mzinz

Hi, just a quick question. Would something like this work? A 4pin molex power supply similar to this one: Amazon.com: 110v AC to DC 12v Power Supply with 4pin Molex (5000mA): Electronics + 16x to 16x powered riser like this one: Amazon.com: PCIe 16x to 16x Powered Flexible Riser Extender Cable with Molex (Bitcoin Mining / Gaming): Electronics + Graphics card that wouldn't need any external power like this one: Amazon.com: EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti Superclock w/G-SYNC Support 2GB GDDR5 128bit, Dual-Link DVI-I, HDMI, DP 1.2 Graphics Card (02G-P4-3753-KR): Computers & Accessories + Akitio. I am looking for as compact implementation as possible.

I'm curious about a setup like this as well.

Would I be able to keep the enclosure closed (cover on) using the following parts:

Akitio2

EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti

Dell DA/2 power brick

16x to 16x Riser w/ Molex

Should that setup work? Is there anything else I'm missing?

I mean, being able to run a GTX970 the cleanest way possible, I guess a PSU is needed, but don't want to lug around a full ATX one, a laptop brick would be better.

I'm wondering the same. I've already purchased an Akitio box, but I'm still trying to figure out the cleanest way to set it up.

My goal is to have everything set up without having exposed boards/wiring/etc. Can anyone suggest a mid/mid-high range GPU and power supply that can accomplish this?

Much appreciated - love this thread. Thanks all.

Edit: The reason I mention mid/mid-high is that I'm concerned with the way the box looks in addition to the way it performs. I'm using a Macbook Air and would like to use this setup for photo/video editing and gaming, but would happily use a mid-range instead of high-end if it made the setup more tidy. Thanks again.

Hi all,

I've read through the two Akitio threads, but I haven't been able to answer this question:

Is it possible to use the Akitio with a low profile (mini) GPU *without* any modding/splicing/etc?

I know that the max output is 25W... I'm wondering if there are any mid-range/decent GPUs that will fit which only require that much power?

If not, is there a clean/simple solution that gets decent performance?

Thanks in advance - sorry if these questions have been answered before!

Hey all -

Just read through the last 20 pages or so.

Is there any solution using the Akitio box that doesn't require soldering/heavy modding? Even with a mid-range GPU?

This seems like a great solution. Would the following all work together?:

Akitio - $201

PCIE 16x to 16x flex riser w/ molex connector - $5

Dell DA-2 Power supply - $20 - will this work for me?

MSI GTX760 mini ITX - $250

I'm not understanding how the power supply connects to the Akitio... maybe someone can help clarify?

Also - has anyone confirmed if this solution works on MacbookAir? Windows 7 / Windows 8.1?

@sm0kes The above is quite possible. @Call was able to power the thunder2 boards with only the x16 riser molex connector. He states, >> here.

A clean solution is easily workable. See what I did with my TH05 >> here.

(I will be selling that setup, including the TH05, power brick, and case assembly once my x16 riser arrives as I'm working on a new solution. Anyone with an older MacBook with Thunderbolt 1.0 could use this to it's full potential — much much better than non-Thunderbolt implementations)

Hey M-Low -

Hoping you could clarify something. I've read through Call's post but not quite understanding.

1. How does the Dell PSU connect to the Akitio box? Is it helping supply *additional* power to the PCI-E slot?

2. Why do we need the x16 to x16 riser?

This seems like the cleanest possible solution if the power situation gets figured out!

Hi all,

Have lurked for a while, but ended up creating an account specifically for this thread

This is the first solution that I've seen that appears to be both cheap and clean.

I've got a MacBook Air and am ready to pull the trigger, but wanted to clarify a couple things:

1. Do we know if this setup will work for Mac (running windows 7)?

2. It seems like purchasing can be tricky. Do I just need to order: EXP GDC an external PCI-e video card laptop external Expresscard Kit Item and do I need to give any specific instructions on my order?

3. Is there anything else that I need to purchase to make the setup work?

Sorry in advance for the noob questions, thanks for all of the research though. Much appreciated!