• Hardware

  • Weirdos: DIY eGPU, low-cost gaming portability using Desktop GPU card.

Hello,

ViDock!

Anyone heard of this project before? : http://forum.notebookreview.com/gaming-software-graphics-cards/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html

It is stable, as you may un-expect...

The original idea came from : http://www.villageinstruments.com/tiki-index.php?page=ViDock

Because of its high value, and limited performance, its a waist of your pocket :D

Well, actually it isn't an idea, you may call it : Expresscard/mPCIe to PCIE x1,2,3,4 (e) Converter, which is semi wrong...

Just like running a desktop GPU using expresscard regarding power supply. If your laptop does not support Express-card, then use the internal mPCI (which connects the external hardware such as wifi, bluetooth) to the internal resource, some brand/models have an extra free mpcie, but it may look a bit messy. (using flat wires out of your laptop :D)

It is recommended to use the DIY option as performance and cost, plus multiple pci ports :x2 or some expressslots support x2 without using both. However, the express card is connected to the adapter via HDMI cable, reason: low cost, and transfer rate is much faster. (USB limit is 0.48 GBs :/)

A question you may wonder, do i have to use an external display? (as if it was a desktop GPU).

Nope, you can render back to your main display by decreasing the performance 30%, 10% if you have an iGPU (integrated graphics INTEL only). If you have an integrated Ati or Nvidia , you can clone it, but 30% is subtracted.

That was a basic brief info. The reason why it is used, if you dont want to buy a new laptop, bought a cheap one wiht a powerful cpu (just like me), or for extreme gamer, such as using latest nvidia Gpus.

However, its not quite recommended to buy it before posting on their forms...

Parts:

There are two main -packages- separated: (DIY)

-PE4H (complete system 4 ports)
-PE4L (low cost edition, if you cant port more than x1)

The gpu: recommended : All FERMI NVIDIA gpu's only. You can use ATI, but the recommendation will be using an external display, else, you may choose this if you don't have intel iGPU...

And the most common thing: PSU!
Actually, it depends on the type of the gpu, how many A does it sweep! :D
Following my options, i would buy the GTS450 or GT430 (fermi) for their low power usage...
In that case, you can use normal adapters, 120 W is enough...

The most common problem comparing to the original ViDock is, the freaking ENCLOSURE thing :(

You may check the forum for examples...

Of coarse, not all laptops are compatible, mine has the BIOS resource limitation, so i have to limit my ram storage to 3 gb in order to leave space for my egpu resource... (TOLUD)

As a summary, it is an external desktop GPU, which boosts your graphics performance, and more cheaper than buying an expensive gaming laptop.

Sorry for my (very) bad write-up, just came from Saudi Arabia with my weird grammar... :D

I'm a 14 yrs old supreme GEEK!

Hope i helped...
sorry if it may seem vague, wrote this in under 15 minutes :/
nice one! But shouldn't the PCI-E interface found on laptops severely limit performance since few top out at x4 and most are only x1 PCI-E?
Laptops shouldn't be mixed with 50W+ TDP GPUs; The heat,reduced portability and compatibility issues are the biggest problems here.
Either get something with an inexpensive midrange card such as the nVidia 555M or the AMD Radeon HD 6630M or get a cheap yet powerful laptop CPU-wise and a midrange desktop with the option to upgrade later on.
yasamoka wrotenice one! But shouldn't the PCI-E interface found on laptops severely limit performance since few top out at x4 and most are only x1 PCI-E?
Well, looking at the benchmarks, example: GTX460 crysis : ~50 fps, using the egpu will be ~45 with x1. Even though you are using 16x on a desktop, its only using 20% of its power. Secondly, it also depends on the clock. The 2x may be more powerful than the 4x, because it differs from the expressslot versions, example: the Epressslot 2.1 is 5x more powerful then 1, even though its 1x, its 6x comparing to desktop. So PE4* scales differs from the original scales...
Sami27 wroteLaptops shouldn't be mixed with 50W+ TDP GPUs; The heat,reduced portability and compatibility issues are the biggest problems here.
Either get something with an inexpensive midrange card such as the nVidia 555M or the AMD Radeon HD 6630M or get a cheap yet powerful laptop CPU-wise and a midrange desktop with the option to upgrade later on.
By the way, you should be reading the original topic before posting.

Anyway, first it uses the 3.3 volts from the laptops motherboard fro regualtion only. And you may choose powering up the adapter using the psu or using your built-in 5 volts expressslot.

Plus, you didn't get the point of this, its not INSIDE the laptop, its external!. Also, the refresh rate of the GPU isnt running, you are using the internal intel integrated graphics for RENDERING only... In that case you are using 2 gpu's, the external is the primary, and the internal is for rendering which does not affect the CPU.

And you are right about compatibility, but the percentage of incompatible laptops are weak. Take a look at the thunderbolt technology, this will be very helpful for this project.

The reason why this is very helpful (for me), is because i bought a high end CPU i7, with weak integrated graphics, i can't buy a desktop these days.
The other reason which most users use this, is for value, example: Buying Alienware to play Crysis 2 at 150fps will cost you 6000$ , while buying an i5/i3 laptop, with GT560 eGPU will cost you 2500$ maximum.

Sorry if it wasn't detailed enough, but you should notice that expresscard pcie differs from the normal pcie scales.
5 days later
Well, I find that an external graphics card will severely limit the laptop's portability. If you are willing to sacrifice the only thing a laptop has over a desktop then what is stopping you from getting the latter. Also, a decent Sony,Toshiba or (dare I say) HP with a second generation i5 and integrated graphics shouldn't be more than 1000$ and the 560 Ti is 265$ @ pcandparts.com so I don't see how it can reach up to 2500$. Also the Alienware M14x starts at 1100$+Tax (About 1500$ in Lebanon including VAT if it can be purchased) so I can't see where you get your numbers from.
Sami27 wroteWell, I find that an external graphics card will severely limit the laptop's portability. If you are willing to sacrifice the only thing a laptop has over a desktop then what is stopping you from getting the latter. Also, a decent Sony,Toshiba or (dare I say) HP with a second generation i5 and integrated graphics shouldn't be more than 1000$ and the 560 Ti is 265$ @ pcandparts.com so I don't see how it can reach up to 2500$. Also the Alienware M14x starts at 1100$+Tax (About 1500$ in Lebanon including VAT if it can be purchased) so I can't see where you get your numbers from.
Of coarse, you wont be able to carry out your Laptop anywhere with the eGPU, it is temporarily connected. (example: When i come back home, i put my laptop on the disk, connecting the eGPU, now i have expanded display ports! 5 lcds... Including superior performance...)

I was talking logically, prices differs from years to years, the eGPU started from 2009...

Again, this is low cost solution, rather buying two PCs...
why would anyone get this for their laptops :S just get a desktop :S
ibxoful wrotewhy would anyone get this for their laptops :S just get a desktop :S
Portability?

Cheaper than gaming laptops?
Wow you guys...this is a great solution if you intend to have a desktop replacement laptop with desktop-approaching graphics performance...of course when you have 0 mobility in mind, you go for the desktop. But a desktop replacement laptop, is, in itself, a moveable desktop. Well done TPR0 for explaining some unclear aspects of the technology :D
LOVE IT!! Shit I've been dreaming about this stuff for ages! I mean, come on, your laptop is still portable, as you can detach and go anywhere, and you don't need a separate desktop for games because u can just come back, hook things up in a second and off you go! Think about all the people (read: geeks!) with weak GPU laptops. Plus you can upgrade!
yes but read: CPU bottleneck...Don't forget about the CPU when using high-end graphics. Nevertheless, this project is incredibly suitable for mid-range graphics like the GTX550Ti, or maybe a bit higher even, if you have a quad core. Dual core, I recommend GTX550Ti and below.
yasamoka wrote
eurybaric wroteLOVE IT!! Shit I've been dreaming about this stuff for ages! I mean, come on, your laptop is still portable, as you can detach and go anywhere, and you don't need a separate desktop for games because u can just come back, hook things up in a second and off you go! Think about all the people (read: geeks!) with weak GPU laptops. Plus you can upgrade!
yes but read: CPU bottleneck...Don't forget about the CPU when using high-end graphics. Nevertheless, this project is incredibly suitable for mid-range graphics like the GTX550Ti, or maybe a bit higher even, if you have a quad core. Dual core, I recommend GTX550Ti and below.
Your right, but if you have Intel HD integrated graphics, it will also render with the external GPU (performance will increase more than a normal desktop motherboard :D, only 15%), Nvidia integrated graphics optimus driver and tweaks are still in beta :/ ...

90% of Laptops are compatible for those who are complaining...

Extra info (for complainers :D):

-It wont affect your Laptop, (or as you may call it: Damage it!), It is completely separated from the motherboard, independent PSU, uses the laptop 3.3V and 5V for regulation and powring the PE4* ONLY.
-A new PE4l , PE4H is coming with thunderbolt technology... (Expresscard alternative, 5x faster. No need for 2x porting anymore.)
-Found a new PSU compatible type: 1U Shuttle PSU for slimmer enclouser...
-You can integrate the eGPU with some type of Laptop coolers for hiding it! :D

Another alternative eGPUs:
- Asus's XG Station external GPU for laptops (there are for Desktops, i don't know why :D, by a better case!) http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/08/hands-on-with-the-asus-xg-station-external-gpu/
- MSI "GUS" http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/laptops/2010/05/21/computex-2010-preview-msi/1

-Hybrid Graphics: Sony: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/19/sony-crafting-vaios-with-chrome-os-external-gpus-and-thunderbol/ (NETBOOKS! I don't get it)


UPDATE: You can nearly run any PCI-E card, Sound cards, MIDI interfaces, Serial interface...
Actually, this idea seems awesome too for a high-end soundcard like the Asus Xonars, Creative Titanium HD, etc... to be used with a potent laptop for some serious DJing and superior sound with low latency (IMPORTANT!).