		Mjolner		Y	HM55 EC	Win7/64
14" Toshiba R840	i3-2310M 2.1	3.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	12796	104.0	anilpalepu		Y	QM67 EC	Win7/64
14" HP DV4-2000	i5-430M 2.26	4.0	GTX470@x2.Opt	9226	102.2	nando4		Y	HM55 mPCIe x2	Win7/64
14" HP DV4-2000	i5-430M 2.26	4.0	GTX470@x1.Opt	13205	100.8	nando4			HM55 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X201s	i7-640LM 2.13	8.0	GTX460.7@x1.Opt	12929	98.5	Initial D			QM57 EC	Win7/64
13" Dell Lat.E4300	P9400@3.16	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	15177	95.9	nando4			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Studio 1557	i7-720QM 1.6	4.0	HD5870	13157	94.7	kizwan			PM55 EC	Win7/64
16" Dell XPS 1645	i7-740QM 1.73	8.0	HD6950	13946	94.6	ronvalencia &			PM55 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo Edge 14	i3-390M 2.66	6.0	GTX460SE@x1.Opt	12513	93.1	useafo			HM55 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X220	i3-2350M 2.3	8.0	GTS450i@x1.1Opt	12064	89.3	hlgr			QM67 EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2530P	L9600@2.90	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	13882	86.9	nando4			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo T410	i5-540M 2.53	8.0	HD6850	13352	86	timrenzi &			QM57 EC	Win7/64
13" Dell Lat.E4310	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	HD6850	12994	84.0	mattlach &			QM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T410s	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	HD5850.2GB	12765		wilse &			QM57 EC	Win7/64
15" MSI A6200-021US	i5-430M 2.26	8.0	GTX460SE@x1.Opt	12539		afetherw8			HM55 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Insp.1545	T9400@2.66	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	11967		hizzaah			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T400	T9400-2.53	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	11883		apollo-fox			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Sony_CW	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	HD5770	11758	78.3	anarkie			PM55 EC	Win7/64
15" Lenovo T510	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	HD5770	11748	-	katamari &		Y	QM57 EC	Win7/64
14" HP 6930P	P8800-2.66	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	11711		Legu314			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Clevo M860TU	P8400@2.4	4.0	HD5850@x2E	11761	78.3	jamesbond007		Y	ICH9M EC+mPCIe	Win7/64
			HD5770@x2E&	11393	77.4
14" Lenovo T400	T9900-3.06	8.0	HD5850	11623		jessea510			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Toshiba A665	i3-350M 2.26	4.0	GTX460.7@x1.Opt	11583	-	masterjumong2012			HM55 EC	Win7/32
15" HP Probook 4530s	i3-2310M 2.1	6.0	HD5770@x1.1	11569	76.4	lazyboy		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS 1340	P9600-2.66	6.0	HD5770+green	11548	76.1	Stacky & x1E-type			MCP79 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X201T	i7-620LM 2.13	4.0	HD5770	11400		MechOz			QM57 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_X200	P8700-2.53	2.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	11308	??	ithildin			ICH9M: EC	Win7/32
13" Sony_VPC-Z11	i7-620M 2.66	6.0	HD5750+basic	12059	68.7*	joseph_lin		Y	HM57 EC	Win7/64
17" Clevo M570RU	T7500@2.6	2.0	HD5850	11120		Gershom			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X200	P8600-2.4	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	11014		hallucinate			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Lenovo W500	T9400-2.53	6.0	GTX550Ti@x1.Opt	11000		marteng			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" HP 6930P	T9800-2.93	2.0	HD6850	10906		giux787		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/32
13" Fujitsu T5010	P8600-2.4	4.0	GTX550Ti@x1.Opt	10879		stejni			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T400	P8700-2.53	4.0	GTS450@x1.Opt	10867		Gravy9872			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T400	P8600-2.4	3.0	GTX460S@x1.Opt	10780	??	becak			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T400	P8600-2.4	4.0	GTX460.7@x1.Opt	10759	??	pushead			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell Lat.E43004	SP9400-2.4	2.0	GTS450@x1.Opt	10317	73.2	avlan &			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
16" Dell XPS 1640	P8600@2.53	3.0	GTX560Ti@x4	10815	71.2	Derbish		Y	ICH9M EC+PM3N	Win7/64
12" HP 2730P	L9300@2.25	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt+	10598	70.9	thendless &			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
	L9400@2.13		GTX460@x1.Opt+	10320		Agent 9
15" Tos.L305-S5921	T9300-2.5	2.0	GTX460		69.2	kizakisu			ICH9M EC	Win7/32
20" HP_HDX9000	X9000@3.4	4.0	GTX260@x2	6000		kindheart		Y	ICH8M EC+mPCIe	Win7/64
15" Dell Lat.E6500	T9400-2.53	2.0	GTX460	5233		LOGIC 3		N	ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Sager NP8662	P8700-2.53	4.0	GTX580@x2	8732	68.2	mangos47 &		Y	ICH9M: EC	Win7/64
14" Asus_F8SA/P	T9300-2.5	4.0	GTX460	5221	68.2	ithildin		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
14" Dell Insp 1420	T6900-2.5	2.0	GTX460			sklsy			ICH8M EC	Win7/32
15" Sager NP5793	X9000-2.80	4.0	GTX460SE	5190		mental2		N	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
15" Acer EX5620Z	T7500@2.88	4.0	GTX460.7	5160		masterjumong2012			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
14" Asus_F8SA/P	T9300-2.5	4.0	HD5750@x1E	10499	66.1	ithildin		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS 1340	P8400-2.26	4.0	HD5770	10344	65.2	Kristoffer x1E-type			MCP79 EC	Win7/64
14" HP_Pavilion DV4	P8600-2.4	4.0	HD5750@x1E	10151	64.0 &	nando4		Y	ICH9M mPCIe	Win7/64
12" HP 2530P	L9600-2.13	6.0	HD6850@x1E	10123		mz31100		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_X201s	i7-640LM 2.13	4.0	HD5850	7887	64.2	ashura			QM57 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell_Vostro 1500	T8300@2.6	4.0	HD6670@x2	9371	63.1	gilipollas		Y	ICH8M mPCIe+EC	XP
17" Apple MBP	T7600-2.33	3.0	HD6850	9618	61.9	ajscorpio		N	ICH7M EC	Win7/32
13" Dell Lat.E4300	SP9400-2.4	3.0	HD5850.2GB	10749	60.9	wvr &		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7
12" Lenovo X220	i5-2410M 2.3	4.0	GT240@x1.2Opt	8997		serialk11r			QM67 EC	Win7/64
14" Dell_Insp.1440	T6600-2.2	4.0	GTX470@x1.Opt	10264	58.4	nando4 &			ICH9M EC	Win7/32
			HD5750@x1E	9551 &	60.9 &	nando4		Y	ICH9M EC
			HD4870.2GB@x1E	9188	57.0
16" Dell XPS 1640	P8600-2.4	4.0	HD4850@x4	7476	59.5	Derbish		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Toshiba L300	T8100-2.1	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	9411		BarkBark			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_Vostro v130	i5-470UM	4.0	GTX550Ti@x1.Opt			kimchoo			HM57 mPCIe	Win7/64
15" Dell_XPS M1530	T9300-2.5	4.0	GTX460	5059		vremix			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS M1330	T8300-2.4	4.0	GTX460	5182	59.2	flaunt &			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" LG P300	T8300-2.4	4.0	GTX460	5200	59.0*	junusa &			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" Fujitsu T5010	P8600-2.4	4.0	HD5850+Raaco	10752	58.7	Max_Headroom		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/32
15" Acer 5742G	i3-370M 2.4	4.0	HD5770	11376	57.4	BTR		Y	HM55 mPCIe	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T400	T9400-2.53	4.0	HD5770	10214	??	royk50 & thinkpadfreund			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
19" HP DV9690en	T7500-2.2	3.0	GTX460	4934		Max399			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
15" Asus VX2S.lamb	T7500-2.2	2.0	GTX460			Kaighal			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
15" Compaq CQ60	QL62-2.1	2.0	GTX460	4862		vg19t &			MCP77 mPCIe	Win7/64
15" Dell_Lat.D830	T7300@2.2	3.0	GTS450	4122	57.0	[Sander]		Y	ICH8M EC	XP
14" Asus A8SR	T7500-2.2	3.0	HD5750@x1E	9237	55.5	villiankknd			ICH8M EC	VHP/32
16" Sony VGN-FW45	P8700-2.53	4.0	HD5770	9829	54.9	ronvalencia			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS.M1330	T7500-2.2	2.0	GTX260		53.3*	BPlus			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" Sony Z46GD	P9700-2.8	6.0	HD5770	10151	53.7	andeelym		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo T61p	T7300-2.0	3.0	GTX460	4827	53.6	bleuiko			ICH8M EC	Win7/32
15" Dell_XPS.M1530	T9300-2.5	3.0	HD5770+xb360	10058 &	53.2	Scott1620 & lazyboy			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
15" Dell_Studio 1555	T6500-2.1	4.0	HD5870	9297	TBA	Pyro515 &			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" Asus X42JR	i7-740M 1.73	4.0	HD4870	9133		d23durian			HM55 mPCIe	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_X200	P8600-2.4	4.0	GT240@x1.Opt	7496	52.0	hallucinate &		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/64
16" Tosh.A505-6965	P7350-2.0	4.0	9800GT+SFF	3809	51.9	Oddious			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" MSI CR630	P320-2.1	4.0	HD6870	9089		Gausen			RS780M EC	Win7/64
16" Acer 6930	T5800-2.0	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	9006	49.5	Rizzett			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
17" Acer_9525	T7200-2.0	4.0	GT240@x2	5197	47.0	JohnnyEM		Y	ICH7M EC+mPCIe	Win7/64
			GT240@x1	3464	37.3
17" HP DV71267CL	ZM86-2.4	4.0	HD5770	8848	46.5	Malumake & x1E-type			RS780M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS M1330	T5750-2.0	4.0	HD5870	8500*		ruhtraeel		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/32
16" HP HDX16	P7550-2.26	4.0	HD5750/GTX460	8112		Panzer... &			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
18" HP HDX18T	QX9300-2.53	6.0	9600GT	-		exe			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Dell_Insp 1520	T8300-2.4	3.0	GTS450@x2	7205	45.5	Moerf		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/32
12" HP_TX2	RM75-2.2	8.0	HD5770+CMElite	7865	42.4*	yuutsumi Chesniak		Y	RS780M EC	Win7/64
15" MSI M610	RM76-2.3	2.0	HD5670	7850		rednaxela			RS780M EC	XP
12" Fujitsu U9200	T8100@2.8	4.0	HD4870	7730		timohour			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS M1330	T8100-2.1	4.0	HD5670	7657		tan		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2510P	U7600@1.6	2.0	HD5750.HD4670	7341	44.8	nando4		Y	ICH8M mPCIe	Win7/32
15" Toshiba L300	T3400-2.16	4.0	GTX550Ti@x1.Opt	8438	44.7	lightnica			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Son.VGN-NS110e	T3200-2.0	2.0	GTX460S@x1.Opt+	8111	41.1	acer47ok			ICH9M EC	Win7/32
13" Dell_Vostro 1310	T7250-2.0	2.0	HD5670	7426		Lichtenstein			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
15" Ak14-550t	T5500-1.66	2.0	HD5670@x1E		41.1	chung_gun			ICH7M EC	Win7/32
16" GtWay MC7805E	P9500-2.53	1.5	HD4850	8495	40.6*	MexicanSnake			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
17" HP DV7-3020ED	M300-2.0	4.0	HD4870	8087		Adjai		Y	RS780 EC	Win7/64
15" Acer Ext.5620	T5750-2.0	2.0	HD4870	7314		Fardavid			ICH8M EC	Win7/32
14" HP_Pav.DV2000	T2050-1.6	3.0	HD5750@x2	6735	38.5	nando4		Y	ICH7M mPCIe x2	Win7/32
11" Acer 1810TZ	SU4100-1.3	??	HD4890	5490		Omatier		Y	ICH9M mPCIe	??
15" ASUS X59SL	P8400-2.26	3.0	GTS450	4605	38.2	Jeykhob			SIS968 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell_Insp.E1505	T2300-1.66	2.0	HD5770+green	6948	??	Stacky			ICH7M EC	Win7/32
			HD5750	6716	38.0	key001				XP
12" Lenovo_X61T	L7300-1.4	2.0	HD4870	6700?		Collaris112			ICH8M mPCIe	Win7/32
14" Lenovo_T61	T7300-2.0	2.0	HD4850	6908	37.5	Muftobration			ICH8M EC	Win7/??
14" HP dv2416US	TL56-1.8	2.0	9800GTX		34.9*	Shewtemup			MCP51 EC	Win7/32
15" Dell_Insp.1545	T4400-2.2	4.0	GT430@x1.Opt	6047		bache &			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" HP 6910P	T7300-2.0?	4.0	HD5570	-	-	NosIreland & &		Y	ICH8M EC	XP
14" HP NC6400	T7200-2.0?	3.0	HD5570	5872	-	NosIreland & &		Y	ICH7M EC	XP
12" Lenovo_X200	P8600-2.4	3.0	HD4670			grojules			ICH9M EC	Win7
15" Acer 5720G	Txxx	???	HD4670@x1E	4825	26.9	SmellyGeekBoy		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
11" Acer 1410	SU3500-1.4	3.0	GTX460	4313	23.7	K5Doom & &			ICH9M mPCIe	Win7/64
15" MSI GX640	i5-430M 2.26	8.0	GT520	2840		Axeia			HM55 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T60	T2400-1.83	??	GT240	2446		Kwisatch			ICH7M EC	Win7/??
10" Asus 1015PEM	N550-1.5	2.0	GT430@x1.Opt			mabrown			NM10 mPCIe	Win7/32

DX10-centric Performance: ensure PhysX is set to CPU in the NVIDIA control panel.

System	CPU	RAM	eGPU+enclosure	vant.gpu	dmcv4.s4	Setup Details
						Experience details		Setup1	Ports2	OS
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2920XM 2.4	8.0	GTX580@x1.2Opt	24399	217.3	Khenglish			QM67 EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2560P	i5-2540M 2.6	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.2Opt	15587	147.5	nando4 SimoxTa			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Sager NP2096	E8435@3.5	4.0	GTX460@x2	11989	138.3	Khenglish & & &		Y	ICH9M EC+mPCIe	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z12	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX580@x1.Opt	18831		Phatboy69			HM57: EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z11	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX580@x1.Opt	17957	128.8	pyr0			HM57 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X220/T	i7-2620M 2.7	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	14578	120.2	Xav / Suumas			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell XPS15.L502	i7-2720QM 2.2	8.0	GTX460.7@x1.1Opt		118.9	wicked20		Y	HM67 mPCIe	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z11	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	15426	117.7	MikjoA &			HM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Toshiba R840	i3-2310M 2.1	3.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	14629	-	anilpalepu		Y	QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Fujitsu AH531	i5-2410M 2.3	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	14174	116.4	Fardavid		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_Y460	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	13953		Mjolner		Y	HM55 EC	Win7/64
14" HP DV4-2000	i5-430M 2.26	4.0	GTX470@x2.Opt	11183	116.4	nando4		Y	HM55 mPCIe x2	Win7/64
12" HP 2530P	L9600@2.90	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	11868	115.4	nando4			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
14" HP DV4-2000	i5-430M 2.26	4.0	GTX470@x1.Opt	12859	114.3	nando4			HM55 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X220/T	i5-2520M 2.5	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	14056	113.5	atticus182 Warwickeo			QM67 EC	Win7/64
13" Dell Lat.E4300	P9400@3.16	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	12915	113.0	nando4			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
16" Dell XPS 1640	P8600@2.53	3.0	GTX560Ti@x4	13542	112.0	Derbish		Y	ICH9M EC+PM3N	Win7/64
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2920XM 2.4	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	13233	106.3	Khenglish			QM67 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z12	i7-620M 2.66	8.0	GTX470@x1.Opt	11842		yuuma			HM57 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony_VPC-Z13	i7-640M 2.80	8.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	11686		docusyn &		Y	HM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo E420	i5-2410M 2.3	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	11294		apac		Y	QM65 EC	Win7/64
14" Dell_Insp.1440	T6600-2.2	4.0	GTX470@x1.Opt	10972	96.5	nando4 &			ICH9M EC	Win7/32
14" Lenovo Edge 14	i3-390M 2.66	6.0	GTX460SE@x1.Opt	9521	95.0	useafo			HM55 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Studio 1557	i7-720QM 1.6	4.0	HD5870@x2	14616	93.3	kizwan		Y	PM55 mPCIe x2	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_x201	i7-620M 2.66	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	10503	92.9	AgentYura			QM57 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_X200	P8700-2.53	2.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	10331	90.6	ithildin			ICH9M EC	Win7/32
15" Dell Insp.1545	T9400@2.66	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	10092		hizzaah			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Tos.L305-S5921	T9300-2.5	2.0	GTX460@x1.Opt		87.4	kizakisu			ICH9M EC	Win7/32
16" Acer 6930	T5800-2.0	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	10083	94.8*	Rizzett			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" HP 4530s	i7-2630QM 2.0	8.0	HD5850@x1.2	15021	89.2	timohour		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
15" Sager NP8662	P8700-2.53	4.0	GTX580@x2	14129	88.3	mangos47 &		Y	ICH9M: EC	Win7/64
15" Clevo M860TU	P8400@2.4	4.0	HD5770@x2E&	9627	76.3	jamesbond007		Y	ICH9M EC+mPCIe	Win7/64
			HD5850@x2E	10543	68.0
14" Asus_F8SA/P	T9300-2.5	4.0	GTX460	7200	69.6	ithildin		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS M1330	T8300-2.4	4.0	GTX460	7202	65.3	flaunt &			ICH8M EC	Win7/64
16" Asus M60J	i7-720QM 1.6	6.0	GTX465	6443	69.3	JohnnyEM			PM55 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell_Insp 1520	T8300-2.4	3.0	GTS450@x2	5630	69.1	Moerf		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/32
14" Lenovo T410	i5-540M 2.53	8.0	HD6850	10196	59.4	timrenzi &			QM57 EC	Win7/64
14" HP_Pav.DV2000	T2050-1.6	3.0	HD5750@x2	5579	55.4	nando4		Y	ICH7M mPCIe x2	Win7/32
15" Dell Studio 1557	i7-720QM 1.6	4.0	HD5870	13357	52.5	kizwan			PM55 EC	Win7/64
15" Acer 5742G	i3-370M 2.4	4.0	HD5770	6753	51.0	BTR		Y	HM55 mPCIe	Win7/64
13" Dell_XPS 1340	P8400-2.26	4.0	HD5770	6923	49.6	Kristoffer & x1E-type			MCP79 EC	Win7/64
14" Asus_F8SA/P	T9300-2.5	4.0	HD5750@x1E	5436		ithildin		Y	ICH8M EC	Win7/64
14" HP_Pavilion DV4	P8600-2.4	4.0	HD5750@x1E	5215	41.8	nando4		Y	ICH9M mPCIe	Win7/64
14" Dell_Insp.1440	T6600-2.2	4.0	HD5750@x1E	5004	42.1	nando4		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/32
			HD4870.2GB@x1E	5486	43.6
13" Dell_Lat.E4310	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	HD6850	7051	40.5	mattlach &			QM57 EC	Win7/64
13" Sony Z46GD	P9700-2.8	6.0	HD5770	5577	37.9	andeelym		Y	ICH9M EC	Win7/64
16" Tosh.A505-6965	P7350-2.0	4.0	9800GT@x1E+SFF	3651	37.8	Oddious			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo_x201s	i7-640LM 2.13	4.0	HD5850	7163	34.0	ashura			QM57 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_T60	T2400-1.83	??	GT240	2964		Kwisatch			ICH7M EC	Win7/??

DX11-centric Performance: set 1280x800 resolution and ensure PhysX is set to CPU in the NVIDIA control panel.

System	CPU	RAM	eGPU+enclosure	3dmk11	Heaven	Setup Details
				GPU		Experience details		Setup1	Ports2	OS
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2920XM 2.4	8.0	GTX580@x1.2Opt	6883	2089	Khenglish			QM67 EC	Win7/64
14" Toshiba R840	i3-2310M 2.1	3.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	4337	1245	anilpalepu		Y	QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Sager NP8662	P8700-2.53	4.0	GTX580@x2	4219		mangos47 &		Y	ICH9M: EC	Win7/64
16" Dell XPS 1640	P8600@2.53	3.0	GTX560Ti@x4	4147	959	Derbish		Y	ICH9M EC+PM3N	Win7/64
12" HP 2560P	i5-2540M 2.6	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.2Opt	4096	1351	nando4 SimoxTa			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Fujitsu AH531	i5-2410M 2.3	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	4061	1181	Fardavid		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
14" Lenovo_Y460	i5-520M 2.4	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	4041	1156	Mjolner		Y	HM55 EC	Win7/64
12" Lenovo X220	i5-2520M 2.5	8.0	GTX560Ti@x1.1Opt	3762	1230	atticus182			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Lat.E6520	i7-2920XM 2.4	8.0	GTX460@x1.1Opt	3668	1093	Khenglish			QM67 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Studio 1557	i7-720QM 1.6	4.0	HD5870@x2	3667	714	kizwan		Y	PM55 mPCIe x2	Win7/64
13" Dell Lat.E4300	P9400@3.16	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	3359	1248	nando4			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" HP 4530s	i7-2630QM 2.0	8.0	HD5850@x1.2	3308	909	timohour		Y	HM65 EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Studio 1557	i7-720QM 1.6	4.0	HD5870	3220	572	kizwan			PM55 EC	Win7/64
14" HP 8460P	i7-2720QM 2.2	8.0	GTX460.7@x1.1Opt	2874	666	danenick1212			QM67 EC	Win7/64
12" HP 2530P	L9600@2.90	4.0	GTX560Ti@x1.Opt	2810	1246	nando4			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Insp.1545	T9400@2.66	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt	2786		hizzaah			ICH9M EC	Win7/64
15" Dell Prec.M4500	i7-920XM 2.0	8.0	HD6850	2612	727	bc2946088			QM57 EC	Win7/64
15" Toshiba L300	T8100-2.1	4.0	GTX460@x1.Opt		1011	BarkBark			ICH9M EC	Win7/64

Key
RED - a x2 1.0 link using a PE4H linking expresscard+mPCIe or mPCIe+mPCIe. All others are x1 1.0.
ORANGE - appears to have port layout to do a high-performance x2 1.0 setup using either [port1+2], [port3+4], [port5+6], [port7+8]
GREEN - video card that requires only a compact 12v/80w AC adapter for power. No external ATX PSU needed.
All tested at 1280x800 except 3dmark06 which used the default 1280x1024 and those marked *

x1.1: x1 2.0 (5GT/s) capable system running at x1 1.0 (2.5GT/s). Awaiting new pci-e 2.0 DIY eGPU hardware.
x1.Opt: system with Intel 4500MHD, HD or HD3000 iGPU primary graphics using NVIDIA Optimus for higher performance + internal LCD mode.
x2.Opt = x2 link, Intel HD graphics, Optimus driver, but Optimus performance tweak only engages on x1 link as found.
x1E/x2E: apply x1E tweak to ATI cards and older NVIDIA cards on series-4 or older Intel chipsets to get ~full duplex performance

¹ Requires DIY eGPU Setup 1.x to overcome 12: cannot allocate resources and/or to set specific port requirements.
² EC/mPCIe: expresscard/mini_pci-e slot used by a EC2C/PM3N product. Port layout required for x1E/x2/x2E/x4 mode. Intel chipsets' require port1 enabled for other ports to work so port1 may not be a physical mPCIe/EC slot.

Systems incapable of running 4GB+ setups for reasons as explained.

1. ⁴1st-gen i-core and core2Duo Dell Latitude have TOLUD=3.5GB. They cannot resolve error 12 with 4GB on x1.Opt implementations without Avlan's DSDT override.
2. MSI CRx20
3. Lenovo T420 doesn't work unless use bios 1.15 as explained.
4. Sony E-Series i-core has an unusual reserved system device. Only a NVIDIA card can fit around it in 32-bit space.
5. Dell XPS 1530M has TOLUD=3.5GB as explained.

Systems capable of a higher performance x4 or x2 PCIe links

The Orange and Red systems shown in the above table. Also:

• x4 1.0 (four x1 ports): Dell Inspiron 1520, Vostro 1500, XPS 1640/1645, Lenovo X200.
  
• x1 2.0 (single port): ExpressCard 2.0 with Series-6 chipsets. Not Series-5 PCIe 2.0 chipsets
  
• x2 1.0 (two x1 ports): Acer 5920G, 6920G, 6930G, 8930G. BenQ S41. Dell M1530, E4300, E6400?, Studio 1558 (WWAN=port1, wifi=port2), D630, D830, E6410, E5500, Vostro 1310, Fujitsu Amilo xi2555, HP DV9690en, HDX9000, Lenovo T400s?, Y450/Y550, MSI GT627 &, Toshiba A665-3D.

Systems not capable of a higher performance x2 1.0 PCIe link shown in black in the table above, as well as:

Acer 4741G(mPCIe), 5820TG(mPCIe), 8935G, Asus F3JC, G60, N61JQ, Dell Vostro_3400, Inspiron_1545*, HP DV3-2232tx, DV6-2119TX, DV7-3110TX, Lenovo G560, x201s, MSI A620x/Cx620, U200 (mPCIe), Samsung R580, Sony VGNNW29GF, Toshiba A300*, A500-026, A500-031, M305, P500-01g, R700, U500-00k.

* = can do a x1E tweak, relevant to only ATI cards and older NVIDIA cards, since the ExpressCard slot is an odd numbered port with nothing occupying the next port and is a series-4 or older Intel chipset.

MACBOOK >>>

04-03-2011 MacBook 17 T7600-2.33 with X1600 + HD6850 implemented with Win7/32
11-10-2010 Mac Mini T7200-2.0 + HD5450 implemented with Win7.
11-05-2010 MBP 17" T2600-2.16 with X1600 + GT240M result with Win7.
9-27-2010 MBP 15" Unibody T7500-2.2, 6GB RAM with 8600M GT+HD4650/HD5770-7LCDs impl. & & & with Win7.
8-11-2010 MBP 15" Unibody T7500-2.2 with 8600M GT + HD4870 implemented with Win7 and MacOS 10.6

Other references:

• Villagetronic's Is ViDock compatible with MacBook Pro?
• Search macforums for "vidock". There's specific video firmware and video cards that work on Mac OS.

CUDA/OPENCL APPLICATIONS >>>

Octane Render: 10x faster than CPU-based rendering.
Badaboom: CUDA based video transcoding

NON-VIDEO PCI-E CARDS >>>

Creative SB X-Fi Titanium desktop sound card via the ExpressCard slot. See details.

NON ENGLISH eGPU FORUMS >>>

Finland (murobbs.plaza.fi): DIY eGPU eli pöytäkoneen näytönohjain kannettavaan Germany (hardwareluxx.de): ATI HD5770 per ExpressCard am Laptop ! Germany (computerbase.de): [Erfahrungsbericht] [PE4H] externe Grafikkarte für das Notebook Hungary (prohardver.hu): eGPU külső videokártya notebookhoz #1 Indonesia (kaskus.us): [VGA CARD] DIY ViDock (Solusi External Graphic Card Untuk Laptop) Poland (notebookcheck.pl): Zewnetrzna karta graficzna, (DIY) ViDock, Magma Box i pochodne, czyli czym to sie je

ARCHIVED NEWS >>>

08-28-2011 JediMasterZon's modded PE3A 06-30-2011 Kizwan's HD5870@x2 and x1 game benchmarks 06-04-2011 modded PM3N 1.1 to start CLKRUN when setting the jumper details 05-31-2011 Thunderbolt eGPU product preview 05-10-2011 Khenglish' request to unlock x1.Opt compression regardless of primary video. 04-01-2011 tabletpcreview's eGPU on Tablet PC's: experiences, benchmarks, setup, ect... 03-14-2011 XBOX 360 203W AC adapter mod by thendless. Portable GTX460 power supply. 11-07-2010 DA-2 220W AC adapter mod 09-08-2010 i5-520M 2.4+HD4890@x1 NBR review 08-27-2010 Panzer's fuse bypass on PE4H < 2.4 for GTX465+ 07-05-2010 Enzyme 1.4b3 versus Catalyst 10.6 06-28-2010 Catalyst 10.6 works with 36/64-bit alloc

Acknowledgement this page has been cosmetically enhanced by the talented justinwk1 and SimoxTA. Many thank yous to all the NBR users who have diligently shared their DIY eGPU experiences for others to benefit from.

Did you like this Post? Did you learn something from it? Then vote for it in the NBR Amazing Content Contest

[mikespit1]

Wow, that's a great write-up. Thanks!

[osomphane]

rep +1 for awesome

[[>>ahl395<<]]

So...it worked via Mini PCIe on your dv2000?

[wilse]

Interesting. The question I have is whether anyone has seen any rumors/info on when we'll start seeing ExpressCard 2.0 in notebooks from manufacturers? I get that you can have better by speeds using the mini-pcie, but I wouldn't want to crack open my laptop and remove the wireless card every time I wanted to play a game.

Lenovo has some new T-series Thinkpads coming out in early 2010 - wonder if they'll be ExpressCard 2.0?

[tvdang7]

think the performance is cpu limited? or is the 1x express card limiting it. i have a 2.53ghz

[nando4]

Originally Posted by key001

Just wondering if you have to assign a memory window proportional to the videocard's VRAM in the bat file for pcitool?

It's a 256MB window into the video card's 256/512MB/1GB VRAM.

Originally Posted by [>>ahl395<<]

So...it worked via Mini PCIe on your dv2000?

Yes. mPCIe or expressport both work and both do the same bios bootup mode if HD4670 is connected on powerup. Notice too the expressport is port1 and the mPCIe is port4 as shown here.

Originally Posted by tvdang7

think the performance is cpu limited? or is the 1x express card limiting it. i have a 2.53ghz

The cpu is the minor culprit in limiting the performance. x1 1.0 expresscard/mPCIe being the greater bottleneck as we can see by the PCI-E Scaling Analysis. A HD3850-256MB, which would perform slightly worse in a normal desktop system than a HD4670, gets a RE5 score of 57FPS at x2 1.0 mode, or 34FPS in x1.0 mode. The CPU too is limiting the performance as you can see I'm capped at ~U9400 levels, but the 3dmark/RE5 scores have increased as cpu power increases from ~n270->~U3500->U7600@1.5(OC)->~U9400 levels so I'd expect that to continue slightly.

Originally Posted by wilse

I get that you can have better by speeds using the mini-pcie, but I wouldn't want to crack open my laptop and remove the wireless card every time I wanted to play a game.

I guess it's a question of priorities. x2 1.0 giving quite an impressive performance increase as shown by the PCI-E Scaling Analysis. I'd personally go the x2 1.0 link mode if my system supports it and an inexpensive USB Wifi stick.

[King of Interns]

Just wondering I have a slot for a mini tv card next to the mini pcie slot currently used for wireless. Can that be used for x2 1.0 link or is it a different socket?

[wilse]

Originally Posted by nando4

I guess it's a question of priorities. x2 1.0 giving quite an impressive performance increase as shown by the PCI-E Scaling Analysis. I'd personally go the x2 1.0 link mode if my system supports it and an inexpensive USB Wifi stick.

for a system that just sits on your desk, sure
but for a laptop you take with you in your backpack/briefcase every day and work on for 10 hours in a business day?

[__-_-_-__]

8600M vs s good desktop graphic card limited at 1x pci-e. not much of an improvement...