davorsake

Your bargain-basement Lenovo Z565 system has a AMD M880G/RS880M chipset. This along with the following information has already been supplied to you via private correspondance. Meaning, please proceed to do some of your own testing/investigation.

- Setup 1.x is written for Intel chipsets so doesn't support Gen1/Gen2 or link width changing on your chipset. It does however provides a platform for doing manual PCI configuration changes via the setpci/lspci pciutils commands.

- you'd need to do datasheet reading and start probing configuration registers to try to get a Gen2 link going. Last time I did this I ended up with these findings.

- AMD chipset programming references are available for your perusal at AMD's website.

AMD is very vague on their datasheets, unlike Intel. Gives no addresses or even port numbers for anything. "Bargain-basement" is kind of a low blow, even for you.

what is your laptop? sometimes opt1.2 is possible with specific (for this kind of laptop) manner of turning eGPU on.

You may change it in BIOS settings (if possible) or force it by Setup 1.X.

My express slot is capable of 2.0, but I'm only running at 1.1. Is this changeable with BAREDIT?

Ohh Okay okay thank you nando! I was wondering because I'm getting decent fps *35ish* with only a few minor options turned up. I get that already with the 4200HD mobility chip in the laptop. Also the second I turn up view distance my frames drop to ~20

important update on my performance: I did a render test through gpu-z. When my gpu is at max load it's only pushing out 200mb of memory? Anyone know anything about this?

Also the highest temp I've ever seen my gpu go to is around 38C.. pretty low right?

Anyone know how to enable x1E on an AMD RS880M chipset?

You'll need to investigate if the card is being overclocked beyond what it's capable of. Then it may throttle/downclock giving poor performance.

If it's pci-e bandwidth starvation then try the standard techniques to improve that: have a pci-e 2.0 capable system + eGPU hardware, use an external LCD instead of internal if using Optimus, disable NVidia audio devices to maximize video bandwidth, try Khenglish's microstutter tweak here or decrease color depth 32bit->16bit color here.

It would help too if you listed what gear you are using. Ie: notebook, eGPU adapter, video card. It's not listed in any of your previous posts.

Nando4, would you know why my eGPU is being throttled? It isn't a temp issue at all, right now I'm running at 33c. But when I tab in WoW I'm sitting at literally over 100 frames for only a few seconds. Then it drops down to 40s, it doesn't matter what the settings are.

Okay update! I got everything working! I swapped the PSU for a cheaper one laying around and everything works. Only one problem though. The only game I play is World of Warcraft. It isn't a very demanding game in terms of GPU. Whenever I start playing I'm at a solid 60+ fps for a few seconds. Then it drops back down to mid 30s and peaks at mid 40s. It seems like a very sluggish 30-40 as well. This also happens when I tab out and tab back in. I'll be at 60+ then drops again. Has anyone ever had this issue?

Also with the chipset I have being able to run Gen 2 speeds does that mean I'm automatically running at those speeds? Or do I need to do something?

Okay so I got everything in but.. Nothing is happening.. Everything is plugged up correctly. I have the ATX 24 pin in the little board, PSU is plugged in to the wall. Everything is hooked up to the graphics card but nothing happens but I switch any switch in any combination.

EDIT: I have this floppy adapter hooked up to the PE4L assuming that it would power it instead of having to have the 12V DC jack, but still nothing.

Another quick question. Will my 7700 be able to run x1.2opt?? Or is it just nvidia cards that do it?

Hey guys got all of my equipment ordered! I was wondering how long it took you guys to get your PE4L in the mail??

Also I got this great power supply for $20 after rebate! Great deal I believe and I invite you all to check it out

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com

Z565 uses a RS880 chipset so the expresscard slot will have a Gen2 x1 2.0 link. In which case you should select either a PE4L-EC060A 2.1b or a PE4H-EC060A 3.2, both with a soldered mHDMI cable. Earlier versions using socketted mHDMI cables only support pci-e 1.x (Gen1), contrary to what their website says. Answers to your other questions are covered in the DIY eGPU experiences [version 2.0] initial post.

Thanks for the reply!

Will I need to buy a power adapter for the PE4L or will the 430 watt power supply do it for me? I'm wondering because I don't know if I need to power the little board AND the video card or just the video card via the power supply I'm buying.

Also, should I just get a ATI GPU or Nvidia? I'm seeing mixed opinions and I don't exactly see my laptop on the list.

I've read through the entire How To post on how to install an eGPU to your laptop. I just don't really get it.. Lol..

I have a Lenovo z565 which has an express slot on the side of the laptop. I already have a Radeon 7770 and a 430 watt power supply in my cart ready to be bought, BUT..

I was wondering if I should get the PE4L or PE4H. Also should I buy their power adapter with it, or will I need it if I'm already buying the 430 watt power supply?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!