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    W530 or T430 with eGPU options vs. Y500 w/dual SLI 650m

    Discussion in 'e-GPU (External Graphics) Discussion' started by kvasefi, Feb 13, 2013.

  1. kvasefi

    kvasefi Notebook Guru

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    Hi all,

    Sorry if this is answered elsewhere in the forum or on the web; I'm having a hard time finding the answers I need and was hoping someone here can give thoughts/links...I'm in the process of getting either a business class Thinkpad W530 w/K1000m GPY or T series w/NVS5400, or else a Y500 with the dual SLI 650m. I really want a robust system if possible, so I'm leaning towards the Thinkpads, but I also want to be able to handle heavier graphics when needed at the desk (both games and CAD). I've never played with eGPU before, but I'm thinking this would allow me to go with the lower portable graphics + better overall laptop of the business models while keeping the ability for powerful graphics. If I do that, I'm planning on using an external power source (have a 700W sitting around from a dead desktop) and do the PE4H option. A couple questions:

    1. Will the 3rd gen CPUs in the Thinkpad lines handle the Keppler GPUs, and if so, how high of a graphics card can/should I go before the PCIe/HDMI cable limitations become a bottleneck?
    2. Will the external GPU outperform the dual SLI 650ms on the Y500? Similarly, how would it compare to the K2000m if I upgrade to that on the laptop? I haven't found a good comparison between good mobile discrete GPUs and a good eGPU setup yet....
    3. Is there a difference in performance using the ExpressCard vs. PCIe ports on the laptop?
    4. I'm planning on using a mini tower to house the card/PSU/cabling/PE4H putting it under the table...any problems with this?
    5. Has anyone done this with the W530 or T430? Any weird issues/bugs/errors I should be aware of?
     
    kvasefi, Feb 13, 2013
    #1