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eGPU experiences [version 2.0]


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I've Found user that sucessufully mount egpu on the x201t with the pe4h 2.4 i'm trying To understand if The pe4c is compatible teorically. I know that with egpu nothing is 100% sure. Btw thank You for The reply

P.s. sorry for My english

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Hi,

I recently switched to a GTX 750TI 2GB from a GTX 460 768MB using the PE4L v2.1b on a Thinkpad X220. The card runs on my egpu and I am able to play games, but I seem to get BSODs under high load/stress.

Since the card runs, it's not likely that I am having an issue with PCI space or power (Corsair CX430 connected to the PE4L and 750TI), right?

Here's the dump I get:

On Sun 8/10/2014 7:43:46 PM GMT your computer crashed

crash dump file: C:\Windows\Minidump\081014-18642-01.dmp

This was probably caused by the following module: nvlddmkm.sys (nvlddmkm+0x98BD1C)

Bugcheck code: 0x116 (0xFFFFFA8007D5F010, 0xFFFFF8800FA75D1C, 0xFFFFFFFFC000009A, 0x4)

Error: VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

file path: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\nvlddmkm.sys

product: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 337.88

company: NVIDIA Corporation

description: NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 337.88

Bug check description: This indicates that an attempt to reset the display driver and recover from a timeout failed.

A third party driver was identified as the probable root cause of this system error. It is suggested you look for an update for the following driver: nvlddmkm.sys (NVIDIA Windows Kernel Mode Driver, Version 337.88 , NVIDIA Corporation).

Google query: NVIDIA Corporation VIDEO_TDR_ERROR

Thanks for the help.

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Hi,

I recently switched to a GTX 750TI 2GB from a GTX 460 768MB using the PE4L v2.1b on a Thinkpad X220. The card runs on my egpu and I am able to play games, but I seem to get BSODs under high load/stress.

Since the card runs, it's not likely that I am having an issue with PCI space or power (Corsair CX430 connected to the PE4L and 750TI), right?

Here's the dump I get:

Thanks for the help.

Power and PCIe config space is not an issue. Here it looks like link stability is the problem. Try changing the link speed in BIOS or using Setup 1.30 from Gen2 to Gen1 ito see if that solves the problem.If it does, then you may consider getting a EXP GDC V6 or PE4C 2.x instead in the hope they have better electrical connectivity. Alternatively, there is some variation between NVidia cards. If the option exists, see if you can swap your GTX750Ti for another brand.

I've Found user that sucessufully mount egpu on the x201t with the pe4h 2.4 i'm trying To understand if The pe4c is compatible teorically. I know that with egpu nothing is 100% sure. Btw thank You for The reply

P.s. sorry for My english

PE4C 2.x, EXP GDC V6, PE4L 2.1, PE4H 2.4, or PE4L 1.x can all be used. The first three preferred since they are Gen2 capable. Meaning if you did a system upgrade to a Lenovo X220/X230 or HP 2560P/2570P you'd gain double the bandwidth (x1.2Opt).

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Alright, so I'm stuck now. I have a PE4L-PM060A, Gigabyte GTX 660 and a Y580. I was able to successfully detect the gtx 660 using the slot where the wifi card is usually occupying.

My problem is that whenever I put it under medium - high load, it will (sometimes) hang/freeze/BSOD or (most of the time) auto-reboot. I know the GPU isn't borked because I tested it in my desktop. I know PSU isn't the issue because I used it when I was testing the GPU in my desktop. I THINK the PE4L is fine because I was able to successfuly use my old GT 220 in benchmarks and under heavy loads, using the same PSU. I used DDU to uninstall my previous 660m driver, then installed latest drivers for the gtx 660.

I've also tried the red and black jumper cables, and both pci 6 pin cables on my PSU (one of the 6 pin cables also has what looks like an optional, 2 pin, if that matters). I disabled discrete graphics in my BIOS. The integrated graphics, Intel HD 4000, must not be disabled from what I've gathered googling, so I didn't touch any other BIOS settings. I even tried a different mpcie slot on my laptop, which is for an optional modem card I think. I have also tried ALL combinations of the two switches (for 1,2 x1 lane / 2,3 x2/4/8/16 lanes && "dealy"/delay) on the actual PE4L adapter. One last thing I tried before giving up was switching from the 4 pin peripheral ---> (smaller) 4 pin cable adapter to the natural/regular small 4 pin cable.

I've read a couple posts where an eGPU setup on the y580 was 100% working. So, I know I something isn't right. Someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong & help me out! D:

EDIT: To clarify, what I mean by medium-heavy load is anything that is not the GPU-Z render test ^^

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Alright, so I'm stuck now. I have a PE4L-PM060A, Gigabyte GTX 660 and a Y580. I was able to successfully detect the gtx 660 using the slot where the wifi card is usually occupying.

My problem is that whenever I put it under medium - high load, it will (sometimes) hang/freeze/BSOD or (most of the time) auto-reboot. I know the GPU isn't borked because I tested it in my desktop. I know PSU isn't the issue because I used it when I was testing the GPU in my desktop. I THINK the PE4L is fine because I was able to successfuly use my old GT 220 in benchmarks and under heavy loads, using the same PSU. I used DDU to uninstall my previous 660m driver, then installed latest drivers for the gtx 660.

I've also tried the red and black jumper cables, and both pci 6 pin cables on my PSU (one of the 6 pin cables also has what looks like an optional, 2 pin, if that matters). I disabled discrete graphics in my BIOS. The integrated graphics, Intel HD 4000, must not be disabled from what I've gathered googling, so I didn't touch any other BIOS settings. I even tried a different mpcie slot on my laptop, which is for an optional modem card I think. I have also tried ALL combinations of the two switches (for 1,2 x1 lane / 2,3 x2/4/8/16 lanes && "dealy"/delay) on the actual PE4L adapter. One last thing I tried before giving up was switching from the 4 pin peripheral ---> (smaller) 4 pin cable adapter to the natural/regular small 4 pin cable.

I've read a couple posts where an eGPU setup on the y580 was 100% working. So, I know I something isn't right. Someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong & help me out! D:

EDIT: To clarify, what I mean by medium-heavy load is anything that is not the GPU-Z render test ^^

Per advise of previous post, change your link speed from Gen2 to Gen1 and then load the system. Do you find it stable?

A GTX660 has only a 140W TDP max. I guess you might have an OC version which will be higher. I was not able to see any mention of the PSU you are using in any of your older posts. Keeping in mind that the PE4L-PM060A uses only a single rail of a PSU, hence why high watt single-RAIL PSUs like a Corsair CX430 are recommended for use with it. Pls check your PSU to ensure it has at least a 12V/16A (192W) rail to drive the GTX660. Better yet, test it with another PSU just in case your PSU is faulty. Yes, PSUs do deteriorate especially when overloaded and when they do you'll see unreliable power delivery.

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Per advise of previous post, change your link speed from Gen2 to Gen1 and then load the system. Do you find it stable?

A GTX660 has only a 140W TDP max. I guess you might have an OC version which will be higher. I was not able to see any mention of the PSU you are using in any of your older posts. Keeping in mind that the PE4L-PM060A uses only a single rail of a PSU, hence why high watt single-RAIL PSUs like a Corsair CX430 are recommended for use with it. Pls check your PSU to ensure it has at least a 12V/16A (192W) rail to drive the GTX660. Better yet, test it with another PSU just in case your PSU is faulty. Yes, PSUs do deteriorate especially when overloaded and when they do you'll see unreliable power delivery.

I've been doing most of my troubleshooting on the gen1 x1 default 1,2 switch. I'm using an "eagle voltas" 600W PSU. Model: ET-PSVT600E.

Specs are:

DC output, max output

+3.3V, 28A

+5V, 34A

+12V1, 17A

+12V2, 19A

-12V, 1.5A

+5Vsb, 2.5A

This PSU has less than a year's worth of use, so I don't think deterioration is an issue. It's also the only PSU, with 6 pin PCI cables, I have; so I'd rather downclock/downvolt before getting another PSU. That is, if this PSU is incapable. There is also a 115V/230V red switch on the back of it, which is set to 115V (if relevant), but I'm in the US, so I think it's supposed

to be 115V.

There are also two empty ports on the PE4L adapter, one is a USB and the other is a standard circular DC port like the ones routers use. I'm assuming for my setup those two should remain empty?

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I've been doing most of my troubleshooting on the gen1 x1 default 1,2 switch. I'm using an "eagle voltas" 600W PSU. Model: ET-PSVT600E.

Specs are:

DC output, max output

+3.3V, 28A

+5V, 34A

+12V1, 17A

+12V2, 19A

-12V, 1.5A

+5Vsb, 2.5A

This PSU has less than a year's worth of use, so I don't think deterioration is an issue. It's also the only PSU, with 6 pin PCI cables, I have; so I'd rather downclock/downvolt before getting another PSU. That is, if this PSU is incapable. There is also a 115V/230V red switch on the back of it, which is set to 115V (if relevant), but I'm in the US, so I think it's supposed

to be 115V.

There are also two empty ports on the PE4L adapter, one is a USB and the other is a standard circular DC port like the ones routers use. I'm assuming for my setup those two should remain empty?

I'd recommend trying another PSU, even if you have to scavenge one from a business district near you. At least then you can run the slot using one PSU and the 6pin pci-e power with your existing one.

The one you have sounds like it's had had a creative label put on that way over-rates it's power delivery. I've used one like that before, claiming 680W but was not even be able to supply a continous 12V/15A.

If you eliminate the possibility of the PSU being a problem and you're sure that you are running a Gen1 link only, then you're next focus area would be a suspected unreliable PE4L adapter/cable. Note: I had a user report Lenovo were not switching Gen1/Gen2 properly in bios. If affected use <A HREF="tiny.cc/Setup1x">Setup 1.30</A> instead.

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At least then you can run the slot using one PSU and the 6pin pci-e power with your existing one.

Not sure if I understand you correctly. Do you mean use a PSU without a 6-pin pcie and one with the 6-pin together? If that's the case, I have another PSU (in fact, I have ~2-3) without 6-pin power. If that's what you meant, then how would I set it up?

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Not sure if I understand you correctly. Do you mean use a PSU without a 6-pin pcie and one with the 6-pin together? If that's the case, I have another PSU (in fact, I have ~2-3) without 6-pin power. If that's what you meant, then how would I set it up?

Yes, use two PSUs. Use one via the floppy molex to provide the 75W slot power to the PE4L. Then plug your second one PSU with it's 6-pin pci-e power into the GTX660. I've often done this using two old 12V/16A PSUs to drive GTX770/HD7970/R9 280x all of which have the 75W slot, 75W 6-pin pcie and 150W 8-pin pcie power.

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Yes, use two PSUs. Use one via the floppy molex to provide the 75W slot power to the PE4L. Then plug your second one PSU with it's 6-pin pci-e power into the GTX660. I've often done this using two old 12V/16A PSUs to drive GTX770/HD7970/R9 280x all of which have the 75W slot, 75W 6-pin pcie and 150W 8-pin pcie power.

Which PSU should the SWEX be on? I'm assuming the one with the 6-pin?

Thanks for helping me out btw.

EDIT: Scratch that, I think I need two SWEX adapters to use two, otherwise one PSU would remain off.

Or would it be possible to:

--- Key ---

PSU1 = has 6-pin pcie power

PSU0 = does not

-----------

use the 20 pin power plug from PSU1 and the 4 pin from PSU2 on the SWEX switch?

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Power and PCIe config space is not an issue. Here it looks like link stability is the problem. Try changing the link speed in BIOS or using Setup 1.30 from Gen2 to Gen1 ito see if that solves the problem.If it does, then you may consider getting a EXP GDC V6 or PE4C 2.x instead in the hope they have better electrical connectivity. Alternatively, there is some variation between NVidia cards. If the option exists, see if you can swap your GTX750Ti for another brand.

Yeah, setting it to Gen1 (1.1) via Setup 1.30 didn't work. I loaded the card into a desktop and ran the same conditions for BSODing (there's a game I own that makes it BSOD every single time on the laptop) and it doesn't have any issues.

I loaded my GTX 460 back onto the PE4L and it's working without issues. It really makes me feel like there are power issues (since it occurs during high load) here due to the lack of a 6pin.

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Which PSU should the SWEX be on? I'm assuming the one with the 6-pin?

Thanks for helping me out btw.

EDIT: Scratch that, I think I need two SWEX adapters to use two, otherwise one PSU would remain off.

Or would it be possible to:

--- Key ---

PSU1 = has 6-pin pcie power

PSU0 = does not

-----------

use the 20 pin power plug from PSU1 and the 4 pin from PSU2 on the SWEX switch?

Just use a paperclip to bridge the green and black wires on the 20/24-pin connector to switch it on. That's exact what the SWEX does:

<A HREF="http://marcomiltenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ATX-Power-Supply-Connector.jpg"><img width=500 src=http://marcomiltenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ATX-Power-Supply-Connector.jpg></IMG>

Yeah, setting it to Gen1 (1.1) via Setup 1.30 didn't work. I loaded the card into a desktop and ran the same conditions for BSODing (there's a game I own that makes it BSOD every single time on the laptop) and it doesn't have any issues.

I loaded my GTX 460 back onto the PE4L and it's working without issues. It really makes me feel like there are power issues (since it occurs during high load) here due to the lack of a 6pin.

Does underclocking the card get you stability? There's been problems of NVidia GPUz being overclocked beyond what they are capable of. Lowering the clocks will also draw less power. Use MSI Afterburner or equivalent tools from Asus/EVGA to underclock.

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Does underclocking the card get you stability? There's been problems of NVidiaGPUz being overclocked beyond what they are capable of. Lowering the clocks will also draw less power. Use MSI Afterburner or equivalent tools from Asus/EVGA to underclock.

I've been underclocking it before trying to put some load on it since the start. Only problem with that is I can't figure out what combinations of memory, core clocks, and voltage offsets to use. Too low and it will crash followed by an auto reboot. Also, I can't seem to get any undervoltage settings to stick. I'm using nvidia inspector.

928/2153 for core and memory clocks is the lowest I've gone. Along with 60% power & temp target. Also, I've successfully attached two PSUs, but I'm getting the same problem. I'm going to try the other 6+2 pin cable and some lower clocks. I'll report my results.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! $~#$~@#$@#

I finally got it working.

http://www.3dmark.com/3dm11/8603355

@anyone with a Y580 & trouble with eGPU, this might be useful

The trick was doing a -forcepstate 0,2. This bench was with identical settings as before when it was crashing, so I guess there is an issue in my BIOS which has trouble dealing with the dynamic boost clocks. My stock, default VBIOS for the 660M is integrated with my main BIOS, so I think this may be where the main issue lies. I've been using a bios I modded based on slv7's modded bios for higher 660m voltage, but changed it back to stock thinking it was the problem with my eGPU setup. The unlocked BIOS would be better to use since it allows the changing of link speeds for all the PCI ports && CPU tweaks for better performance that would not be available in stock BIOS. GLHF

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I tried -100/-100 on the core/memory clock with no success and gave up. If I'm going to underclock this card significantly it defeats the purpsoe of my upgrading to the 750Ti. I'm just going to use my desktop with the new card. Really appreciate your help. Thanks.

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I tried -100/-100 on the core/memory clock with no success and gave up. If I'm going to underclock this card significantly it defeats the purpsoe of my upgrading to the 750Ti. I'm just going to use my desktop with the new card. Really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Try to do what I did. Use nvidia inspector to force the pstate which allows for custom clocks. It's different for every card, and just because we don't/didn't have the same issue doesn't mean this will/won't solve it. Worth a shot. I used this as a reference. nVIDIA mobile Kepler 6xx MASTER overclocking guide. Workaround for max clocks/OC stability.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! $~#$~@#$@#

I finally got it working.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3610QM Processor,LENOVO Product Name

@anyone with a Y580 & trouble with eGPU, this might be useful

The trick was doing a -forcepstate 0,2. This bench was with identical settings as before when it was crashing, so I guess there is an issue in my BIOS which has trouble dealing with the dynamic boost clocks. My stock, default VBIOS for the 660M is integrated with my main BIOS, so I think this may be where the main issue lies. I've been using a bios I modded based on slv7's modded bios for higher 660m voltage, but changed it back to stock thinking it was the problem with my eGPU setup. The unlocked BIOS would be better to use since it allows the changing of link speeds for all the PCI ports && CPU tweaks for better performance that would not be available in stock BIOS. GLHF

Great. Is that 3dmark11 score with the internal LCD? The 5213 GPU result similar to 5493 what I got on a i5-3320M + [email protected] (internal) http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2747-%5Bguide%5D-12-dell-e6230-gtx660@[email protected] .

If it's all working, would you mind doing a Y580 guide eGPU writeup along with full external LCD benchmarks (3dmark06, vantage, 11)? We don't have a Y480/Y580 guide as yet. Noting the modded bios capabilities would be helpful there as it might eliminate any need for Setup 1.30 software for PCIe port control as well as extract maximum CPU performance as you note.

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Great. Is that 3dmark11 score with the internal LCD? The 5213 GPU result similar to 5493 what I got on a i5-3320M + [email protected] (internal) http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2747-%5Bguide%5D-12-dell-e6230-gtx660@[email protected] .

If it's all working, would you mind doing a Y580 guide eGPU writeup along with full external LCD benchmarks (3dmark06, vantage, 11)? We don't have a Y480/Y580 guide as yet. Noting the modded bios capabilities would be helpful there as it might eliminate any need for Setup 1.30 software for PCIe port control as well as extract maximum CPU performance as you note.

Sure thing, and I never use the internal LCD, except for when I want to toy with BIOS, so this is all on my external tv via HDMI. I just flashed my modded BIOS, will post a score.

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Here's the score with the 3610QM TDP tweaks via throttlestop 6.0 & (possible placebo) custom timer resolution @ max 0.5 ms & +memory clock

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-3610QM Processor,LENOVO Product Name

EDIT: Sorry for the double post

Hello i am using Lenovo G560 is it possible to use eGPU on internal LCD itself of laptop???

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Hi,

After SVZ+GTX780ti , i want to try the MBP + GTX 780ti with Thunderbolt 2.

But i don't know if it's more interresting to take MBP 15" with GTX 750m or without it ?

With GTX 750m = no optimus but the GTX 750m can be enought when i'm not at home

Without GTX 750m = with optimus , but the solution ATIKO + GTX 780ti + ATX is quite difficult to transport...

Is it completely impossible to use optimus with GTX 750m ? Windows on MBP is like the same as Windows on PC ?

Is the performance better than my old SVZ + GTX 780ti ( mpcie 1.2 opt but perform quite good , some game was absolutely not playable like the last COD , ROme total War ect ... do you have some information about it ?)

Will i have to take MBP 15" with 2.2 ghz , 2.5 ghz or 2.8 ghz ? Can it be O/C with XTU ?

Thanks :)

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Hey,

short question: My PE4L 2.1b was working fine but now the RED LED isnt going off anymore after starting the Laptop. I already tried another laptop and another GPU etc. but nothing chaned. Defective?

Yes. If using the PCI Reset Delay try disabling it and hotplugging after boot instead. If RED LED still remains on then time to get a replacement. Wouldn't recommend another PE4L 2.1b. Instead consider PE4C V2.x or EXP GDC V6, both with x16 slots, a socketted cable and 220W DA-2 PSU input options.

Hi,

After SVZ+GTX780ti , i want to try the MBP + GTX 780ti with Thunderbolt 2.

But i don't know if it's more interresting to take MBP 15" with GTX 750m or without it ?

With GTX 750m = no optimus but the GTX 750m can be enought when i'm not at home

Without GTX 750m = with optimus , but the solution ATIKO + GTX 780ti + ATX is quite difficult to transport...

Is it completely impossible to use optimus with GTX 750m ? Windows on MBP is like the same as Windows on PC ?

Is the performance better than my old SVZ + GTX 780ti ( mpcie 1.2 opt but perform quite good , some game was absolutely not playable like the last COD , ROme total War ect ... do you have some information about it ?)

Will i have to take MBP 15" with 2.2 ghz , 2.5 ghz or 2.8 ghz ? Can it be O/C with XTU ?

Thanks :)

Optimus is impossible with GTX750M because Apple does not enable the iGPU and NVidia doesn't enable Optimus without the iGPU. Best you've got is the ability to drag across Windowed apps from the eGPU to the dGPU to run off the GTX750M. There is the Chung-gun/Ultramon method that can be used to do that without having an external LCD attached by way of setting up a virtual external LCD.

Based on discussion with squinks, MBP 15" can't be BCLK overclocked with XTU. You can however undervolt the Haswell series to get higher multipliers to activate within the TDP limits. In fact, the GT750M model has the iGPU disabled granting the full TDP for CPU use, enabling higher multis to work in 4-core mode than the iGPU model. We see squinks' i7-4850HQ (2.3Ghz - 3.7Ghz) gets the highest 3dmark11 physics results to date, being the first result to break 10K. More impressive again when you consider that was achieved under Win8.1 which is known to produce lower scores than Win7. Win7, if could be installed easily, would likely give a 11k physics result.

There is a definite need for more i7-quad notebook options with a portable iGPU, dGPU and TB2 eGPU connectivity. HP ZBook 15 and MSI WS60 2OJ . http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/4109-egpu-candidate-system-list.html#4th are others that meet this criteria but there were are looking at a thick notebook (ZBook 15) or a pricey one (MSI). Maybe Broadwell notebooks will bring some more candidates?

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Ok thanks Nando for the answer.

In fact , i change my sony SVZ + EGPU by a MSI GS60 Ghost pro , with I7-4700HQ and GTX 870m , which give me a good score of more than 5200 pts in graphic 3dm11 : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 870M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-4700HQ,Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. MS-16H2

So the MSI WS60 , which is the same as the GS60 (GTX 860/870m become K2100) , and i want to try something other....

But i think i would change when broadwell will start to come in notebook.

Do you know what can brodwell give us for egpu ? TB3 ? AMD graphic card can send back the video signal to the internal screen ? because the lost in bandwith between nvidia and AMD is quite big in some game ...

:)

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