A couple little questions.

I recently bought an HP Probook 4430s. I planned on installing an eGPU down the line after I installed all the other upgrades I had planned.
Here are the specs of my upgraded computer

HP Probook 4430s

Intel Core i7 2630QM Quad Core 2.9GHz Processor
Intel HD3000 Integrated Graphics
4GB RAM
Samsung 830 Series 128GB SSD
Toshiba 320GB HP OEM 7200RPM Drive
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1

Now it is time for me to install eGPU.

I want to play Grand Theft Auto IV. That's the only game I am seriously interested in playing. I want it maxed out. Highest settings. Not sure what resolution.. maybe 720P or 1080P.

What card should I get? I have a spare xbox power supply too, if that helps (grey one)

Also, I'm not sure if I have P4HL 2.0 or not?? The the eGPU experiences thread is very diffcult to navigate and understand

 

First, I'd check your TOLUD. This page has a pretty good explanation
http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences-229.html#post6949956

So long as your TOLUD is fine, your laptop honestly seems perfect for an express card e-gpu. You have a sandy bridge quad core processor so your cpu shouldn't limit your egpu at all. Because of this, you can also just use your internal display instead of an internal monitor because of Optimus (so long you buy an NVidia card).

As for which card to buy, there comes a point of limitation due to your bandwidth of the express card, so buying a 680 wouldn't do you much good. Honestly, I'd look into a NVidia 660 or 560ti and if thats too expensive, a 560 or 460. These cards seem to be the best for external graphics (my 560 works great).

Did you already buy the PE4L 2.1? If you have, that is the one because it is pcie 2.0 compatible.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for your reply! I checked out my TOLUD. I guess I don't have large memory. I have attached a screenshot though. What does it mean to have 32-bit and 36-bit?

 

It's been about a month since I made this thread. Does anyone know if I can do eGPU or not?

 

The DIY setup x1 might work for you. Pretty much it compresses enough free space to accommodate your card (from the looks of your tolud, you would definitely have error 12 without the setup. The setup can be a hit or miss for some, but it has proven itself very helpful to many. There is also a 36bit-bridge which frees a lot of space (this one is free).

So you might need to do a bit of work to get it working past error 12, but the rest of your computer setup would be perfectly ready for an egpu