davide445

Absolutely. In fact I said exactly the same several times in this thread, but obviously not loudly enough:

The graphics card compatability issue is that you need one with the PCI express power on the end rather than on the top. See the spec here, which means you need a card like this one.

Any desktop ATX or SFX PSU will connect to the PE4H 3.2. The big white connector block on the circuit board is the standard 24 pin power connector that which you'd normally plug into the motherboard. For a 650ti, you should be just about OK running off a 120w laptop power adaptor as they describe, but you'd be on the limit of its capability.

You'll see that they also claim that PCIe 16x video cards don't work with a PE4L - that's just them covering themselves. For a number of laptops there's a bunch of extra work needed (software-wise) to make them work. For Lenovo 220, 420, 520, there is no problem as long as you use the latest bios and don't use more than 8GB RAM.

I'm sorry about PE4H but simply I wasn't understanding the various aspects of the eGPU enough to integrate your suggestion in to the picture.

About the power I can't find a way to find on synthetic GPU specs (such as this one GeForce GTX 650 Ti specifications) where the connector is positioned: need I to search the pictures/tech diagram of any card version I'm interested on?

I think to be sure will buy a 300w PSU, but I'm lost on the sea of offers. Can you suggest a specific model?

I was also making some expense forecast

PE4H V3.2 170+28=198 USD

PSU 65 USD

Tot 263 USD

Do you think it's accurate?

- - - Updated - - -

"1.1Opt" or "1.2Opt" refers to PCI compression through the Nvidia Optimus.

It's not really "software" per se, but rather the method that the Nvidia GPU sends video data to the laptop. 1.1Opt provides less performance than 1.2Opt.

The Shuttle XPC case I'm using is a very old one. The precise model number is the Shuttle XPC SN95G5. I just used the case, as you can see in the photos I uploaded. It's larger than the mini ITX style case, but due to its larger dimensions I'm able to stack stuff on top of it easily and safely.

Before I started using the SHuttle case, I was literally using a (New Balance) shoebox.

Thanks. I was searching about Optimus but can't find any reference to 1.1 or 1.2, what does it mean? A spec of the architecture, a specific sw conf? Can you give me some hint?

Yes - I'm only suggesting a case for the purpose of being a convenient enclosure. You can get an egpu up and running without (and it seems many never buy/make a case).

Those quoted numbers are for the graphics card in a full system, so it includes some overhead for motherboard, CPU, hard drive etc. You won't be having any of those (unless you're looking to upgrade to a full system), so you don't need one that highly rated. As sgogeta4 states on page 2, the TDP for the 650ti is 110W and the TDP for the 660 is 140W (which corresponds to 9.2A and 11.7A respectively). Giving yourself some headroom, lets say 15A, means that you can manage quite happily on a 180W PSU (at least a PSU that can supply 180W on its 12V rail).

This calculation goes out of the door if you plan on overclocking or using the PSU for something else later, but I'd go for a good quality 250-300W PSU (I will not advise on a cheap PSU).

What would I get? I'm a big fan of Seasonic power supplies.

...

Ok thanks I will search for PSU based on your specs.

About the enclosure: I was about to compare the cost of a DIY solution with the ViDock one (I started feeling the DIY task too difficult for me and wanted to evaluate how much will cost me a bit of peaceful plug and play), when I come trough the PE4H V3.2: it's perfect!

I have the fit enclosure with all inside except the PSU (also ViDock is so) for USD170!

If you confirm this is ok this is my solution.

Think at this stage I just need to find the 300w PSU with the correct cabling to connect with this v3.2, and maybe made to be external (there are PSU with a own "enclosure" such as the 120w power adapter they are proposing?)

I have anyway some concern. The website state

"PE4H V3.2 design for engineering test. NOT for home or office use.

....

Almost PCIe 16x video card can’t get enough memory resource are allocated. Can’t work in your laptop."

Does somebody already tested it?

Correct.

I've just realised what you mean by amateur. You never installed a graphics card (and definitely never put together a PC from scratch).

That's not a problem, it's still easy, but means that I have to be a bit more complete in my explanations.

A case has no PCIe slot, only backplates for physical mounting. I'm only suggesting a mini-itx case for the convenience of physically mounting the graphics card and PSU. You can make a smaller enclosure with some DIY skills, or leave all the components on the desk (or use a PE4H 3.2). The mini-itx case is the easiest way to a small, tidy solution. It is overkill for what we need.

Confirm, never done anything on hw!

So in fact the case it's just a enclosure. I will consider not to buy one at this stage, maybe will simplify the setup and when I have finished I can better evaluate what I really need.

About PSU I read here Power requirements for graphics cards

Geforce GTX 660 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum

Geforce GTX 650ti - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum

What can be a good PSU that I can later put inside a case when I buy one?

I can confirm this, but not totally accurate: there is a little bit of bandwidth limitation.

I'm running a GTX 650 Ti in my eGPU at 1.1Opt, and I'm getting about 90% of the GPU's full power. However, when I pull it out and drop it into my desktop, I'm seeing a definite framerate increase in the same games (e.g. Metro 2033, L4D2), despite my desktop only being C2D E8400 and my laptop being i7 2760QM. As well, my GPU monitors (MSI Afterburner) show that in my eGPU my 650 Ti never goes above 80-90% load, whereas on my desktop I've seen it spike to 100%.

...

FWIW, I have my eGPU housed in a Shuttle XPC case. It's not as small and elegant as a mini-ITX, but I found that it's more convenient due to the size: I can stack my secondary monitor (19") monitor on top of it, and it's now top-aligned with my primary monitor.

About this 1.1Opt may I ask you what exactly is? A sw version, a benchmark?

I can't find a single Shuttle XPC case, what model are you using?

I just look at the back of the case: http://images.tweaktown.com/content/3/7/3726_09.jpg On the right hand side is a single slot. The gap in the bottom is where a motherboard would normally go.

There is no slot in the case. The PE4L that you connect the bottom of the graphics card (with most of the connector overhanging) is the slot.

You just need to connect a floppy power connector to the PE4L, a PCIexpress power connector to the graphics card, the SWEX adaptor to the PSU and you're good to go.

Note that you can't use the case front power button to turn the graphics card on, but you can use the PSU switch on the back of e.g. the SilverStone SG05 to do so.

Ok that mean I need to look at case with two PCI/expansion slot (right?)

The video card will powered from the case PSU if I put it in case PCI slot? I assume the PCIe power connector is integrated into case expansion slot where I insert the card (that on the right of the photo), or I'm totally wrong?

So I need to connect the PSU also to PE4L, but normally integrated PSU does have a spare power connector to do so?

Or I'm totally wrong and the case it's just a box that only contain all the things, but none of his "services" (ie powered PCIe slot) are used from a eGPU setup, except from the PSU itself?

If so really I don't see the point using one of this case, apart from the finishing.

The thermaltake is nice and small, but if you want a no-modification install, it will only take a single slot graphics card. You definitely can't get a single s

I know the feeling. I haven't gotten around to housing my eGPU.

So you have still separate pieces?

I'm really dying on that subject, I can't understood if a "regular", even small, case give some plus (I.e. integrated PSU, video card connector) or in fact since its not made for that purpose make all complicated and a DIY solution it's better (in fact just a box with a hole for the fans and some pins to block the things inside).

Bytw I also got to have a doubt about the GPU choice btw 650Ti and 660, there are in your opinion specific reasons to choose the first? I will use it at max 1080 resolution no more.

The total wattage is not that useful. You need to check the specs and see if a single 12V rail can deliver enough amperage to meet the demands of the GPU's TDP.

The main problem appear to find a good and small case. Since now found these:

Thermaltake Element Q

SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd.- SG05

But I don't understood if they can accommodate a GTX650/660 GPU in term of size, interfaces and power.

I use the MSI Twin Frozr 660 and it's a great card. My hard drive is louder than the card even while playing battlefield 3.

That 450w PSU requirement is for a desktop. The 140w is how much the graphics card itself will consume.

Mean if I buy a 200w PSU will be ok? Inside my case there will be only the GPU to power.

Case-wise, you could just aim for a PE4H-3.2 (ebay item 170990045067), but you have to figure out getting power to it and worry about graphics card compatability.

Otherwise look around at other mini-itx cases which can take a graphics card, or build something custom! A silverstone SG05 might work, especially if you need a PSU anyway.

Sure I want a case that already integrate a PSU and that don't request from me more than pushing the GPU inside and connect few cables.

Looking the Silverstone it's more compact than the cool master and that's good, you think can be easy to fit all in?

About GPU here is the GPU Support list and 660 is not listed, you think it's just a cautions approach or really might have problems?

GTX650Ti (110W TDP)

GTX660 (140W TDP)

GTX660Ti (150W TDP)

GTX560-1GB (150W TDP)

GTX460-768MB (150W TDP)

GTX460-1GB (160W TDP)

GTX560TI (170W TDP)

A GTX650Ti is great if you need a low power GPU. However if you'd be running an eGPU with a standard 12V/18W ATX PSU typically thrown out by businesses then you could run any of the above GPUs. They could also be powered by a modded xbox360 203W AC adapter if need more portability.

A GTX560Ti is a great s/h bargain one that I rate above a GTX460-1GB since it has 384 cuda cores (vs 336). It's also faster than a GTX650Ti per techpowerup. If you are looking at Keplar then for a few dollars more a GTX660Ti offers a substantial performance upgrade over a GTX660.

Done some research, pushing a bit my budget I can afford max a GTX660, that cost just few $ more than 560Ti and offer better performance, 660Ti it's just too expensive.

I have anyway some concerns and doubts:

- I was reading this post x220 + External graphics card compatibility - Lenovo Community where state a 460 is filling the available bandwidth, so using anything more than a 470 it's a waste. A 660 still make sense or its just a waste of power?

- About the usage I will do: not realtime gaming but just SDK landscape creation and walk registration to create a promotional video. Still make sense a serious GPU such as 660 or I'm just satisfying my ego and a cheaper 650 will be more than enough to speed the design time and have a registered walk?

- looking at 660 I find many versions. The better priced is PALIT GTX660 2GB DDR5, HDMI/2 X DVI/DISPLAY PORT, DIRECTX11 28NM PCI 3.0, NE5X66001049-1060F. Good, or there any other version you suggest?

- About power I'm a bit confused: I find the GPU consumption is something more than 140 w, but request a PSU at least 450 w. Some case have a 300w PSU, what need I to look for?

With an X220, Running 8GB RAM, your life is quite easy.

You need:

The latest Lenovo bios for your machine (this fixes any TOLUD issues, so you don't need the Setup app).

A PE4L-060A express card adaptor (with SWEX), an easy eBay find in the uk, shipping from China

A graphics card. Go with nvidia if you want to use the internal display.

The latest desktop drivers for that card

A desktop PSU

A mini-itx case makes an easy enclosure. I have a cooler master elite 120.

Stick it all together, power up the gpu before the laptop, install desktop drivers, enjoy!

Thanks this make me more comfortable about the whole topic, I was thinking wasting my time dreaming about a easy and cheap upgrade. Also asked about eGPU in local shop and they told me its uselesess since the performance improvement are not so good....think they want to sell more laptop.

About PE4L-060A I can't find other than shipping from China or US, takes some time and substantial cost (respect the part cost). There are no other more easy to find equivalent as passive adapter?

I was already thinking about Nvidia since I read about perfect compatibility. Want to stay on medium cost, do you think will be better GTX 460 or 650?

Also about the case the cooler master elite is nice but have space for HDD and other things so its bigger than needed, there are no similarly priced options that have space for just the GPU and the PSU, so to be more compact?

Want to update my laptop GPU for environmental impact simulation using CryEngine SDK.

I read about eGPU that's the only possible solution, my concern is how much need I to be IT-savvy to assemble connect and configure all what is needed.

I know about IT but never be hardware expert such as configuring BIOS or create shell scripts (!). At best I work with software, not hardware.

Will be possible to simply have the cookbook, buy the parts, connect them, install maybe a sw and start all of that?

Or you really need something more than that?

Also I'm outside America so I'm wondering if I can easily find here in Europe all what I need, without spending days asking to any IT shop for parts I can't describe.

GPU are standard parts I can buy everywhere, but what about custom enclosure or expresscard to PCIe adapter, there are solutions from international recognized vendors that I can find from local distributors?