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    ViDock Compatibility

    Discussion in 'e-GPU (External Graphics) Discussion' started by xtraman122, Dec 18, 2011.

  1. xtraman122

    xtraman122 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Guys,

    New here, got a few questions before I go buying a new laptop. My plan has been to grab an E6420 (i7 2570QM, 8GB, nvs 4200m) refurb as a desktop replacement as I'm just getting tired of having my big PC around. I've done a little reading on the ViDocks and wasn't 100% sure of my compatitbility options here.

    Ideally I'd like to take the GTX 260 Core 216 out of my old desktop and just slap it into the ViDock, but it seems like this may not work when you have nVidia onboard video on the laptop already?

    So my question is: Is there any way to get my GTX 260 to work with an E6420 as configured above with the 4200m onboard, or will I need to find one with the Intel video for it to work at all?

    I'm pretty technical, so just say it how it is and I'll figure it out.

    Thanks
     
    xtraman122, Dec 18, 2011
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  2. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    If you want to pursue the ViDock, then can ask your question at the ViDock Facebook page. Otherwise can consult the better http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam.../418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html#post5324240 main page for info to help you along.

    afaik, a E6420 with a NVS4200M has a Optimus option in the bios. Enabling it means it engages the iGPU+dGPU. Disabling it means only the dGPU is active. A GTX260 won't engage the pci-e compression that 40nm cards give when used with an iGPU (x1.Opt) so I'd advise getting an inexpensive GTX460 instead for significantly better performance.
     
    User Retired 2, Dec 18, 2011
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  3. xtraman122

    xtraman122 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, after reading all day I have a better grasp here. I'm not concerned with running my eGPU through the internal LCD, but would definitely be interested in capitalizing on the Optimus fuctionality for the x1.Opt setup after seeing some of the results. I'm not 100% sold on the ViDock, I just like it for the professional looking/compact enclosure.

    From my reading, x1.Opt wouldn't be possible because of the onboard NVS4200M, but because it still has the Intel HD I'll be able to take advantage of the Optimus between my eGPU and iGPU? So adding a a Fermi based card will indeed allow for the PCIe compression and give x1.Opt functionality and performance?

    E6420
    i7 2670QM
    NVS 4200M
     
    xtraman122, Dec 18, 2011
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  4. xtraman122

    xtraman122 Notebook Enthusiast

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    One final question to bother you guys with. Is x1.Opt possible with the ViDock? As far as I can tell the ViDock essentially uses a PE4L, so I wouldn't see you couldn't?
     
    xtraman122, Dec 18, 2011
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