Let's figure out how to make a DIY eGPU (previously DIY ViDock)

on the PE4H website, it says system requirements are windows 7 and linux only?

will it run on my vista 32bit? oh god

 

the chart showing set ups show that there is a XP 32 bit sytem and a Vista 64bit.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...18851-diy-vidock-experiences.html#post5324240

what it will come down to will be HOW to get your set up working correctly. this is not always a plug and play set up for external Video cards.

if you look through the posts you will see that for the most help you will need to post a screen shot of your MB south bridge so that we can see what ports you have opened, and go from there.

 

Sweet, thanks man. So a PM3N link to the PE4H can function then? Does breaking the PM3N in half decrease the performance of the link? So I read through that FAQ, and I guess I just have to check whether the Alienware M15x's expresscard and mPCIe slot is numbered correctly. Where do I check that on the computer/online? I saw that picture of Everest on the FAQ. Is Everest a program I can install on my comp to check how the ports are numbered? How else could I check it before I get my computer?

 

Great Case Idea For ViDocks (Case + PSU)!!

 

PE4H is sold out will the restock soon ?

 

I've been reading about this project for a few days now. I think I've understood most of the concepts and would like to try it myself. Are there any known issues regarding this DIY ViDock with HP dv5? This is my laptop but I have Win7 32 bit installed in it(I think I might have the same chipset with Malamune). Basically:

Microprocessor: 2.00 GHz AMD Athlon X2 QL-62 D
Memory: 3072MB (I changed a 1GB stick to 2GB so its 4GB atm, i know)
Video Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics RS780M

Here are screens of my Device manager and Everest if they are more informational to you:

http://imgur.com/Qny3M.png
http://imgur.com/lcqj4.png

Thanks! Cheers and congrats with this project of yours. I've always thought about this but didn't know you actually made it work.

Bunny

 

did u mean $77 on a PE4L so i don't need a PE4H and if i do that will i lose out on some of the card capabilities

 

LOL, My Mobility Radeon HD2400 scored 3.4fps(fixed) and 5.1(Variable) on RE5 Benchmark at 1280x720 full screen....i totally suck...

will my my PE4H later and if everything goes smooth, will edit this post with new benchmark....if not then i need help.....=D

 

Bunny, you'll need to compact your PCI space to free up of 256MB to host an ATI card. Can be done simply enough:

1. Create DIY ViDock Setup 1.x USB bootdisk

2. Perform 32-bit compaction on ALL devices to defrag PCI space. This will relocate your ATI card to d0000000 and your other devices to > e4000000. This will liberate 256MB at c0000000 to be able to host a desktop video card.

3. Chainload into Win7 to confirm system is OK with this PCI reallocation

4. Final confirmation. Review Device Manager->Resources By Type->Memory, ensure c0000000-cfffffff (256MB) is now free.

FYI: DIY ViDock Setup v1.0d released today. A significant improvement over v1.0c in performance, nicer layout, more help text, functionality + better guidance, colorful, bugs fixed.

 

As I am using Vista I can only chain load to mbr... but it still doesn't work. The setup says I got free 256mb free space but still have code 12 error in the device manager... ok guys whatdo you need from me to teach me?

 

Did you do a PCI Compaction? (eg: 32-bit ALL, or 32-bit vid_0 vid1 vid2) The underlying bridges will be corrected configured when you do that.

The other issue is Vista needs a single driver set that works for your onboard and desktop graphics. This will present problems if onboard is using a different vendor to external gfx, or your onboard is a Legacy ATI driver which doesn't include support for a newer ATI desktop gfx driver.

XP and Win7 are better for DIY ViDock purposes as allow different vendor drivers for onboard and desktop gfx.

 

I tried doing it in menu mode.. I select compaction 32bit all but when I press enter, nothing happen... the other option is select graphics cards which cannot be selected.

My onboard is mobility radeon 2400.. I am using 5750 via e2c2

 

Good news is, its taking slot 5 so I can do x1e... but I still can't get it to with after 20 restart with usb...

 

EDIT: Works according to next post.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/6382456-post881.html

 

see post above

 

LOL. I think you're editing the USB bootdisk guide. It's currently making my head ache.

eg.

Code:

1. Run DIY ViDock Setup v1.x downloaded from the above. Extract to c:\ (default).

2. Defrag c:\DIYViDock-Setup-1.x.IMG using WinContig to make it one contiguous data block on your HDD. This is pre-requisite for Step 4 below which you can skip if intend to only create a USB thumbdrive.

Where does the image come from? I don't see any images when I extract the downloadable, just a folder.

 

DIY ViDock Setup v1.0e released. Re-packaged with installation instructions allow creation of USB stick and/or XP/Vista/Win7 bootloader menuitem.

 

I just saw this on the COMPACT.TXT:

Code:

RESTRICTIONS ON 36-bit relocation

     Not supported by driver:

          Intel GMA950/X3100, NVidia 9300M/9800M
          ALL ATI cards(!!)

Is this going to work? I tried 36-bit compaction on "ALL devices on pci-e bus" but it didn't move anything when I chainloaded to win7 after the compaction was done(I checked device manager if c0000000 was free, but my integrated card was still there). I am currently trying the compaction again.

PS: HUGE props on bootloader menu addition to the guide. It definitely is way more convenient. I guess my newly bought USB stick is not gonna be needed anymore. D:

edit: ok nvm, I guess I need my vidock. All I need is the PSU -_-. It hasn't worked since I wasn't following instructions(These: Once DIY ViDock Setup v1.x menus are shown, hit [F1], read instructions then [Enter] to enable context-sensitive help to guide you along.) and part of the instructions is to plug in my vidock. Can't wait!

edit2: wait... how do you confirm you want to do "ALL devices on pci-e bus"? I can't press Enter to confirm, but can press Esc to go back to the "PCI config space" menu.

 

I should also highlight that previous AMD-based users (Malemake) with a HP DV71267CL could boot with the DIY ViDock powered on during bios boot and it would take over duty as the primary display. No need to do any PCI reallocation since it is now using the resources that would normally be used when the onboard graphics is active. This should give you a high level of confidence this will work. You'll also get the equivalent of Intel x1E speed, since neither AMD nor NVidia chipsets have crippled x1 1.0 links.

If you want to try do PCI reallocation anyway, go to DOS prompt, do a full 32-bit allocation, Check what the final returned line is "Largest free contiguous block @address(size)". If that is 256MB, the you can add an ATI card.

Code:

compact pciend 100000000 import \core\devcon.txt makebatch %DRV%:\core\pci.bat
call %DRV%:\core\pci.bat
call grub4dos w7

Then chainload to Win7, confirming that you now have a 256MB window free at c00000000. The advantage of using the Setup 1.x is you could have the onboard AND desktop graphics working simultaneously.

 

So my PSU arrived today and I assembled everything. But...



My laptop won't turn on if the ViDock is connected to it beforehand. I then tried it when my laptop is on Sleep, plugged the DIY ViDock, and pressed the power button. The led's on the laptop blinked once and the whole thing turned off. This might be a hardware issue on the laptop itself. Any suggestions nando?

 

If you have a floating ground then it would prevent a system powering up. So try a cold boot after reseating all cabling. Ie:

1. Shutdown DV5.
2. Reseat EC2C in expresscard slot, the mini HDMI cable connected to PE4L/PE4H and the power cable, your cabling to your LCD/monitor and PSU cabling.
3. Power DIY ViDock by powering up your PSU.
4. Poweron DV5.

Based on previous AMD-based HP DV results, the DIY ViDock should then become the primary video device. Another AMD-based DV5 user has just posted success with a 8800GT here.

 

No dice. Things I've done:

1) Reseated all the cables. Turned on DIY ViDock, connected the EC2C. Press power button on DV5. No power. This scenario is very much the same everytime.

2) Turn on DIY ViDock. Turn on DV5. During choice of which to boot up(Win7, Ubuntu or grub4), I plug in the EC2C. Choose Win 7. During boot up, power goes off.

This is tricky since everytime I try these scenarios, my laptop won't turn on for a few minutes after I take out the DIY ViDock. I always think I bricked my laptop but it powers up after a few minutes. (I just keep unplugging the power cord and trying to turn it on again)

 

That's the notebooks short-circuit protection mechanism. Something is shorting the 12V/GND lines. Triple check the power cable going to your PE4L/PE4H. An unusual possibility would be the expresscard slot itself has shorted pins if somehow the pins got misaligned or jammed.

 

Short-circuit as in not enough power right? Sigh. It could be the 2nd hand PSU I'm using. I'm gonna try and get a brand new one tomorrow.

edit:

Wait a second. Since I have a 5770, does it mean I need a PSU(for the card) + a 12v/80w jack adapter(for the PE4L)? Or is the PSU enough to power both?

 

I solved the short-circuit problem by opening the j4 jumper setting.(don't draw power from pc?)

Now, I plugged in my DIY Vidock but it isnt getting picked up. Everest shows port #247 is empty( the same as my initial screenshot. Is there a way to test where ports are?

 

I believe port #247 is the expresscard slot. To test the expresscard slot would require a e-sata/usb 3.0 expresscard OR a working DIY ViDock.

PSU ------> PE4L's 4-pin floppy molex
+---------> HD5770's 6-pin pcie plug

Ensure the PSU is powered on with either the paperclip trick OR using the SWEX. That's all that is required.

If get stuck then it's worthwhile testing the setup on another notebook's expresscard if you have access. HD5770 will be shown in Everest->Motherboard->Chipset->North/Southbridge if it's detected OK.

 

Hey nando,

I bought a new PSU, but it still gives me the same issue (When DIY ViDock is plugged in - press power on laptop - all LEDs blink then turn off). However, I was able to borrow a friend's laptop to try the setup and his laptop experienced the same thing.

EDIT: setup.

 

Hey all.

So I have decided to replace my desktop with a laptop, and no longer care about using a small notebook to do it.

Is it possible to use an Asus G73 to do this? does it have the correct ports for the parts?

Thanks

-Ash

EDIT:

Scratch that.

Just found out about the i7 studio XPS 16.

Here is an internals shot:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/att...ntel-core-i7-owners-lounge-xpsi7-internal.jpg

Im thinking of doing a 2x 1.0e link with a gtx 480 - thoughts? will it work?


-Ash

 

gtx 480 only boots at x4, some how TPU's review tested it techPowerUp :: GeForce GTX 480 PCI-Express Scaling Review :: Page 1 / 25

Ati will actually run on all modes, http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_5870_PCI-Express_Scaling/

there are ways to run physx with ati cards if you were desperate for it.

 

That only says it wont boot at 1x, they didnt try at 2x.

Also, a few pages back someone tried a gtx480 in 1x mode i believe?

-Ash

 

G73 doesn't have an expresscard

 

Hi All
First Post

I have an Acer 5720 with crappy mobile intel 965 integrated graphics, vista 32 bit 4g ram

V.interested in tryin a DIY Vidock.
Ive read a lot of the posts (not all)
Can anyone advise if this laptop setup i have is compatible to try ?

If so Im after the Cheapest possible setup ...is there an update for the cheapest connectors etc...where to get them? Im fine with soldering..however I wouldnt mind a picture or 2 of the actual setup to follow.

Any advice gratefully taken onboard.

Thanks In Advance

 

cheapest possible setup?
that laptop has express type 54, but you can insert a type 34 into it.
if you go down the table at the bottom PE4L ( PCIe passive adapter Ver1.0 )
cheapest option would be PE4L with an external power from a PSU. Still it ma ybe possible to run without external power such as graphic card that require low power like hd 5570 and low profile gt 240
I would recommend getting PE4H anyway, since you might upgrade with mini PCIe raid with express which gives you x2.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...e-out-how-make-diy-vidock-91.html#post5491914
that's the cheapest setup

 

Thanks Key001

That looks like a couple sata cables and and expresscard adapter

Im not sure I can figure out with confidence the connections required.

Has anyone else done this cheapy way ?
Any dumb idiots guide to the wiring required using the sata cables and expresscard.

TIA

 

PE4H 2.1 and PE4L 1.5 scheduled for Sep 2010

Gerry from hwtool's comments copied below from the progress link. PE4H 2.1 and PE4L 1.5 add a slider switch providing a 0, 7 or 15 second PCI Reset Delay to bypass bios detection. This means no need to manually power off the unit during bootup for many systems that hang bios, cause havoc with the bios' own PCI allocation or require it for mPCIe anti-whitelisting. PE4H 2.1's DC-DC circuit also has been beefed up from 3A to 9A.

2010/7/6
I got many people suggestion from notebookreview

The PE4H ver2.1 add PERST# delay for avoid BIOS detection. And improve DC/DC schematic to 9A. please check attached comparison.pdf. Ver2.1 price should same with older version.

Schedule :

7/5 PCB process
7/13 PCBA assembly and test
7/19 engineering sample release when test PASS. Totally 10PCS
8/31 mass production. Totally 300PCS


pe4h_schematic_2010july05.pdf
PE4H comparison.pdf​

 

I apologize for yet another compatibility question, but was curious if anyone with a Toshiba notebook has tried this out yet? I have gone through many posts and imagine my system would work but havn't seen any comments on anything similar to my laptop. I'm running a Toshiba Satellite A100-TA9 core 2 duo 1.83, 2GB of ram, nvidia geforce go 7600, an express port and windows xp home. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated before i go ahead with this project.

 

Hey everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone knows where I can acquire a PE4H-EC2C setup. I've really only found two sites that carry them and both say that they are out of stock. Those two sites are as follows:

www.HWtools.net
www.Bplus.com.tw

I'd like to try this system out on a Toshiba Satellite A215-S6816 if I can find some place to purchase the setup.

Thanks!

 

Harmonic Inversion is a North American distributor of hwtool's PE4H so US ppl can save on shipping costs.

 

Do they actually have it? Says "Coming Soon! Pre-Order Now!" on the description

 

yea im kinda wondering also i wanted to buy the pe4h for a while now always out of stock do i buy it and it takes the money and ship it when its in stock or something is that how the preorder work?

 

I'd like to do a google search to see if Im able to locate at least the PCIe part and/or expresscard34 w/mini hdmi attachment (to purchase)... Please excuse if I sound stupid, but what would my search query be, precisely, that would yield me the most desireable results??? Thanks....

 

hey got my pe4h but im thinking what brand gtx 460 is theb est im looking for one with 1gig mem

 

All of them seem good as it is. OC edition have better cooling tho

 

I believe my laptop has an Expresscard/34 adapter.. Is this the same adapter thats included in the PE4H package? Just want to make sure.

Also, I dont quite understand the difference between the PE4H package as oppsed to the PE4L package, one is x1 and the other x16? And the gfx card slot looks as thou they are different, one being PCIe and the other the more traditional slot... there's a significant price difference so if I could get away with the PE4L package Id rather do that.. other wise, if the PE4H is capable of putting out more power /higher bandwidths Id rather go with it..

BTW I have expresscard 1.0...

I could probably find the answer but Im a bit lazy today and dont want to skim thru all the threads.. sry!!

 

Yes. PE4L-EC2C or PE4H-EC2C package has a 34mm expresscard adapter (EC2C).

 

So, realistically speaking if I got the PE4H (x16 bandwidth) would that even be possible for my HP laptop bus/motherboard to process speeds at that rate? Otherwise it would be self-defeating... I might as wel settle for the PE4L and go with the 1x if I'm gonna be bottlenecked regardless...

running 2.26 core 2 duo, 4GB DDR 2 Ram, Expressport 1.0, 1GB video memory for GT 130 M (nvidida)

What route do you think I should go as far as 16x v. 1x?

Here's more detailed spec of my setup currently:
=========================================================
Motherboard
=========================================================
Motherboard manufacturer: Quanta
Motherboard product: 361B
Motherboard version: 15.2D
Motherboard serial number: CNF9210N08
=========================================================
BIOS
=========================================================
BIOS vendor: Hewlett-Packard
BIOS version: F.32
BIOS date: 10/26/2009

System manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System product name: HP HDX16 Notebook PC
System enclosure manufacturer: Quanta
=========================================================
Processor
=========================================================
Number of cores: 2
Family: 6
Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Version: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P7550 @ 2.26GHz
Voltage:
External clock frequency:
Processor clock frequency: 2260 MHz

Cache designation: L0 cache
Cache configuration:
Cache size: 0 KB

Cache designation: L1 cache
Cache configuration:
Cache size: 3072 KB
=========================================================
Memory
=========================================================
Installed memory: -.03 Gb
Available memory: -1.32 Gb
Used memory: 26%

Memory slot: DIMM0
Memory slot maximum size: 2048 Mb
Memory slot form-factor: SODIMM
Memory slot speed: 800 MHz

Memory slot: DIMM2
Memory slot maximum size: 2048 Mb
Memory slot form-factor: SODIMM
Memory slot speed: 800 MHz
=========================================================
Video
=========================================================
Manufacturer: Nvidia Corp
Processor: NVIDIA GeForce GT 130M
DAC type:
Video memory: -1.28 Gb
Model: NVIDIA GeForce GT 130M
BIOS string:
=========================================================
HDD
=========================================================
Hard disk drive 1:
Vendor:
Model: WDC WD5000BEVT-60ZAT1
Firmware version: 02.01A02
Serial number: 2020202057202d4458575a4e3830435336323536
Connection type: SATA v2.0 300 Mb/s
Disk cache size: 8 Mb
Disk size: 465.76 Gb

Logical disk letter: C:
Logical disk label:
Logical disk size: 465.76 Gb

Hard disk drive 2:
Vendor:
Model: WDC WD10EAVS-00D7B1
Firmware version: 01.01A01
Serial number: 2020202057202d44435755414134313834363323
Connection type: SATA
Disk cache size: 0 bytes
Disk size: 931.51 Gb

Logical disk letter: E:
Logical disk label: eSATADRIVE
Logical disk size: 931.51 Gb
=========================================================
CD Drives
=========================================================
Optical disc drive 1:
Letter: D:
Vendor: HL-DT-ST
Model: DVDRAM GT20L
Firmware version: DC03
Serial number:

Write speed: 706 Kb/s
Write speed: 1764 Kb/s
Write speed: 2822 Kb/s
Write speed: 4234 Kb/s
=========================================================
Removable Drives
=========================================================
Removable drive 1:
Vendor: JMCR
Model: SD/MMC
Firmware version:
Serial number:
Connection type: Unknown type
Disk size: 14.93 Gb
Removable disk letter: F:
Removable disk label: ReadyBoost Card
=========================================================
Codecs
=========================================================
Audio codecs: Microsoft IMA ADPCM CODEC
Microsoft CCITT G.711 A-Law and u-Law CODEC
Microsoft GSM 6.10 Audio CODEC
Microsoft ADPCM CODEC
Fraunhofer IIS MPEG Layer-3 Codec (decode only)
Decode AC3 and DTS audio
ffdshow Audio Decoder
Microsoft PCM Converter

Video codecs: MS-RLE
MS-CRAM
MS-YUV
MS-YUV
MS-YUV
IYUV codec
IYUV codec
Toshiba YUV411
Cinepak Codec
Fraps
XVID
FFDS

 

Suggested NVidia Setups

If wanting most bang-per-buck, consider a US$210 GTX460 setup shown below. NVidia GTX4xx/GTS4xx outperforms ATI HD5xxx on x1 1.0 Intel I/O chipsets as shown here and here. A GTS450 is 2x faster than a GT430. A GTX460 is 3x faster than a GT430 as shown here. US$125 12V/72W GT430-1GB eGPU Portable setup (GT430=49W TDP) US$65-ground_shipped PE4L + US$50 GT430-1GB+ US$10 12V/72W AC adapter = US$125. Optional: use a $15 12V/120W adapter instead. US$160 12V/120W GTS450-1GB eGPU Portable setup (GTS450=106W TDP) Implemented successfully here &. US$65-ground_shipped PE4L + US$70 GTS450-1GB+ US$15 12V/120W AC adapter + US$5 molex splitter/gender changer + US$2 pci-e to molex (male) adapter = US$160. Run a jumper lead from the floppy molex to the pci-e connector as shown here to split the power. US$213 430W GTX460-1GB eGPU Performance setup US$65-ground_shipped PE4L + US$123AR GTX460-1GB + US$25AR Corsair 430W PSU + US$0.05 paperclip = US$213.

GPU<sup>1</sup> TDP (W)<sup>2</sup> Shaders@speed GT240 69 96@550Mhz GT430 49 96@700Mhz GT440 65-81 96@810Mhz GTS450 106 192@783Mhz GTX550Ti 116 192@900Mhz GTX460SE-1GB 140 288@650Mhz GTX460-768MB 150 336@675Mhz GTX460-1GB 160 336@675Mhz GTX560 150-190 336@810Mhz GTX560Ti 170-260 384@822Mhz GTX570 217-298 480@732Mhz GTX580 244-330 512@772Mhz <sup>1</sup> I do not recommend GF100-based GTX465/470/480 as they consume too much power. <sup>2</sup> < 120W can do a portable 12V/120W setup <sup>2</sup> < 190W can use a fanless xbox360 PSU setup <sup>2</sup> any ATX PSU with a 12V rail rated at higher-than-TDP can be used

US$210 12V/203W GTX460-1GB eGPU portable setup (GTX460=160W TDP, advanced users!!)

Mod a 203W xbox360 PSU as described.

Optional extras

+ US$5 for a 2.1/5mm DC jack plug so can attach 12V DC to a PE4H
+ US$35 for a Ultra X4 400W. It's modular cabling and smaller footprint giving a tidier solution than the Corsair PSU.
-xx?? for a 768MB GTX460. See GTX460: 768MB versus 1GB
+US$80 for a 2GB GTX460.
+US$30 for a PE4H. See PE4H versus PE4L for GTX4xx use

Want an neater solution with a full enclosure?

Use a ViDock3/4/4+ instead of a PE4L. They start at US$214-$304 delivered worldwide.

Candidate notebooks with Intel X4500, HD or HD3000 graphics preferred

They allow the NVidia Optimus setup which accelerates performance another 20-333%. Outstanding performance AND can be used for exclusive internal LCD-only functionality.

 

Nando, thanks for the quick response as usual... Ill be using this as my reference on my next payday to purchase these items (unless I can find the PSU locally that is)

My question is though, in ur itemization, you've listed the PE4L, which accomidates a 1x PCI-e connection (smaller slot), yet the gfx card you've linked (very good bang-for-buck BTW) appears to be for a 16x slot, which is much longer... Can you please clear up this issue for me? Am I missing something??

Again, I appreicate your valuable responses..!

BTW, I can get a used (but still in box, never used Sapphire Radeon 4890 OC Edition for $150) would this be a good deal and/or comparable to the GTX 460?
Thanks!