Dell L502x eGPU help

So I'm sick and tired of my poor performance 540m, and just heard about eGPUs. I know this has been done with the L502x before, just want to make sure I get everything right. I'm aiming for x1.2Opt. Supplies:

GTX 560 Ti
600W PSU-- I hear the 560 ti needs 40W combined on +12V rails to be safe. Can I get away with less than this like the Shuttle 300W?
PE4L-PM060A 2.1b
Do I also need PE4L-EC060A 2.1
If I understand correctly, PM060A goes from the internal mPCIe 2 x1 port to expresscard? Then EC060A goes from expresscard to PCIe x1?

Also, I either need to disable the builting 540m or get Setup 1.x right? With the bios recently unlocked, there is an option for IGD only. Not sure if it works though.
I'm assuming that
1. This will work with windows 8(running x64 from msdn)
2. I can use the internal LCD with the eGPU

Confirming the above and any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

--Adeeb

 

Sadly, your internal monitor is only usable if you have an integrated intel gpu (such as the HD3000 or HD4000).

 

I do have an HD3000. Should have posted specs:

Dell L502x
i7 2720QM
6GB 1333 RAM
HD 3000
nVidia 525M

--Adeeb

 

I think it's also 40A (Amperes) on the 12V Rail rather than 40 W.

 

300w should be plenty, but you might want to get more. I actually have a spare unopened 430w power supply I could sell to you for cheap.

And your specs should be fine. Your system will be capable of Opt 1.2, and your internal screen can be used instead of an external. I'd check your TOLUD though, as for some systems you need to install less than 4gb of ram as it will cause error 12 if you don't have enough free resources.

Windows 8 has been confirmed to work on a few systems, so I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work for yours.

 

Yup, typo.

Thanks, I'd be interested in the PSU. As for TOLUD, I believe the address is BFA00000 which would be <3.25gb right?


Also, I'm kind of confused about what adapter to buy. PE4L-PM060A is mPCIe to PCIe right? So is that all I need? Some posts HERE led me to believe I needed PE4L-EC060A as well, but I don't think that is the case.

Also, it looks like PE4L-PM060A is only available from HWTOOLS and not HIT. So does that mean I have to buy setup 1.x separately?

--Adeeb

 

Your TOLUD is less, so your fine.

I personally bought a Vidock, but it looks like the PE4L-PM060A is a m-pcie connector. And I read somewhere that when you a connector, you get the setup 1.x for free. It might be that you don't even need it but I'd double check it.

 

Yeah, I heard HIT gives Setup 1.x for free with purchase, but HIT doesn't seem to carry PM060A. Only HWTOOLS

--Adeeb

 

I'm also preparing to do a eGPU setup. Was planning on doing it earlier, but now the holiday break Dec/Jan looks to be my new timeframe.

As for your question, about PM060A vs EC060A, you only need the PM060A, and that will plug into the mPCI-e slot in the base of the L502x. (it's either free, or being used by the TV tuner if you have one).

Have a look at this thread and see if it helps answer some of your questions:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/568268-vidock-w-sandy-bridge-l1502x-l1702x.html

To re-iterate some things you've said, and hoping to help both our understandings, here's what needs to be done:

These are the essential hardware components that are needed.
As for what plugs into what, I believe it is
GPU -> PE4L
PSU -> PE4L
PE4L -> mPCI-e slot in notebook
GPU -> external display (or not, if using internal LCD)

Yes, my understanding is that Setup 1.x is required to disable the dGPU. You bring up a great point about capitankasar's recent unlocking of the BIOS, but I'm unsure if this is "enough" to really disable the dGPU. Something worth looking into for sure.

Yup, many people have reported successfully using the internal LCD with their eGPU setups. That said, everybody reports that they get slightly better FPS using an external GPU.

 

Yeah I figured I needed the PM060A. I wish they were selling the version that has the two parts connect via HDMI cable. I take my laptop around every day, and don't want a chip sticking out of the bottom all the time. Is there any easy way to attach/detach?

I think I'm going with the Zotac GTX 660 because of it's slim form facter, and the cheapest 6xx card with enough ROPs to properly support 1920x1080 res. It's funny how the integrated card is less than optimal for native resolution. Good 'ole Dell.
Will also get the slim 300W PSU so I can bind them up in a nice small package.

Going to test and see if I can disable the dGPU with the new bios.

--Adeeb

 

Yeah I'm still sitting on doing this. Saving up for a Surface Pro to replace my Dell Vostro. GOing down the eGPU route will definitely eat into my "Surface Pro funds"