NGFlash

1. Use latest Lenovo x220T bios that sets a dynamic TOLUD when it detects the eGPU on bootup.

2. Ensure you set the PCI Reset Delay switch to 0s.

3. Ensure the eGPU is powered prior to powering on the X220T.

4. If still fails, use the Setup 1.1x Video cards->Initialize function. That's usually necessary if you hotplug-after-boot.

15" MBP has a quad-core + Thunderbolt port + GT650M. Only issue is the iGPU can't be activated in Windows as yet. The ramnifactions of that being (1) the laptop gets pretty poort battery life when running Windows (2) cannot get the eGPU to render the image but display it to the internal LCD as both Optimus (NVidia) or Lucid Logix Virtu (AMD) to do that require an active iGPU.

Next in line would be a dual-core 13" Macbook Pro or Lenovo T430s/S430, both with Thunderbolt ports.

Lastly, you could consider expresscard 2.0 (5GT/s) systems. They get half the bandwidth of Thunderbolt (10Gbps) ones but something like a 12.5" HP 2570P/2560P or 13" Fujitsu T901, both with a socketted CPU so you can install a 45W i7-quad into them. Furthermore, a PE4L-EC060A costs $71 versus a TH05 $180. The TH05 was a bargain at that price. Now the cheapest Thunderbolt-to-pcie device is a OWC Helios at $349. The higher pricetag of Thunderbolt means expresscard eGPUs are certainly not dead in the water just yet. 2014 maybe.. that's when 20Gbps Thunderbolt arrives. Will need a new notebook + TB enclosure/adapter for that.

Same problem has been reported on a 16GB Lenovo X230. The fix was to run it with 8GB. Strange one.

Yes, X220 can run pci-e 2.0 from it's expresscard slot so you want a pci-e 2.0 capable adapter from BPlus. So select a product from the second list below:

pcie 1.1x capable

PE4L 1.5 or older

PE4H 2.4 or older

pce 2.0 capable

PE4L 2.1 or newer

PE4H 3.2 or newer

Nando4, you are a Boss! Thanks bud

Hello All,

I wanted to first extend my sincerest appreciation for this forum and the vast array of knowledge available for us to delve into this new and exciting opportunity in pairing discrete graphics cards with our laptops, a feat that not too long ago was not possible. (Thank You Nando4!)

I had a question for you all before I pull the trigger on the last portion of my set up and was hoping someone could guide me along the correct path.

My Current Rig consists of:

Dell U2211H External Monitor

Lenovo X220 (I5 Processor Sandy Bridge Processor)

8GB Ram

256Gb Crucial Sata III SSD

Peripherals Purchased:

Gigabyte GTX670 Windforce Edition Video Card

Seasonic x750 Power Supply

The only thing that I am missing is the piece to mount my video card on. After doing my research and being aware that only the PE4L offers express card 2.0 bandwidth of 5Gb I was just about to pull the trigger on it, despite my displeasure that it was only a PCI Express 1X slot and the Video Card I own is a gargantuan 3 fan behemoth.

This was all until I decided to check BPlus' website right before I pulled the trigger on the PE4L to find their new PE4H Version 3.2 that is not only a 16x slot, but also now supports express card 2.0 bandwidth!

I just wanted to go ahead and ensure that this information is correct and is the best option for my system at this time. If not, I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Once again thank you guys for all the information and keep up the good work!

-Flash