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squinks

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  1. squinks
    Have you considered the Sonnet SEL w/TB2? I just picked one up for my wife. $340 on Amazon. Correction, $350+ now since they're selling out.
  2. squinks
    Added update. 13" matches performance of 15" on external display when Iris is active. @Sachin10 @Bismuth
  3. squinks
    That's what I would recommend. Everyone has their own budget and needs. Personally, I want to own one computer for everything I do, and especially for work (I'm a programmer). Portability, good power, good display etc. That is the 15" MBP w/quad core. When I come home, I plug in a Thunderbolt cable. Instant desktop gaming. In my mind, there is nothing superior to that.
  4. squinks
    + @Sachin10 I understand the reasons to not do eGPU. I still believe it's much more simple to have an external chassis with a card rather than a complete alternate desktop PC. In response to the computer only being used for CPU and memory. The truth is, you are using every single component in the MacBook except for the GPU. Storage, RAM, CPU, speakers/headphones, keyboard, mouse input, microphone, the display (Optimus), power/battery, camera and other sensors. In a nutshell, every single piece of hardware other than the GPU. In my book, that is very significant and is what makes it worth abandoning desktop computers for good. Just my 2 cents : )
  5. squinks
    Hope your project goes well! If you have a GPT Windows installation (should be the default on your mac), then you will need to perform one GPU hot-plug for driver installation and then you'll be set for external display usage. If you want a continuous Optimus setup, you'll need to build yourself a PCI Reset Delay. Performance is quite a bit lower as well over Optimus so I personally prefer the external. Best of luck!
  6. squinks
    That was the setup I didn't try. eGPU Setup 1.3 requires MBR which would require a PCI Reset Delay. As soon as wire cutting is required, that's where I stop.
  7. squinks
    <html><div></div></html> Content removed. Please refer to the updated version: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/6918-updated-2013-13-15-macbook-pro-thunderbolt-2-egpu-plug-play-optimus.html#post94929
  8. squinks
    Yes, I did try that. Just a black screen.
  9. squinks
    <html><div></div></html> I couldn't help but experiment further after my first Thunderbolt 2 project. Is SLI possible with two Sonnet III-D's and two GTX 780 Ti's over two Thunderbolt 2 (40Gbps) connections? I had to find out. And what about all the parts? Before you think I'm crazy for spending a fortune on the experiment, the second III-D was kindly loaned by Maxx Digital of Costa Mesa, CA. The second GTX 780 Ti was a replacement from Amazon Prime that I had 30 days to return. I'm crazy, but not a complete lunatic. A SLI bridge was loaned by a co-worker at Sony PlayStation. <html> <div> <img style="width: 800px; float: left; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0Bwe8SFneDiWWQk5IbzZEeVBRSjA"> </div> <div> <img style="width: 450px; float: left; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0Bwe8SFneDiWWRzhvcHZTOWhYTGM"> <img style="width: 450px; float: left; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0Bwe8SFneDiWWXzNjQ0Zla3YyVkE"> </div> <div> <img style="width: 450px; float: left; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0Bwe8SFneDiWWRTdiMmhzTFY1SkU"> <img style="width: 451px; float: left; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0Bwe8SFneDiWWVWc2djVqQXNGMFE"> </div> <span style="display: inline-block; width: 1000px;"></span> </html> If you're only here to know if it worked, the short answer is, No. While optimistic and determined to create the first working eGPU SLI configuration, there were some serious road blocks that thwarted every attempt to make it happen. Problem 1: The MacBook Pro will not boot with 2 GPUs detected. Both III-D's can be connected, but only one GPU Problem 2: Windows always reports a Code 12 on the second card (or both). This is likely due to problem 1 And that's about sums it up. To bypass Problem 1, both enclosures must be connected, then the second (powered) GPU is hot-plugged into the chassis (*see below). This can be done during the OS selection screen (usually causing Code 12's on both cards), or in the F8 screen (enabled in Win 8.1 via the bcdedit legacy command). Bottom line, the Code 12 couldn't be fixed, and that's as far as it goes. Every PCIe slot combination and configuration was attempted but to no avail. That leads me to believe that no matter the hardware or software configuration, there appears to be no way to get around the PCIe limitations of either the MacBook Pro, or the Sonnet III-D. My guess is that the MacBook Pro firmware only allows PCIe allocation for 'one' graphics-based card, or something along those lines. Code 12 is essentially that, an 'insufficient resources error' and an allocation limitation. *Hot-plugging, for whatever bizarre reason, required that the SLI bridge be connected. Without it, card detection fails and powerless card / GPU max-speed fan spin would occur every time. There is one method, however, that I did not attempt. That is an MBR partition table (instead of plug and play over GPT) + a custom PCI Reset Delay + eGPU Setup software for PCIe configuration. Is there a chance that would allow for proper device allocation? Perhaps so. Once both cards were detected, would SLI and Nvidia's drivers work correctly? Perhaps so. Let's just say I ran out of motivation, and, my theory is that this is a firmware or interface limitation and that no configuration would yield alternate results. I'm not saying it's impossible. Perhaps I'll never know. I also attempted a SLI configuration with an x8 to x16 riser within the same chassis and that produced the same results, Code 12. So, do you need 2 enclosures to test SLI? No, only a board with 2 slots. However, you'll then be operating over one Thunderbolt 2 interface @20Gbps rather than 2X Thunderbolt 2 interfaces @40Gbps. Update: MacRumors user Quu has shed some light on why SLI eGPU may never be possible without specific hardware support: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1734747 Update 2: Dual GPU detection! 2013 rMBP with 1x Sonnet SEL w/GTX 760 and 1x Sonnet III-D w/GTX 780 Ti. SLI still may not work, however, someone has recently released a new SLI driver patch that people are reporting works with Nvidia cards and latest Nvidia drivers on non-SLI boards. A glimmer of hope. Only problem is, both cards must be the same architecture. For example, 760 and 770. My 760 and 780 combo won't fly. Need to get my hands on another 760 to test. <img style="width: 451px; float: left; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0Bwe8SFneDiWWMHhNWTd3RUFOVlE"> </div> </html> Other resources or ideas for SLI attempts: rEFInd could be a potential tool to assist with PCI allocation and attempt to eradicate error 12. However, on the 2013 rMBP, rEFInd never worked on GPT or MBR. This could possibly be due to differences in the next-gen PCIe flash storage present in the 2013 models Best reference: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2367-macbook-pro-retina-15-gtx-560-ti-%40-th05-12.html#post37304 I did perform a successful Windows MBR installation with Bootcamp 4.0. However, I ran into the same issues as my 2012 rMBP with MBR where the computer will not boot into Windows at the OS selection screen with the III-D and GTX 780 Ti connected. The MacBook Pro, on selecting the Windows partition, simply hangs and reboots after some sort of PCIe failure. This is why a PCI Reset Delay circuit is the potential fix to overcome this issue Best reference: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/3062-%5Bguide%5D-2012-13-mbp-gtx660ti-hd7870%40x2-2-th05.html#post42483 PCI Reset Delay guide: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/3326-mac-mini-gtx660-echo-express-w7-%3D-black-screen.html#post47227
  10. squinks
    Featured on Anandtech? Didn't see that coming.
  11. squinks
    Wow @Relentless, sorry about the mishap. The Sonnet III-D has a 16x slot for full length, full width cards. No modifications. Pure plug and play - - - Updated - - - I'll be interested to hear your results @ha1o2surfer. You may experience a performance limit with Thunderbolt 1 but you never know until you try. Best of luck - - - Updated - - - Hi @sgluhov, the smaller chassis from Sonnet does have TB2, however it doesn't provide support for full-length, full-width card support. Only has 8x slots so cutting is required (read the comment Relentless just made). The PSU for the PCIe board also has less power so that may impact performance or be insufficient power altogether. There may be other limitations I've heard about with that chassis regarding it's full plug and play capabilities. My opinion is, why bother with a smaller solution when the results are questionable. Pay a little more and know it works. Just my 2 cents. - - - Updated - - - Thanks @nak1017 and @sskillz. Appreciate the comments. The display is an ultra-slim Samsung S23C570 I picked up at Costco. Really nice for what I paid.
  12. squinks
    @sskillz @Tech Inferno Fan Updated with 3DMark11 results
  13. squinks
    @Tech Inferno Fan Updated with configuration
  14. squinks
    Hi everyone. New to Tech Inferno. You can call me Stu. Nando asked me to post my setup and results which I'm happy to do. I'm going to keep this as simple as possible since this eGPU project has been just that, simple and awesome. In my eyes, this is where the eGPU game ends. Thunderbolt 2 (and TB3 coming soon), full-size chassis, fastest single GPU on the market, running at desktop speeds. I suppose the only caveat is cost but considering I only need to upgrade my GPU from this point on, it’s worth it. I live an hour away from Sonnet's headquarters in California and decided I had waited long enough to complete my eGPU experiment. The results surpassed expectations. Feel free to scroll down for specific benchmark and game results. Key Points Completely plug and play. Standard Bootcamp 5.1 install (*see below), connect everything up, boot Windows, install drivers, you’re done. eGPU vs Desktop performance: 85-90% Gaming: Max out virtually any game. 60FPS+ (with a few exceptions. e.g. Black Flag has weird PhysX that kills performance so I turn it off) Discrete 750M graphics = No Optimus/Internal display support. MBP w/Iris only = Optimus support but not fully plug and play (**see below) Simulated Optimus FPS loss: 5-20% (window drag method) eGPU Setup Cost (Not including MacBook): $1500 to $2000 depending on GPU purchase *It appears only 2013 MBPs w/newer PCIe flash storage defaults to UEFI/GPT-based windows installation with Bootcamp 5.1 .. 2012 rMBP (and possibly other macs/notebooks) will not format to GPT and therefore no plug and play **Conclusive Results for 2013 13" MacBook Pro - Optimus - Thunderbolt 2 - Plug and Play Configuration 2013 Macbook Pro 15” w/GT 750M [email protected] 16GB-DDR3L 512GB SSD US$2599 Sonnet Thunderbolt 2 III-D Chassis (US$979) EVGA Nvidia Geforce GTX 780 Ti Superclocked 3GB (US$720) Corsair RM450 (Silent) Power Supply (US$100) for 8-pin cable only (Jumped the 12V rail with small piece of metal. Google it) Standard Bootcamp 5.1 (UEFI) Installation Windows 8.1 w/latest Nvidia drivers MSI Afterburner with custom fan curve, gpu temp/fan speed match (e.g. 68 degrees/68% fan speed) — Performance and Benchmark Results — Maximum Overclock Scores: FireStrike Graphics: 11227 link *Surpasses Titan and 780 Ti graphics score (without overclock) by 1000+ points comparison [Note: This is only one sample] 3DMark11 Score: 12781 link 3DMark11 Graphics: 13996 link 3DMark-Vantage Graphics: 46629 link 3DMark06 Score: 29254 link Unigine Valley Extreme HD: 70FPS / 2924 Unigine Heaven 4.0 Extreme: 67FPS / 1683 BioShock Infinite Benchmark (UltraDX11): 126FPS Overall eGPU vs Desktop performance Fire Strike comparison (Desktop 780 Ti vs eGPU 780 Ti SC) Reference: link Graphics Score Desktop: 11096 eGPU: 10410 Ratio: 93% (take into account reference doesn't mention overclock) Unigine Valley comparison (Desktop vs eGPU) Reference: link Desktop FPS/Score: 73.1/3057 eGPU FPS/Score: 60.2/2520 Ratio: 82% (take into account desktop CPU which offsets results somewhat) Bioshock Infinite Reference: link Ratio: 80-93% (calculated at multiple frame stops) Another Unigine Valley Comparison Reference: link Ratio: 91% (no overclock mentioned) Overall eGPU Perfomance vs Desktop Performance: 80-95% (Games and Benchmarks consistently show this) Internal Display FPS Loss (window drag method) Overall internal display FPS loss: 5-20% Unigine Heaven: 16% 53FPS vs 63FPS Borderlands 2: 5-10% CUDA-Z Bandwidth Host to Device: 1258 MiB/s Device to Host: 1366 MiB/s Device to Device: 136 GiB/s Reference Host to Device TB1 10Gbps: 781MiB/s link TB1 8Gbps (x2 2.0): 697MiB/s link Unigine Heaven (Basic 720p) 107 FPS Score: 2716 Unigine Heaven (Extreme 1080p 4XAA) 62.7 FPS Score: 1580 Unigine Heaven (Extreme 1080p 8XAA) 54.2 FPS Score: 1364 Unigine Valley (Basic 720p) 80FPS Score: 3343 Unigine Valley (Extreme 1080p 2XAA) 78.6 FPS Score: 3290 Unigine Valley (Extreme HD 8XAA) 60.2 FPS Score: 2520 3DMark11 Score: 11269 link Graphics: 12576 Physics: 8395 3DMark (2013) Fire Strike Score: 8807 Graphics: 10410 Physics 8102 Cloud Gate Score: 18795 Graphics Score: 57882 Physics Score: 5588 Call of Duty: Ghosts Max settings 1080p 2x AA: 60FPS+ Tomb Raider Ultimate (Tess. hair off) 1080p: 60-100FPS Crysis 1 Very High (Maxed) 2xAA 1080p: 60-90FPS (Fly-through Benchmark) Crysis 3 Very High (Maxed) SMAA 1080p: 40-60FPS Nvidia Demo - A New Dawn: 31FPS BioShock Infinite Official Benchmark - 1080p UltraDX11: All scenes average: 108FPS What about SLI? SLI Success! 2x 780Ti + 2x Sonnet SEL on MacBook Pro @32Gbps TB2 (2x 16Gbps) External discussion about this post: AnandTech: Running An Nvidia GTX 780Ti over Thunderbolt 2 TechReport: Thunderbolt box mates MacBook Pro with GeForce GTX 780 Ti MacRumors: 2013 15" Macbook Pro + GTX780Ti@16Gbps Thunderbolt2 eGPU implementation YouTube: MacBook Pro running an NVIDIA GTX 780 Ti over Thunderbolt 2 PC Perspective: NVIDIA GTX 780 Ti on Thunderbolt 2 by DIYers Linustechtips: Running an NVIDIA GTX 780 Ti Over Thunderbolt 2

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