DIY eGPU experiences

Anyone here that was unsuccessful with the DIY Dock that want to sell me theirs, please send me a pm, thank you. I'm looking into venturing the waters.

 

Well I ran the RE5 DX10 benchmark on my Y460 with the 5650 M at 765 Mhz core and 960Mhz memory and got 68.3 fps. The resolution was 1360 x 768 (since my monitor doesn't have 800 vertical lines of resolution), which actually has slightly more pixels than 1280 x 800. I ran it on variable at whatever the stock quality settings are; is this right? 68.3 doesn't seem all that much lower than some of the GTX470 optimus results, which doesn't really make sense given that the 3dmark vantage scores they are getting are nearly 4 times what this 5650 gets.

 

ARC2-PEL-2X16



hi...
can we use these dual PCIex16 risers to add TWO graphics cards in a DIY Vidock- while using the PE4H kit...?
any help please....

anyone has experience with using TWO graphics cards using DIY kit- please share...
i am building a DIY rig..but if I can add two graphics cards using this riser- it would really help me in my Cuda based application...

and there are a few basic questions about assembly (considering I am an architect and not a computer expert...)..I have gone thru the posts repeatedly- and need answers- as many things i have doubts:
I will be using a GTX 460 (2GB), and have ordered a PE4H kit...
1) PE4H needs its own power supply with the cable that comes with the kit...I connect it with the ATK switch with the cable first? and connect the ATX switch with the desktop PSU...? someone can post some pics? it will really help
2) then I plug the GTX 460 into the PE4H- and connect the power cables (which comes with the graphics card) into the GPU... is this correct?
3) then i adjust these into a cabinet..and connect the PCIexpress adapter and cable to my laptop PCIe slot...
i hope i am not missing anything here...
can someone please confirm/clarify...???
(the thread is just great- i appreciate the efforts put by everybody here.... )

 

Hi everyone,
Wow!!! Some great work going on here, I stumbled across this thread several days ago and have spent many hours trying to read through and understand all of whats going on. I'm no Computer Wiz so some of the tech stuff still escapes me (even with Google and Wiki). I'm still unsure if I can use this on my old Laptop.

I just bought a Toshiba Qosmio x505-894 to replace my 6 year old Acer Aspire 1800. I'm not ready to chuck the Acer out the door as it's been a good, reliable Laptop over the years. The main reason I got the new Toshiba was that the Graphics Card in the Acer was lacking. I'm not a huge Gamer, I play WoW with my Son and Daughter and after the new Cataclysm update it can't handle it any more. If this DIY Vidock will work on my old Acer then I could squeeze a little more life out of the Old Girl.

Here's the Specs on the Acer If any one could point me to the correct DIY unit I would be grateful.

Acer Aspire 1800
Phoenix FirstBios 2.9
Intel P4 CPU / 3.2GHz
2 Gig DDR Ram
Intel 915 Chipset
South Bridge: Intel 82801 FB ICH6
ATI Mobility Radeon X600 (64 Mb)
Catalyst 10.2 Drivers
34/54 Express Slot
Win. 7 Ultimate (x32)

I hope that's enough info.
Many thanks,
Rick

 

Hi guys,

I've got a "noob" question : Would it be possible to use USB 3.0 to connect a DIY ViDock ? I've seen that people would try with thunderbolt, but nothing with usb 3 ^^.

Thanks !

 

i want to know this as well since i am getting an xps 15 and there is not expresscard slot . usb3.0 should be faster than expresscardx1 slot right?

 

As you can see on the (big) photo there are two slots and two connectors.
This riser doesn't distribute lanes between slots.

 

Anyone? Am I running the correct benchmark settings?

 

Trying again.

The screen tearing continues, but games become playable when using Direct X 9 instead of Direct X 11. (In Direct X 9, screen tearing is tolerable, but it still shouldn't be doing it.)

(Can actually PLAY Dragon Age II now. Haven't retried Starcraft 2).

Any thoughts on this?

I'm using PE4L+EC2C, Toshiba Satellite A505-S6025, EVGA GTS 450

 

Screen tearing is when the screen refresh doesn't match the refresh of the card, use D3Doverrider it works for me. Screen tearings a fact of life just use this program and you won't have any more screen tearing.Try using V-sync in games that tends to help aswell.

 

Are all results your looking at the same resolution you chose? The more pixels the GPU has to push the slower it is, try running the bench at 1920X1080.

 

Argh, I used incorrect terminology.

Imageshack - 12800802.png

That is what I see when I play a game, which is still a bad screen shot. It has shapes going everywhere. It's like a demented Picaso picture.

 

Nobody has split the PE4L/PE4H bandwidth using a riser as yet. Two potential issues with this:

1. Your bandwidth would be split between the two cards. If the bottleneck is there then your second GPU would be spending more time waiting for data to arrive rather then processing it. Need to establish the pci-e bandwidth requirements your CUDA application has to confirm two GPUS would be a worthwhile venture.

2. Two external GPUs means you'll need to do PCI allocation for both. This may mean up to 512MB of PCI space. Can read more about the same problem that the FASTRA II ppl had.​

Pics of how to do the DIY ViDock setup are in the Getting Started section off the first post, including the techradar link.

Consider that many manufacturers have created USB 3.0 ports on Series-5 chipsets by adding a USB3.0<->pci-e chip using only a single x1 1.0 (2.5GT/s) pci-e lane. So even if a USB 3.0 DIY ViDock was available you'd be only get half it's bandwidth.

Saying that USB 3.0 support has been requested from hwtools. No updates about it. It would require additional converter chips.

If you want a DIY ViDock setup now consider a mPCIe based solution using a PM3N by swapping out your mPCIe wifi card.

This discussion started back here. Afaik a GTX460 doesn't have this problem AND can be had at great prices. I'd suggest RMA the GTS450 replacing it with something like a $109AR Sparkle GTX460-768MB. The changeover costs will be minimal.

RE5 is CPU bound on a GTX460/GTX470 + i5 setups. I'd expect your [email protected] would get RE5 in the 102-105FPS range, so 35-40FPS more than your HD5650MR.

[email protected] DV4-2000 experience has dmcv4, mafiaII and FFXIV results. These other games giving a better indicator of HD5650MR versus GTX470 @x1.Opt performance.

 

T_T I already RMAed it once. I got the same effect with both cards. I'm gonna go with a defective PE4L, everything installs fine with no hitch. I just can't play any games.

 

Hi all his members of the forum.

I introduce myself, Jeykhob'm a fan of video games.

I see you are doing a spectacular job, I give my most sincere congratulations. Especially Nando4 user, for the great work you are doing.

I have a laptop;

ASUS X59SL P8400/4/250G/3470/15
P / N: X59SL-AP382C

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (2.26 GHz)
L2 Cache: 3MB
FSB: 1066
RAM: 4GB DDR2 667MHz
Hard Disk: 250GB
Sound: Intel High Definition Audio
PCMCIA: no => Express Card
VGA: ATI HD3470 256 MB dedicated (up to 1024MB Hyper Memory)
Video Connectors: 1 x DB15 / 1 x DVI
USB: -
LAN: 10/100/100 / 802.11n
Modem: -
Firewire: -
Optical Drive: Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW
TFT: 15.4 "WXGA
Dimensions: 36.5 x 26.2 x 3.5 cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
Operating System: Windows Vista Premium
Card reader: if
Camera: 1.3 Megapixel
Safety: -
Battery: 6 cell

Operating system: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit

Data from my laptop:









I just ordered one PE4H ver2.4 with EC2C.

I would like to help me a bit.

My idea is to buy a Gigabyte Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 OC 1GB. I have an 500W power supply from an old desktop pc.

My questions are;

1. My laptop can move this card graphics, or I'll have to put another graphics?
2. Get with this component PE4H ver2.4 with EC2C the best connection between the card and the laptop?
3. It would be better another connection to the laptop as PE4H ver2.4 with PM3N for best performance?

I have wanted to ride my ViDock Bricolage, and share all my experiences with this.

I hope his advice.
Sincerely, greetings.

 

Gigabyte GTX460OC-1GI

Not sure if I have gotten optimus enabled I dont hope so as the difference between this card and my old HD5770 1GB is almost none then.

Only thing I did was replace the .ini file and then install. But dont know how to test if I am running optimus?

Still feels abit laggy when streaming HD in fullscreen compared to windowed from www.gomtv.net

Here is with Nvidia sound device disabled, no difference

 

Damn i wonder why dell took out the express card slot. I was really looking forward to doing this when sandy bridge came out.

 

If I have a Sandy bridge laptop with Serie-6 chpset, does the USB 3.0 connection will have 5 Gbps bandwith?

 

ViDock and the like is obviously serious competition for the Alienware/XPS "gamer" laptop line.
Seems all the major laptop manufacturers are thinking this way too.

 

Does anyone know if Sandy Bridge mPCIe will be any faster than previous gen, is it 5 Gb/s? If so any links? Most Sandy Bridge like the one I'm getting XPS15 R2, don't have EC. Also, would the PE4H-EC2C or PE4H-PM3N support the faster speed of Sandy Bridge?

Thanks.

 

It could also be because they assumed the expresscard slot was useless or rarely ever used. Not once have I used an expresscard slot myself until I heard about the diy vidock. I even thought I didn't have the slot until I looked at my laptop carefully then I realized I did then I made a vidock....

So what's the word on expresscard 2.0 laptops? It's March.....shouldn't the laptops be out by now?

 

Hello

Took several days reading the forum. And I have another question emerged. My laptop uses the Northbridge Chipset SIS M671 DX and SIS 968 Southbridge. As you can see pictures of my previous post. But I see that most of you are testing the PE4H with ICH9 Chipset, 8.7 M among others. But none with mine.

There is someone who has tested with my chipset?

Someone can tell me if I'm going to have problems with my chipset?

Need for help me. I have no experience with the DIY ViDock. And before spending money on a card chart type: "Gigabyte Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 1GB OC"

It is possible that my laptop can run a DIY ViDock?

Thanks.

 

Edit: Nevermind, found the answer. But I do have another question.

WARNING: Advanced Setup! I am aware of a lot of the Electrical difficulties and obstacles surrounding this setup. I am a professional EE and likewise have the tools that will be needed to do some of the complex modifications. I also might need to make/modify cables to achieve this. But my questions are DYI ViDock related.


I'm thinking of this:
Laptop(Express Card) -> Coolmaster Elite 100(PE4H -> GPU -> DVI-KVM --S1 Common--)

S1-A: Exits CME100 to External Display.
S1-B: DVI-to-LVDS Controller Board -> LVDS Cable Exits CME100 to LVDS-mux/demux --S2 B--

(Something like http://www.pericom.com/pdf/databriefs/PI3LVD812_db.pdf will do)

S2-Common: Internal LCD.
S2-A: Internal Video Card


So what you would end up with is this:

A fully functional laptop. With 4 settings.

1)Internal video card, internal monitor. (S1 @ N/A, S2 @ A)
2)Internal video card, external monitor VIA internal port. (S1 @ N/A, S2 @ A)
3)External Video Card, Internal Monitor. (S1 @ B, S2 @ B)
4)External Video Card, External Monitor. (S1 @ A, S2 @ A)

I guess in theory you could eliminate S1 completely by using a DVI splitter instead of a KVM.




My Questions (Finally):


1)Has anyone managed to use the DVI-to-LVDS to run a DYI ViDock on a laptop's internal monitor? I know it can be done in theory, but has anyone accomplished this?
2)I can think of many reasons to do this setup. Heat, weight, upgradability, flexability, laptops break easier, but is the performance increase really all that much? I ask this because currently we're only able to achieve 2x speeds. Most people are using a GTX 460 card at 2x. Compared to a GTX 460M (which I realize is not the same as a 460) at 16x internally... is there a performance increase?
3) Right now people are using GTX 460/470. Excellent video cards. But how futureproof is it? Let's pretend GTX 880's come out. You might need to buy a new PM adapter... but is this the kind of thing that you will have to start over from scratch or not be able to do in "X" years?

It's going to be an expensive initial investment, but I only want to make that investment if the upgradability is there.

I apologise for image quality. I hate the scanner here.

 

Device like http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/siig-rolls-out-usb-to-expresscard-adapter/
ExpressCard-to-USB only converts USB part of ExpressCard. ExpressCard carries both PCI-Express(1) and USB standards(1).

1. http://www.expresscard.org/web/site/about.jsp



---------------------

Practical example in bridging PCI to USB...

Netchip has NET2280 PCI(ver 2.2)-to-USB 2.0 controller bridge chip.

http://www.everythingusb.com/tritton_see2_usb_2.0_svga_adapter.html
This USB video card uses NET2280 PCI(ver 2.2)-to-USB 2.0 controller bridge chip.

In theory, a new bridge chip could be designed for PCI-express to USB3.0. USB 3.0 requires a new driver stack.
---------------------
You also have Intel's new Thunderbolt port i.e ~10Gbit. Thunderbolt devices can leverage native OS drivers for PCI Express and DisplayPort for compatibility i.e. no new driver stack needed since Thunderbolt channels existing PCI-express and Display port data. Intel Thunderbolt is basically Intel's external PCI-express port (i.e. up to PCI-express 4X). Intel Thunderbbolt may have licensing issues and it's currently not an open standard.

AMD's XGP is another external PCI-express port with PCI-express 2.0 8X and 16X option.

 

thank you Nando4- for taking time to go thru this.. much appreciated..
I understand that there will be bandwidth & PCI allocation issues- but its not like that this hasn't been done before...
There is a product in the market called Cubix GPU Xpander ( http://www.cubix.com/content/gpu-xpander-laptops)- that connects to PCIe slot of laptops (takes thru PCIe x 1 connection) and is able to use minimum of 2 and upto 4 double width GPUs (with 750w and more overall power supply..)
This is used for Cuda based applications too- and is being used extensively in rendering softwares (like octane render Octane Render - The Interactive Physically Based Render Engine)
users are able to get good enough performace benchmarks with it. AND without use of EXTERNAL MONITOR!
this is interesting...
I have received my PE4H kit, and will assemble it over the weekend- but what bothers me- that it is just for 'testing' GPUs and cannot be used for production works- like CUBIX Xpander is able to do (of course cubix is expensive- 950$ starting price..)

btw... the Cuda software i am using (octane render) the bandwidth is of little importance- as entire 3D mesh is voxalized and fed into GPU (or GPUs) and rendered- wth modifications in realtime..
It means using multiple GPUs with DIY Vidock IS a possibility........ (just like Cubix has been doing for many years- successfully).
I am an architect- and a noob when it comes to hardware...i would request you and the people who made this amazing DIY-Vi possible- to look into possibilities of using multiple GPUs- and how really Cubix is doing it without need of external monitor... it would be worth a shot- imho
cheers!!!

 

hi guys:smile:

i finally successfully implemented my DiY Vidock on my laptop and i want to share my results and experience with you

i will start with the other computer i test my Vidock with.


the kit i have is called PE4H v2.4 with EC2C(expresscard) and my Video Card is Galaxy GTX 460 GC 768MB (Core 700Mhz, Memory 924Mhz, Shader 1400Mhz) and my PSU is OCZ StealthXtreme 2 500w 80 plus


The computer is called Toshiba A665 and its got Core i3 350m 2.27Ghz, 4GB DDR3, Intel HD and expresscard and this computer is Optimus Capable

i observed that if i disable the delay on the PE4H PCB, the computer would not recognize it and it will give me error so what i did was set it to SWI # 3(15.10sec)



NOTE: everything is running at stock speed

here is the results on running the onboard Intel HD graphics

Spoiler

and now the results with DiY Vidock using GTX 460 GC 768MB(its Optimus Enabled, I am using 266.58 with the inf mod)

Spoiler

 

and now on my computer

it is Called Acer Extensa 5620z-4801 and i upgraded pretty much every single component of it
its current specifications is
-Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20Ghz 4MB L2 Cache
-4GB DDR2 800Mhz @ 332.5Mhz 5-5-5-15
-320GB 5400RPM SATA II Hitachi HTS545032B9A300
-Intel X3100
-Windows 7 X64

it took me a while to successfully implement my Vidock on my computer because i faced so many problems but luckily each of them has been addressed now and it is running very stable after rigorous and stress testing.


i have a PM3N(mpci-e) but unfortunately the only available ports that i can use on my computer is port 2(mpci-e) and port 3(expresscard) and i have no options on the DiYVidock Setup to combine those 2 together to make X2 link because the only available option to combine is port 1 and 3 and the port 2 suddenly disappear.


i want to clarify something. the Creative X-FI MB doesn't cause the Code 12 and the hibernate and sleep to disappear. I discovered that if i disable my onboard video card(X3100). it would give me all those problems so i need to leave it enable. also i reinstall the creative stuff and it doesn't cause any problems on me so far.


also i need to put the switch on #1(disable delay) on my PE4H PCB because if i don't, it would give me Code 43 error and any kind of workaround doesn't solve it. the only thing that solve the Code 43 is to position the switch on PE4H PCB to SWI #1(disable) and so far it is running very stable.


results on my onboard Intel X3100 Graphics with my Pentium Dual Core T4400 2.20Ghz 1MB L2 Cache

Spoiler

NOTE: i am running @ stock and i am using TweakForce 267.24


result on my computer using GTX 460 GC 768MB with Pentium Dual Core T4400 2.20Ghz 1MB L2 Cache

Spoiler

result on my computer using GTX 460 GC 768MB with Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20Ghz 4MB L2 Cache

Spoiler

NOTE: i flashed my motherboard BIOS to Dual IDA and i used ThrottleStop to increase 200Mhz the clock of my CPU

result on my computer using GTX 460 GC 768MB with Core 2 Duo T7500 @ 2.4Ghz 4MB L2 Cache

Spoiler

upgrading from a Pentium Dual Core T4400 2.20Ghz 1MB L2 Cache to a Core 2 Duo T7500 @2.4Ghz 4MB L2 Cache certainly made a difference


on Mafia II, i previously got an FPS of about 11-21FPS with T4400. when i upgraded to a T7500 @ 2.4Ghz, it give me about 18-31FPS but unfortuenately it is always dipping below 21FPS especially if i am driving around so i would consider it not enjoyable experience

on GTA IV, it almost made no difference. with T4400 i get about 12-21FPS. with T7500 i get about 13-26FPS. the experience is absolutely horrible because it is lagging and stuttering so badly


on Dirt 2, there is almost no more stuttering with the same settings i used with T4400. the gameplay is much more smooth and much more enjoyable. it also becomes more responsive


i think if you want to play those games, you must have a very powerful CPU about 2.6Ghz+ for Core 2 Duo


overall i am delighted that i made everything to work and i can now atleast play some games that i wanted at decent settings with decent frame rate:smile:

 

Hi Guys, first of all, GREAT guide. I successfully did the DIY Vidock mod. This is my 3Dmark06 link: Result 9133 points.

I am running the ASUS X42jr, i7-740qm, HM-55, 4gb ram, Vidocked HD 4870 (pcie 1.0 video card) running on Port #2 out of 6 ports on a Mini-PCIe (according to Everest, PCIe 2.0) port formerly used by the Wireless card.

I have a favour to ask though: Can anyone ship to me the GTmax flat cable http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Plated-Version-Supports-4096×2160p-Resolution/dp/B0035VTMF0 ? Because Amazon does not ship to my country (singapore)

 

Hello

No I will respond if possible to make a DiY ViDock with my laptop, or if the SiS chipset to use, no use for DIY?

And if possible Diy ...

Get a better performance with "Gigabyte Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 1GB OC"?

Need to know. I want to play Mafia 2, Crysis 2, Medal of honor, Gta4, among many other titles. But my HD ATI mobility 3470 256 mb. Does not anymore.

Please someone enlighten me if you can make a Diy ViDock with my laptop.

 

All the infrastructure to do what you want is there already for far less than the $950 for the commercial product. Consider:

- DIY ViDock Setup 1.x to configure your cards' PCI space
- DVI dummy to setup a fake monitor to allow NVidia CUDA to operate.
- PCIex16 risers to share the PE4L/PE4H PCI bus amongst multiple cards

You can answer this by installing DIY ViDock Setup 1.x and ensure your system has, or can create using PCI Compaction, a free 256MB PCI window to accomodate a GTX460 in 32-bit space. If it can AND you have SIS drivers for the PCI BUS in Win7 then there is no reason why it shouldn't work. You'll be the first to post a SIS chipset experience should you decide to go ahead with it.

See Sandy Bridge's series-6 mobile chipset supports pci-e 2.0 (5GT/s).

No one has yet posted a DVI<->internal LVDS setup though there is discussed here on how to do with US$30 ebay parts. Would certainly be interested in your implementation of it.

Benchmark results are on the first page for you to compare GTX460M versus GTX460, noting x1.Opt out-benchmarks x2 but is slightly slower in real-life gaming performance.

The simple fact is that if the game is very heavily dependent on CPU<->GPU texture transfers then the DIY ViDock's x1 1.0 will be slower than x16 1.0/2.0. If it's about GPU processing then the desktop GTX460 will be faster as a GTX460M is equivalent to a GTS450 desktop card.

Consider too that should Thunderport make it's way to notebook PCs AND if NVidia unlock their driver then we'd see x2 2.0 Optimus GTX460 (~x8 1.0). It would easily outperform a GTX460M and make high performance internal LCD usage possible without the hardware DVI<->LVDS adapter. Optimus just copies the data to the internal LCD frame buffer across the pci-e bus.

I wonder too if Thunderport is a result of someone at Intel or Apple seeing that we'd successfuly ganged ports to get x2 1.0, deciding to package it in a USB-sized connector with full bios and appropriate EM-specced cabling?

Hwtools are now looking at creating a Thunderport cable to attach to their PE4H.

 

Thanks for responding nando4.

Sorry for my English.

This week is my PE4H ver2.4 with EC2C. I was waiting for a response to buy the GPU. I have my eye on an Asus GTS 450 Nvidia GeForce 1GB OverClocked DirectCU. I get cheaper. I'm going crazy with so many models to choose from.

I will keep your advice to connect the setup.x1 ViDock Diy

Although the method as I have read. There are many things that can go wrong. And the truth I've never tried something like that.

I hope to get ... if it's the last thing I do, lol

Thanks nando4

 

Interesting... received my PE4L and it is 1.5 a. 1.5 is the highest according to the hwtools site... Is this the same?

Still waiting on my xbox brick and other adapters though

 

Hey everyone

I've been following the thread now for sometime now, and this seems like very very interesting project, so I decided to take part in it as well. I've already ordered my PE4L, and I just bought my power supply, its a BFG GS-450, 450W on sale for $20 CDN.

Now, I am deciding on which card to buy while I wait for my PE4L to arrive. I've been eyeing on the GTS 450 since its right on my budget, but then recently the GTX 460 768MB one is getting really close to the $100 mark. I even saw one GTX 460 at my store here for $110 with MIR. Unfortunately, it got sold out real fast!

I am definitely gonna go with the Nvidia one because I can take advantage of that Optimus feature, since I have the Intel 4500MHD with ICH9M chipset (I am using Lenovo T400). And judging from other users who have the T400, they didn't have to use the DIY VIdock setup, so I guess I am lucky.

So, any suggestions on the cards? Also how about the GTS 250? Anybody here tried with that? That card is really cheap ATM.

 

Hey nando4,

So its been a while since ive been here. I was surfing reddit: the voice of the internet -- news before it happens (wow, it put that link in by itself!! :O )and i came across a post of your Avatar pic and immediately remembered this tread.
http://i.imgur.com/sogsc.png

Anywho just thought i would let you know i am no longer using my DIY vidock. I just recently bought built my self a very nice desktop around my HD5770, and dual LCDs i was running.

Here are some pics of my old HP tx2 Touchsmart with Vidock-5770-dual 22" LCDs




And now here is my new rig







Anyhow, Thanks for all your help once again with getting my Vidock up and running.

Ciao Nando4

Chesniak

 

Hello nando4

I just saw a post on another website. PEH4 a user. He says that he has died the notebook

PCI-E 16X to ExpressCard 34 via PE4H ver 2.0a (External videocard for laptop) - Spiceworks Community

I have fear. If this happens to me. I'm dying.

I also read that with a Ati 5750 is not necessary to set anything in the Bios.

"Even at x1 1.0 link speed, the performance difference b/w X3100/4500MHD and HD5750 is staggering.
T6600-2.2 using a x1E link saw 3dmark06 go from 866 to 9551.
RE5 went from an unplayable 4.1FPS to a very playabe 60.9FPS.
[email protected] using a x1 link saw 3dmark06 go from 586 to 7341, RE5 went from an unplayable 3.4fps to a very playable 44.8fps in Win7/DX9.
Even a low end CPU provides gaming ability.

If you run Win7 exclusively it is very easy to enable HD5750 graphics without a reboot.
Just standby the system, plug in the PE4L, resume, Win7 detects the HD5750 and reverts back to how you have your desktop setup (eg: HD5750 as primary or extended display).
Easy."

Is that correct?

With PE4H + EC2C and Ati 5750 can also connect to win7 64bits, and recognizes it as in the example above?

Or rather, you should also make the 1.x Setup?

Because if so.

I'm considering buying the 5750

I find it very difficult to get into the Bios and set that the 1.x Setup

But with their knowledge and valuable help Nando4.
I think I get

Greetings

 

Hi Nando4...
i just assembled my PE4H kit with 500W PSU, GTX460-2gb..and ran my Cuda based application (octane render)
to my delight (and surprise) it didnt require an external monitor...
Maybe because octane render needs the GPUs for processing only...
and more surely- because my laptop has Nvidia Optimus technology
AND I am able to run both onboard and external GPUs simultaneously..
I have a win7 (64 bit), Dell Precision M4500, Quadro FX880 (1GB) laptop...
big thanks for all your efforts...
(i wish to try the multi-GPU rig..with this
ARC2-PEL-2X16)
lets see....
thanks again..

 

Are there any notebook with the new intel cpu and nvidia optimus worked with this?

 

US$180/$190/$220 GTX460-768MB/1GB/1GB 336 CUDA cores setup

$130AR Sparkle GTX460 1GB 336 CUDA cores + $55-shipped PE4L-EC2C with 30cm mini HDMI cable + $25AR-shipped Corsair 12V/28A-336W PSU

NOTE: A GTX460SE (288 cores) is to a GTX460 (336 cores) as a GTX560 (384 cores) is to a GTX460 (336 cores). Suggest then to avoid a GTX460SE unless it's ultra-cheap.

Optional extras

- $30 for a Galaxy GTX460-1GB $100.AR if can get the second rebate UPC code off the card.
- $40 for a US$90 (after $50 rebate) Galaxy GTX460 768MB. Channel Wide refers to any authorized dealer.
- $25 if can salvage a working 12V/15A+ ATX PSU from say your local business district's PC disposal area.
+ $5 for a SWEX for your PE4L if don't want to use the paperclip trick to turn on the ATX PSU.
+ $30 if want a PE4H for a sturdier self-supporting base + x2/x4 capability. Comes with a SWEX as standard.
+ $0 to swap the EC2C (expresscard) for a PM3N (mPCIe) if your notebook doesn't have an expresscard slot.
+ $12/$15 for a longer 100/150cm mini HDMI cable or $6 for a 150cm cable delivered in 2-4wks from China. The longer cable would be necessary if doing a mPCIe implementation using a PM3N.

Setup details and performance examples are on the first post of this thread. A x1.Opt (Optimus) setup can even use the desktop GPU to render the image but then display it on the notebook's internal LCD.

 

Hello nando4

Just received the PE4H + EC2C.

I have a doubt. Sorry for my English. I'm using the Google Translator.

To serve these switches?



Which would you choose?

The XFX Ati Radeon HD 5750 1GB; 111.90 €



or Asus GTS 450 Nvidia GeForce 1GB OverClocked DirectCue; 119.00 €



I need to move games like Mafia 2, Crysis 2, Battle BadCompany2

Thanks for helping.

 

Well it should work!
I tested it with an ATi card

But take a ATi HD 5770 (its faster and you have just pay 10-20€ more!) or for 140€ the ATi HD 6850


If you have a NVidia Graphic onboard you should take the NVidia card!
If you have ATi take the Ati Card!


I played Company of Heroes in Ultra Details and got 50fps avarage! =)
Looks nice and nice gameplay!

 

@ to all who know that problem...


Well i had a lot of Problems to run my Villagetronic ViDock, but now its working a bit...

With the Setup1x Programm it works perfectly under Windows XP x64bit.

But I want to use the ViDock on Vista Ultimate x64 or Windows 7 Utimate x64, because i cant get the Sounddriver working on my WinXP x64 Sys..


I tried this "FULL_FUNCTION_2_6.exe" from Magma - PCI & PCI Express Expansion Solutions but this messes up Vista and Windows7 with bluescreen (with and without ViDock) but worked on WinXP x64 (but wasnt neccessary anymore with the Setup1x Programm)


I didnt test it on normal Windows XP, maybe tomorow..




Now my prob:
When i start with 32bit for both cards or 36bit or if i choose only one of the cards (even bridging) doesnt work under Windows Vista x64 or Win7 x64.
The card is found correctly and in the Device Manager it says "The Device is working correct"
Installed the newest Catalyst (in WinXP x64 the newest Catalyst works!)

But if i click on Resorces there stands "The Device isnt using any Resources" (sorry i dont have an english version of Windows but i think you know what i mean )

Each Win Vista ulti x64 and win7 ulti x64 finds the ViDock even if you hotplug it, but says no resources...

are there special settings?
or did i miss something in the troubleshoot? :/



My Laptop:
Fujitsu Siemens Computers - Amilo Xi2550
with Intel ICH8 (6 PCI Express slots, all are in use only the first is for the ex-card)



<<<<<<<<<

another prob is the RAM, only 2GB is supported... with more its mess up in blank/blackscreen...

and well can i use x2e? because my ICH8 PCI-e Lanes are all in use by GigabitLAN, 2x SATA Controllers, WiFi, IntelTurboMemory and one free (the first)

 

You mean that for me ViDock diy work.
I put GRAPHICS CARD ATI brand.
My laptop has an ATI Mobility 3470.
I would like to put a Nvidia GTS 450.
Going to give me problems using Nvidia. If I have ATI?

 

Yep!

With Win7 i dont know exactly but under XP and Vista (wont support 2 WDMs -> Graphiccarddrivers) you will get a lot of troubles!

Best you take the same brand of your Laptops-onboard-card.

You have ATi -> than you should take an ATi Card!
I have now an ATi HD5670 for testing.
Next days i will test a HD6850 or HD6950 2GB

but the 6850 should be handled by the device..
and well the 5750 is not that bad but take a little stronger one!
Like 5770 or 5850!

 

I thought that if they could.

I've had bad experiences with ATI. And so I wanted to put a Nvidia.
And if you disable the ATI in my laptop?
It would not be possible to put a Nvidia?
I have Win 7 64 bit.
As I see on the first page. Are testing different from other brands carrying the laptop and work. They carry different brands of graphics.


Nando4 can confirm this?

 

maybe it will work but if you are using windows Vista you can get troubles if you take 2 different cards!

And well.. its a PCI-e 1x or 2x lane, so it makes not that much difference if you choose ATi or NV



btw:
PLEASE HELP @ POST #3018

 

@pushead

I have T400 with Win7/64 intel 4500mhd. I am not so lucky, had to do the setup. But if u have similar system as mine then it will work for sure.

 

Using Win7 to re-do PCI allocation to overcome error 12

The idea here is to free up some PCI space by disabling the video card's HDMI audio controller, then disable/enable the display driver so Win7 reallocates it.

0 Ensure the PCI Reset Delay slider switch is set to 0sec position on a PE4H 2.4+ or PE4L 1.5+.

1 Boot the notebook into Win7 with eGPU off. Place the computer to sleep, not hibernate.

2 Insert EC2C into the Expresscard slot if it's already not in it. Power on the eGPU.

3 Wake up the computer

4 Disable video card's HDMI Audio devices in the Device Manager to free up resources.

5 Disable the video card in Device Manager. Power off the eGPU. Do a Device Manager rescan upon which the video card should no longer be in Display Adapters.

6 Sleep system. Powercycle the eGPU and resume system.

7 Do a device rescan in Device Manager. Enable the video card upon which it will attempt to allocate it in available space. Check to see if the Error 12 is gone.

My 2530P+GTX460 showed an error 12 after a Win7 re-install but after doing this it disappeared without needing Setup 1.x. Win7 does a PCI reallocation of the GTX460 with the extra 16KB of PCI space occupied by the HDMI audio controller.

Win7 will allow you to mix ATI + NVidia cards are long as there are WDM 1.1 drivers for both which there are for your setup. Vista will not allow you to mix ATI + NVidia cards.

Xi2550 lspci output here only tells me the ports are port1=?? (probably expresscard), port3=wifi, port4=LAN. So you can't use port3+4. If port1=expresscard and port2=TurboMemory then can use them to do a x2 (with wifi) or x2E (remove wifi to ensure it and LAN aren't lane3+4) setup but you'll need a hwtool's PE4H. Villagetronic ViDock can't do x2/x2E.

Your video card showing no resources in Win7 is a symptom of using a different ATI driver for your HD2700 and desktop card. This is exactly what a user with a HD3650 (mobile) +HD6850 (desktop) saw. The solution was to use a unified driver who INF files contains both gpus, eg: the modded DNA drivers.

[ rhetorical question ] have you asked Villagetronic to support you? If they can't figure it out then they offer a refund which would be handy if your system is x2 capable and want a PE4H + extra cash instead.

 

becak:

Is your T400 with the switchable graphics, and how did you first connect your VIdock card into the laptop? Did you the sleep, connect, and resume method? Or did you just simply do the plug n play way?

 

@ nando4

here is a screenshot from the ICH8 PCI-Express Controller

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/7854/aida1.jpg


I dont use normal Notebookgraphicdriver i use the desktop driver for my mobile GPU -> Catalyst 9.10 with mobilitymodder




with the Setup1x it works perfect under WindowsXP x64 but i dont get the sound running... so its useless until the sound works with WinXP x64.
So i want to use it with Win7 or Vista, but no Resources left..

and well i will test the driverthing...


edit:
Company of Heroes is working on my 130cm PlasmaLED with Ultra Settings smooth with avarage 50fps (Scenetests from optionsmenue) -> WinXP x64

 

Your Fujitsu Amilo xi2555 has

port1=expresscard
port2=turbo memory
port3=wifi
port4=LAN

If you remove the turbo memory card then you use Setup 1.x to set port1 to be a x1E link. That will give a nice 15-30% boost in performance.

If you use a PM3N in place of the turbo memory then can run a x2 for another performance increase again. If you run x2 and remove the wifi card and then can run x2E which will give another 15-30% performance over x2. Your LAN won't be working when running x2E.

Villagetronic Support can help configure their hardware to work with your system. If no-go then consider asking for a refund. Their "contact us within 10days" policy for a refund may need to be discussed.