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    eGPU Lenovo Z580

    Discussion in 'e-GPU (External Graphics) Discussion' started by PThieme, May 9, 2014.

  1. PThieme

    PThieme Newbie

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    Hey all of you on Notebook Review,

    I purchased a Lenovo Z580 media laptop last summer. I have an i7-3520M @ 3.6Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600Mhz RAM, and the Intel HD4000 graphics. Obviously, the graphics on my system are lacking. I have been researching eGPU technology, hoping that I could install an Nvidia GTX550Ti I have left over from a desktop build.

    My question is, my laptop has only one PCIe slot, which is being used for the Intel 6300U WiFi card. Could I install the PE4H or PE4L eGPU adapter into my eSATA slot where my optical drive is, if I get an eSATA to PCIe adapter, such as this RunCore 70mm/50mm Mini PCI Express SSD to 2.5" SATA II Converter Adapter ?

    Could I install it this way, or will I have to put up with exchanging my WiFi card for graphics every time I want to get some graphics power? Thanks!
     
    PThieme, May 9, 2014
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  2. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    nope, you have to connect right to a mPCIE slot. those SATA to mPCIE are for storage purposes only and do not pass on other data lanes. think of it this way, you can not hook a video card to a SATA port on a desktop as it is configured for two entirely different jobs.



    I have not used an e-gpu much lately ( still run it on an x230 ) but the only way I can see it working is pull your wifi card and use a USB wifi dongle.
     
    KCETech1, May 9, 2014
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  3. PThieme

    PThieme Newbie

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    Alright, thanks. I have an ethernet port, so I can use that, and then pop the wifi card back in when I want to go somewhere, right?

    Also, what kind of software is required to do an eGPU setup, just the Nvidia drivers?
     
    PThieme, May 9, 2014
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  4. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    no you need specialized software many times and sometimes to do what is called a chainload to actually setup the graphics switching or external card. its somewhere here in the DIY egpu thread
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html

    a fast google search for diy egpu will net you a lot of information
     
    KCETech1, May 9, 2014
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