angerthosenear

If I don't plan to raid the WD Black is fine then? I prefer just to have my drives JBOD. I don't have the luxury of having a few parity drives. The cost just gets too expensive - I'd rather not spend ~1k on drives.

Is the stock CPU cooler adequate? I don't plan to OC the CPU (never found a reason to). Or should I look toward an aftermarket one?

I'm a newb when it comes to building high-end desktops.

This is my current parts list for my winder 2013 build. I feel like I can trim down a bit.

Note, I have a GTX 660Ti (as my eGPU) that I will be adding to this to be used for PhysX and to drive all of my monitors (6 total). I actually use RAM, I have maxed out my current 16GB multiple times, so I figure I'll go with 32GB for my build.

I'm rather content with the case so I'd rather not change it. I will probably add more drives in the future, not exactly sure on their power usage. But I figure with a 4770k, GTX 770, GTX 660Ti, and a few HDDs a 1kW PSU is probably a little overkill? What wattage would you recommend / PSU? I would prefer a modular PSU for cable management.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.96 @ Outlet PC)

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($127.50 @ Newegg)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($127.50 @ Newegg)

Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($143.98 @ Outlet PC)

Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($434.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Case: NZXT H630 ATX Full Tower Case ($139.99 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold 1000W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1708.89

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-14 17:56 EDT-0400)

Thanks for your help,

atn

I haven't used my eGPU for a while, but when I got it out to use it, it simply did not work.

I have tried the card on my desktop and it works fine, and likewise trying another card in the PE4L does not work either.

When powering on, the GPU fan reduces in RPM as if it was going to work, however the laptop does not restart at the bios like it used to when it detected the eGPU when it worked.

Also, I am unsure of the position of the 1x/other x switch.

I cannot find refrence to what the LEDS mean, how would I be able to troubleshoot, and what would be the best position of the PCIE selector switch?

Oh, and if it helps the USB port on the PE4L v2.1b works perfectly.

Seeing it does work partially (USB works) check to see if any of the wires are touching where it connects to the adapter. I've had two wires touching and lose functionality completely (as if the eGPU was disconnected). This would be my first thing to check. Even try moving wires if they are really close. Be gentle with them though, you don't want to break the wires since they are so small.

This is the Schematic: http://www.hwtools.net/PDF/PE4L_21a_schematic20120118.pdf

If I'm interpreting this correctly:

Green LED = PCIe power

Red LED = FLG (guessing this means there is an error? - I'm not sure on this one)

Yellow LED = eGPU Detected

anther Red LED = Perst# (Also have no idea.)

My Internet connection is too slow for me to read all the latest pages since my last visit, so excuse me if this has already been posted.

Seems like there's a new ThunderBolt solution coming to town, the Silverstone T004:

SilverStone debuts Thunderbolt external graphics card case | bit-tech.net

AnandTech | Computex 2013: Thunderbolt Graphics from SilverStone

AccessTech News: Computex 2013: Thunderbolt Graphics from SilverStone

Apparently there will be a 450W PSU built-in, which should power most (if not all?) cards available today. It also supports PCIe 3.0, so when support for PCIe 2.0 is inevitably dropped it's still upgradeable. According to Computershopper the price will be about $200 - $300, which seems very affordable for a Thunderbolt accessory of this caliber. No news of a shipping date though (I hope it passes the ThunderBolt certification process).

I know what I'm buying as soon as it ships, finally I can have a laptop that it is possible to game with when at home, yet light enough to use "outside" all day. Since it's a all-in-one with the PSU as well, it's simply plug-n-play (hopefully).

Oh wow, that is great news for TB users. I'll probably get it if it does come out even though I don't have a TB computer yet lol. This + the Gigabyte P35K would be a very impressive lappy+eGPU combo.

Great find @ToJa92

So the Samsung only would get a lead at higher speeds correct?

I was confused by your wording, the G.Skill has the controller?

Number wise the Samsung has better latency, but the G.Skill has better bandwidth?

GPU-z says as you noted and there were no errors in device manager. Also, does this tell us anything about compaction?[ATTACH=CONFIG]8517[/ATTACH]

You should be good then, run 3DMark and see if your score is near those on the leaderboard (check to make sure they didn't OC or if your OC is the same as theirs). As for the Memory, I'm not sure, my GTX 660 Ti shows up three times in Memory as well - I have a Large Memory 'PCI Bus' as well (since I did a DSDT override).

From the sounds of it, you seem like you are good to go. Just run some benchmarks and compare.

Thanks for your reply, I'll throw a look at it and post feedback.

Edit: I ran the DSDT EDITOR.bat, it pops up for a second then nothing, there sould be a file if I'm correct but I can't find one.

That is the correct .bat file to run.

Any specific reason you're using win XP?

I've tried that once on XP but my attention span didn't allow me to succeed a DSDT override (I felt something was fundamentally different for DSDT tables compared to 7, BSOD BSOD BSOD!).

I would really really recommend DSDT override using win7. Anyway, good luck and keep us updated!

Two reports of DSDT being a pain / BSODs with Windows XP. Not looking too hopeful.

Might just be easier to get it only running in 7 and keep XP without eGPU. I'm not sure why, what are we missing @Tech Inferno Fan ? Did they change how DSDT works post-XP?

Sorry to spam. I looked deeper into my bios and thought about it... There are two options under display: 'Graphics'[integrated | dedicated | Optimus] as well as 'Let OS detect Optimus.' I had it set to Optimus and Enabled... I tried changing it to set as integrated only with Let OS detect enabled... this booted just fine and now I think it may be working. [ATTACH=CONFIG]8506[/ATTACH]

Is the above image all I need to indicated that I am working at top ability? what other things do I need to look at to ensure I'm set up as well as I can be.

Thanks,

Wes

Get GPU-Z and run that. Look at the Bus Interface. See if it says:

PCI-E 2.0x16@x1 2.0

If it does not, try running a game/benchmark or something and see if changes. This would make sure you have Optimus working correctly.

You have no errors in the Properties window of your 650 Ti? no error 12 or something? If not, you should be fine.

Ok guys, I've tried several times to get the .aml file but no success, tried with different versions of iASL, but there are just no .aml output. I'm feeling kind of lost in such technical things. Anyone could help?

Edit: HAHA! I'm laughing of myself, there was a switch to force .aml output even if errors occured. However when I try to "loadtable" the "large memory" isn't there. I guess I must look over errors or such :|

EDIT: Reboot --> BSOD even in Safe Mode. I really don't understand what can I do. I'll reinstall XP and look over it again.

EDIT: Ok got back xP with last good known configuration. No graphics. Reinstalled Intel drivers brought back resolution.

The program I have in my DSDT has a 'fix errors' option, you might give that a whirl.

When I first attempted my DSDT using entirely commandline/notpad I got a pile of errors and could not loadtable due to critical errors. But the program was able to extract the table and fix errors. So that might work for you.

linky: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/3539-guide-dsdt-override-simultaneous-igpu-dgpu-egpu.html

You are attempting the DSDT in Windows XP? Hopefully it will work for you.

-atn

Oh no!

Was there any mechanical damage or was is just (just...) the cosmetic scratches?

I hope ya get it all nice and purdy again.

Alrighty, this thread is kinda res'd, but I figure this is better than making a new thread.

---

Pulling the sensor pin out makes the fan run full tilt. Which is great for temp! Here is a picture catalogue of what I did, brought to you in potato quality pictures (the image meta-data says so!).

My not-stock-at-all fan. Certainly looks terrible. But I love the airflow from these centrifugal fans.

I was thinking of keeping the sensor as not part of the fan extender cable, but decided against for reversibility in the future - I didn't want to damage the fan wires.

Cutout hole for the switch, the lockclip thing for the docking station keeps the switch from being toggled on accident.

Rough test to see if the wires are long enough/etc.

The completed adapter/switch thing.

Rough layout of how it goes.

The switch is currently set to the sensor connected setting.

All nice and pretty looking.... for what it is.

Fan error,,, more like fan fixed!

Ran TS Bench. The CPU wouldn't break the 80C mark!

-----

For those curious, the fan extender cable was from a pentium 3 dell latitude. I don't remember the exact model. It was later filed under 'T' for 'Trash.' ;P

More than likely you will need Setup 1.x (latest being Setup 1.2 that performs much better than the 1.1). If I just boot Windows without using Setup 1.2 and perform the PCI compaction the card does appear in Device Manager (maybe), but nothing happens that is useful.

Do you have both your laptop open (for internal display usage) and a monitor hooked up to the eGPU (I'd start with a basic signal over VGA or DVI).

I'm not sure if you need a DSDT override or not. You will probably just need to perform PCI compaction with Setup 1.2. Doing this alone will probably solve your issue.

If you do end up needing a DSDT override you can follow my guide here:

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/3539-guide-dsdt-override-simultaneous-igpu-dgpu-egpu.html

If you don't have a dGPU you can skip that section - you wouldn't have optimus though if you don't have dGPU, this would be a performance hit for the eGPU.

Thanks! Glad they helped you.

Look like that might do it, the startup.bat that @kloper did is the same as mine too, so that's looking hopeful. I haven't messed with the pci.bat but seems like it would do the trick.

Good luck!

I only use one, but really want at least two... One side for web browsing and one side for games. One side for showing resources and APIs, one for writing code...

You should go get one, even if it is some cheapo display. Can probably get one for under 40$ from a local computer store.

I got the Borderlands 2 Season Pass. Was debating it in the past, but now that it is on sale, I got it.

DisplayFusion as well, it is so nice to have.

Since you did the DSDT Override did you try using 36-bit compaction with iGPU + eGPU and demote the dGPU to 32bit space? (Might be iGPU+dGPU+eGPU with dGPU demoted to 32bit I forgot)

I get the same type of message and freeze thing otherwise.

I don't have any experience with MBR / Thunderbolt, so that's about all I can contribute

Hi MikjoA, welcome back!

I just recently started to think of that when I ran borderlands 2 for the first time on eGPU (It ran like crap if physx were higher than low). How do I check whether physx is handled by CPU or GPU? (except for the obvious: 'set GPU/CPU in Nvidia Control Panel').

Pardon my slow reply, but there is an option for it!

It sadly doesn't show WHICH GPU is doing PhysX, but it does show if a GPU or CPU is doing PhysX. This is saddening for people like me who have iGPU+dGPU+eGPU. But at least it tells you something.

I tried to understand the setup/configuration and the benchmark scores, but after going over and over again, I still have some questions.

So, I assume the desire was to use the dGPU for PhysX, and to have Optimus render the eGPU on the iGPU.

So what would happen, I mean how would the score look like if you give up Optimus and render the benchmark on the external display connected to the eGPU?

Also, I have one idea...

What if you disable the dGPU from Device Manager, then start a DirectX demo to engage Optimus between eGPU and iGPU, then re-enable the dGPU for PhysX, start a real game and then you close the DirectX demo? Could that work?

I have been doing all the rendering on an external display, so the information is passing through the eGPU.

Hmmm, that is a really interesting thought, I'm not sure if it would throw an error at me or not. I guess I'll give it a whirl tonight. Might not do anything at all.

--

Edit:

I already have Optimus compression as shown in my GPU-Z window. PCI-e x1 2.0. derp. There is no reason to disable the dGPU and re-enable it again.

I use four Jenga blocks..... helps a lot actually.

I've been using a 60GB Intel 520 Series SSD for about a year and a half now. Not the fastest SSD on the block, but it is treating me well. As previously stated, do not even THINK about getting anything less than 120GB.

There are some applications that do not let you select the installation directory, so I have to let it install somewhere on C:\ then I move it over to my HDD and setup a symlink. It gets annoying/difficult to keep some free space on a 60GB SSD.

Hello angerthosenear and Tech Inferno Fan,

Just wanted to say that I have a Sony Vaio VPCS12 (S series) notebook and I was getting the Code 12 message constantly. After guidance from Tech Inferno Fan to run the DSDT Override (as one of my options) that fixed my issue. So thanks Tech Inferno Fan for the advice and thanks angerthosenear for the simplified instructions to perform it

Cheers

Martin

Glad the guide helped you. Have fun with your eGPU goodness!

Lots of media huh..... And you need that "media" all the time every day as well?

Sounds like you need a nas, And keep current stuff on the laptop and on an external.

More media than MEDIA surprisingly. I only keep ~200gb of music on my internal. Rest of the heap is on the external. Lots of anime as well. And wallpapers/pics.

NAS post:

http://forum.techinferno.com/general-desktops-discussion/3798-help-nas-build.html

New to building NASes. I was wondering if I'm completely missing something. I plan on using FreeNAS with a ZFS-Z1 config (I'm not too worried about drives going kaput).

Yay PCPartPicker

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)

Motherboard: MSI Z77MA-G45 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($114.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($111.99 @ Adorama)

Storage: Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($111.99 @ Adorama)

Storage: Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($111.99 @ Adorama)

Storage: Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($111.99 @ Adorama)

Storage: Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($111.99 @ Adorama)

Power Supply: LEPA G 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($78.98 @ Outlet PC)

Total: $977.90

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-12 18:05 EDT-0400)

I already have a case.

Thoughts?

why so many drives?

They fill up.... with LOTS of media.

I had to move stuff over from one of them cause it was BURNING hot (80C). I will end up building a NAS in the future though for file backup. I guess I'll start a new thread in a more appropriate section.

@Brian, The bezel isn't TOO terrible, the bottom of it a bit excessive, only excuse for that is so you can look over your hands.... if you sit eye-level to you laptop

The touchpad light looks pretty uneven and terrible. I like the typeface on the keyboard though.

The HDMI in is interesting, I wonder if you can have PiP.