US$189 AKiTiO Thunder2 PCIe Box (16Gbps-TB2)

[Tech Inferno Fan]

The Mini-ITX variant of a GTX 970 looks very nice so I ordered one :-) I have no idea when it will ship.

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This is only the second GPU that I bought because my last computers have been a 12" PowerBook G4, 17" iMac G5, 15" MacBook Pro C2D and currently a 13" Retina MacBook Pro i5. My previous build was from 2002 and I used a NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX 440

Congratulations. Will be curious to hear how it goes for you in your AKiTiO Thunder2.

Though I'm of the opinion the Zotac GTX970 is the best one to get for the AKiTiO Thunder2. Why?

* a deshrouded Zotac GTX970 fits into the Thunder2

* it's a longer card with twin fan design. Means more cooling capacity to keep the card cool with factory clocks, or OR greater capacity to be overclocked without incurring thermal throttling.

* there's recently been a TDP unlocked VBIOS for it, if want to turn up boost. Reports suggest it can increase boost clock from 1216 up to 1500Ghz without throttling: Extract and Flash GTX 970 and 980 Firmware - NOLIMITS and GameStable . That's a potential 23% performance improvement there.

[jacobsson]

The Mini-ITX variant of a GTX 970 looks very nice so I ordered one :-) I have no idea when it will ship.

This is awesome!!

I'd love to see what that little beast brings to the table

One thing you should be worried about is the height of the card though, that if you plan to have a closed implementation.

[entzoe]

* there's recently been a TDP unlocked VBIOS for it, if want to turn up boost. Reports suggest it can increase boost clock from 1216 up to 1500Ghz without throttling: Extract and Flash GTX 970 and 980 Firmware - NOLIMITS and GameStable . That's a potential 23% performance improvement there.

I have a question regarding over clocking.... is this OS dependent? meaning if I overclock a GPU card in windows, does that stay on the GPU memory? and can I used an overclocked GPU to a non windows OS?

[Dschijn]

Oc is nowadays increasing the boost clock of the GPU and/or the classic clock speed of the memory. Windows OCs are based on software and not saved on the card. For the OC to be OS independent it has to be on the card. To achieve that you need to download the GPUs BIOS, mod it and flash it back to the GPU.

[stevefal]

I read most of this thread but didn't see any mention of this idea: Has anyone seen or talked with manufacturers about an eGPU board in the form of an ATX or micro-ATX motherboard?

This would be targeted to eGPU DIYers who would then be able to build a solution by adding a standard PC chassis, PSU and video card(s).

I think it makes sense because so much is in common physically between a PC and what an eGPU needs, including flexibility for card choice and number, PSU, cooling and housing.

Think of it as a PC motherboard with no CPU, memory, etc, and with just TB on the back. For bonus points vendors could get creative and add SATA and RAID for external storage and the like.

[nibbles]

I read most of this thread but didn't see any mention of this idea: Has anyone seen or talked with manufacturers about an eGPU board in the form of an ATX or micro-ATX motherboard?

This would be targeted to eGPU DIYers who would then be able to build a solution by adding a standard PC chassis, PSU and video card(s).

I think it makes sense because so much is in common physically between a PC and what an eGPU needs, including flexibility for card choice and number, PSU, cooling and housing.

Think of it as a PC motherboard with no CPU, memory, etc, and with just TB on the back. For bonus points vendors could get creative and add SATA and RAID for external storage and the like.

Even some kind of metal plate adapter to transform a "naked" (deboxed) Akitio into a mITX sized board (complete with back I/O shield for a clean look with just the 2 thunderbolt ports) would be enough for me. Wouldn't be difficult to manifacture or particularly pricey.

As for SATA ports, currently one could fit a couple of daisy chained Lacie 9000186 hubs inside the PC case and use eSATA to SATA cables.

Hell one could even fit a whole MacMini inside the same case and have a real "all in one" with

- MacMini 2014 (two TB2 ports)

- naked Akitio board

- eGPU

- lacie eSATA hubs and multiple HDDs

- silent PSU to power the eGPU and HDDs

With a bit of elbow grease, maybe some industrial strength heat resistant velcro, a 3D printed I/O shield, a long enough pcie riser, all of this is very possible even without a proper mITX/mATX/ATX akitio board. But yes everything would be easier with one. Problem is, I think most people want compact solutions, so it would be pricey to produce ad hoc bigger akitio boards for a little niche of users.

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[Tech Inferno Fan]

Another short GTX970 to add to the ones on the first page. It will fit the Thunder2 with fan shroud on:

GeForce GTX 970 OC 4GB (97NPH6DT8RVZ) - 193 mm long and boost clock runs at 1266Mhz!

It's US$330 at http://www.galaxstore.net/GALAX-NVIDIA-GEFORCE-GTX-970-OC-4GB-p/97nph6dt8rvz.htm . Quite a few European stores have them too.

<A HREF="http://cdn3.volusion.com/qrxfu.wfkwd/v/vspfiles/photos/97NPH6DT8RVZ-3.jpg"><img width=500 src=http://cdn3.volusion.com/qrxfu.wfkwd/v/vspfiles/photos/97NPH6DT8RVZ-3.jpg></A> <A HREF="http://cdn3.volusion.com/qrxfu.wfkwd/v/vspfiles/photos/97NPH6DT8RVZ-4.jpg"><img width=500 src=http://cdn3.volusion.com/qrxfu.wfkwd/v/vspfiles/photos/97NPH6DT8RVZ-4.jpg></A>

[entzoe]

Since you have a working setup for the Mac mini with EVGA GTX970 and the AkiTio Thunderbox was it this one that you ordered EVGA 04G-2974-KR GeForce GTX 970 Superclocked 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 ACX 2.0 PCI Express 3.0 - Newegg.com I just want to make it work as simply as possible and the GTX970 is within my budget. Thanks Entzoe

That is correct @MultiU

[Sachin10]

This is according to me the most elegant solution for my small desk in our living room so I have ordered all those components:

* Silverstone Fortress FT03-MINI (Afuture: € 111,40 + € 5,95 shipping costs - a small and beautiful aluminium mini-ITX case)

* Silverstone SFX 450W Bronze (Afuture: € 76,90 - 300W should be enough but I might build a PC with this hardware)

* EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked 04G-P4-1972-KR (Afuture: € 365,40 - blower style design so the hot air is pushed out of the case)

* Akitio Thunder 2 PCIe Box (MacWay: € 260,60 incl. shipping)

* Powered riser 16x to 16x HQ Powered (eBay evercase: £ 13,90 = € 17,60)

* Paperclip trick

* 500 GB S-ATA drive (for my Steam library)

* S-ATA to USB adapter

Total cost: € 837,85 = $ 1.038,13

It turned out quite expensive but the components are a lot cheaper for people living in the US. I changed my previous order to replace the Gigabyte GV-N970IXOC-4GD by the EVGA solution with a blower style design. Now I have to wait a week (or more) to receive everything.

[Tech Inferno Fan]

* EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked 04G-P4-1972-KR (Afuture: € 365,40 - blower style design so the hot air is pushed out of the case)

I've seen others wanting the blower style fan. I happen to stumble across a very nicely done one.

A reference GTX970 with a blower style fan and improved inductors and only using Samsing memory caught my eye.

It's available for £319.99 inc VAT or £266.66 ex VAT: OcUK GeForce GTX 970 "NVIDIA 970 Cooler Edition" 4096MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card **WorldWide Exclusive** [M-NGTX970/5RDHDPPP]. Discussed at http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18629271

You'll note in the above discussion that BestBuy in the US is supposedly selling these at some stores for US$299!!

[Sachin10]

OcUK GeForce GTX 970 "NVIDIA 970 Cooler Edition"

It is a nice looking card but it wouldn't fit in my small case.

[euqlaog]

Someone who likes to make the most compact and quiet setup, could consider the fanless PSU I mentioned earlier

ZF240 – Fanless 240W ZeroFlex PSU | Streacom

And make a custom outer shell. They answered that it is possible to use molex to 6pin, but max load on the 12V line combined is 168W. It might be enough for some non OC versions of the GTX970 (145W TDP).

@Tech Inferno Fan What do you think? On their web page they are saying “To put things in perspective, if the ZF240 was actively cooled, it would be rated as a 450W power supply.“ But that statement is quite misleading because there are no airflow vents, so would be difficult to actively cool it. The first european distributor is in Germany.

Regarding those smaller GTX970 cards, some of them are too high in size to fit inside the AKiTiO enclosure if you like to use the outer shell as well. For example: GV-N970IXOC-4GD 129mm (include bracket). I measured it might fit alone, but even if you have a low-profile power plugs, it would be quite impossible. Making a custom size outer shell with some fan would be recommended in any case because there is a risk to melt the yellow/black wires touching the GPU.

[stevefal]

... it would be pricey to produce ad hoc bigger akitio boards for a little niche of users.

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The board does not have to be big, just compatible with the case/mounting.

Problem is, I've seen no compact solution that supports a high power PSU. With a $50 case, $75 PSU and $100 naked board, you could be ready to drop in any GPU for $225 and be done.

Akitio is neat, but it's missing the market because everyone here wants a fast GPU.

[Downsidebloom]

Is the thunderbolt cable that comes with the Akitio good enough?

Or should I buy apple's oficial ?

[jacobsson]

Is the thunderbolt cable that comes with the Akitio good enough?

Or should I buy apple's oficial ?

It works excellent for me!

[Dschijn]

Is the thunderbolt cable that comes with the Akitio good enough?

Or should I buy apple's oficial ?

Imho it is good, just a bit too short. You can test the length you need with another cable.

[nicktheduke]

Hi everyone. First of all, I apologize for being a noob. I'm not a computer technician or engineer plus I've never built anything computer-related. However, I’ve been watching TechInferno for over a year in regards to eGPU capabilities for Mac. I thought I finally found a solution for my Mac Mini with the Akitio Thunder2 PCIe but something is not working.

I have been following instructions from this guide written by entzoe - http://forum.techinferno.com/implementation-guides/7598-%5Bguide%5D-2012-mac-mini-gtx770%4010gbps-tb1-akitio-thunder2-osx10-9-4-a.html

———

My setup is this:

Apple Mac Mini 2012 16GB with Intel HD 4000

OS X Yosemite 10.10.1

Windows 8 Bootcamp

AKiTiO Thunder2 PCIe Box

EVGA 850W Supernova 80PLUS ATX Power Supply

EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB w/ ACX 2.0 Cooler

Thunderbolt Cable

HDMI

SWEX (SWEX)

Monitor (ASUS VS278Q with 2x HDMI port)

HARDWARE SETUP:

First I unscrewed the Akitio and took out the card in order to attach it to the GPU. I then connected the Akitio to Mac Mini via Thunderbolt, and eGPU to monitor via HDMI. The SWEX powers on the PSU. The Akitio fan powers on and gets signal from Mac Mini when I boot, but the fans aren’t spinning on the 970 and the monitor goes dark.

OS X:

I have edited KEXT files and been able to get CUDA + up-to-date modded NVIDIA web drivers installed. The Akitio is recognized but the 970 is not.

WINDOWS:

I grabbed Tech Inferno Fan’s DIY eGPU setup but it doesn’t recognize the card. Windows does not, either. Currently, getting this to work in Windows is more of a priority.

———

So, what exactly are my options?

There has been one moment where the fans worked but I have not been able to repeat the process. I’ve been told that the EVGA ACX cooler keeps the fan off until heavy usage but it seems I would get some spinning?

I’ve been speaking to entzoe who has been amazingly helpful but we have not been able to figure out what’s wrong. He mentioned a possible solution could be one of these:

EXP GDC Laptop External External PCI E graphics card BEAST Series Expresscard Set-in Laptop Docking Stations from Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

PE4H EC2C PCIe Passive Adapter Ver2 4 | eBay

However, I’m trying to fix this as soon as possible. Am I capable of getting this to work with the setup I have? Am I plugging things in wrong?

I have uploaded photos to determine if I have the correct connections for power...

This is the PSU - https://www.dropbox.com/s/wgox0vuuqa..._2377.JPG?dl=0

1. The EVGA 970 had connectors that "plugged in" to this PERIF cable - https://www.dropbox.com/s/2bdcxvqqmvqd1ty/IMG_2368.JPG?dl=0

2. I have a 2x 6+2 VGA connector - https://www.dropbox.com/s/vckcaeh7vkxp1a1/IMG_2369.JPG?dl=0

3. There's also 2x VGA connector that splits into a 6 with a cable leading to an 8 - https://www.dropbox.com/s/jwpw6zjt14pky2m/IMG_2373.JPG?dl=0

Which do I plug in? PERIF? VGA? I've tried combinations but they don't seem to turn the card on... Not sure...

Sorry for so many questions.

Any help would be appreciated!!!

[nicktheduke]

Also, in terms of hardware, I do have a PCI-E 16X to 16X Adapter Riser Card Extension Cable w/ Molex Power Connector. Not sure how to power it up tho

[Dschijn]

Also, in terms of hardware, I do have a PCI-E 16X to 16X Adapter Riser Card Extension Cable w/ Molex Power Connector. Not sure how to power it up tho

Connect the Molex to the EVGA PSU, that should be it.

[nicktheduke]

Thank you for responding! Ok so I have connected 16x to 16x adapter but it does not seem to be working. Here's what's happening:

This is the only molex connector my PSU came with which plugs into PERIF in PSU - https://www.dropbox.com/s/wvweva6u7iz79zj/IMG_2380.JPG?dl=0

I then attached the 16x adapter to that cable provided and plugged into PSU - https://www.dropbox.com/s/7g9ea8n09z9veom/IMG_2381.JPG?dl=0

Both 6+2 pcie connectors inserted into 970 to VGA slot in PSU - https://www.dropbox.com/s/71xyd6jyr01wrip/IMG_2383.JPG?dl=0

I then plug in thunderbolt cable from mac to Akitio + HDMI cable from 970 - https://www.dropbox.com/s/gd86onjyomafkdd/IMG_2385.JPG?dl=0

The Akitio fan starts up and the blue light comes on, but nothing appears on the monitor - https://www.dropbox.com/s/0nmbr9ewo23tl2m/IMG_2386.JPG?dl=0

Am I doing this right or am I missing something?

[Dschijn]

1. unplug the AKiTiO PSU! Only use the PC PSU, because the riser is providing power to the AKiTiO.

2. try this guide for Windows: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/8106-%5Bwip%5D-2013-15-macbook-pro-iris-gtx970%4016gbps-tb2-akitio-thunder2-win8-1-osx10.html

[nicktheduke]

I have unplugged the Akitio DC jack with just the riser attached - https://www.dropbox.com/s/gd86onjyomafkdd/IMG_2385.JPG?dl=0

When I turn on PSU, the Akitio fans start spinning but none of the lights turn on (green/blue). I do not think the riser is getting properly powered. Do I have everything properly connected? Shouldn't the card start spinning when I turn on PSU?

[Sachin10]

Windows 8 Bootcamp

Have you installed Windows 8 using UEFI mode? You can check it by following the steps on this website. On this forum you can find how to install using UEFI mode if that is not the case.

[Dschijn]

I have unplugged the Akitio DC jack with just the riser attached - https://www.dropbox.com/s/gd86onjyomafkdd/IMG_2385.JPG?dl=0

When I turn on PSU, the Akitio fans start spinning but none of the lights turn on (green/blue). I do not think the riser is getting properly powered. Do I have everything properly connected? Shouldn't the card start spinning when I turn on PSU?

Is the SWEX turned on?

Please put the AKiTiO board and the GPU of the metal cases to avoid short circuit!

My eGPU starts to get alive when I turn on the PSU, have the TB cable connected and power on the MBP.

[nicktheduke]

Hi again

I will try Windows UEFI installation but I think something is wrong with hardware since the Akitio is being recognized but the 970 is not.

The SWEX works. When I flip the switch on the SWEX, the fans for both the PSU and the Akitio turn on. However, the Akitio green/blue lights do not turn on + is not recognized when I boot into OS X or Windows. The GTX 970 does not turn on either. The Akitio green/blue lights only seem to turn on when I have the DC jack plugged in to Akitio, which I'm told is not needed with the riser. Do I have the riser plugged in correctly?

I have the Akitio board sitting in it's chassis and but the 970 is sitting on top of an old metal hard drive. Is that ok? Right now I'm just trying to get this to work. Shouldn't the card have some kind of response when powered on?

I'm wondering if I have a faulty 970 card? I've seen the fans spin once but haven't been able to repeat the process. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Is it not getting enough power? I have the 2x 6+2 pins plugged in and the molex riser plugged into the female molex splitter provided by PSU.

Please help! Thank you.