eGPU setup on to-be-purchased computer.

Hello.

I am in the market for buying a laptop. I want to buy a laptop that is relatively thin and light and can work with an eGPU.

So I have been trying to read on that one thread (the one with 1100+ pages) and I was lost.

I want to use the laptop's monitor. I live in a university dorm room, and it is impossible for me to have an external monitor. Now I know that Nvidia's optimus allows this, but I couldn't figure out how. The one page that did try explaining everything seemed outdated. What are the requirements for this setup? Any suggestions for what laptop I should buy? (budget ~$800 CAD for the laptop only, 150-200 for eGPU)
Can someone briefly guide me through my laptop choices, (essentially, not too heavy, 13-15 inch, preferably 900p, preferably touch screen, preferably asus/lenovo), and the components I should buy?

 

lenovo S430

 

Not available in Canada.

BTW, I signed your petition for MSI GUS II

 

You should bring your questions to the other forum board (forum.techinferno.com), as this section will not garner much help in Nando's absence.



Any laptop with an ExpressCard slot and Intel HD 3000/4000.

That ensures that you get best performance (ExpressCard slot) and also Opt1.2 support through the Intel HD 3000/4000.

A quick break down of the components you will need:

1. GPU, e.g. GTX 560 Ti
2. PSU with enough amps on the 12V1 rail
3. PE4H/PE4L --> EC adapter. Preferably from HIT so that you get Setup 1.x software to resolve certain known issues (e.g. Error 12, Error 43)

 

I'm gonna need many recommendations, I couldn't find any good laptops with an expresscard.
Should I create a new thread in the "what notebook should I buy forum" or can someone give me a list right here?

 

get something with thunderbolt. forget expresscard crap. search the forum you have a list of thunderbolt notebooks.

 

Most of the current laptops with thunderbolt are either very expensive or severely overpriced (I'm looking at you, HP Spectre XT 15). I guess waiting for haswell is better.

I'm currently using a lenovo y460. It just broke down, but I've sent it for repair. It does have an Expresscard 34 slot. I am looking to replace this computer, but I don't mind keeping it for another 5-6 months. After that, I'm gonna buy a computer with a powerful CPU and thunderbolt. If I were to build an expresscard eGPU setup for this y460, which of its components can be used with the future thunderbolt setup? Is it better to get an expresscard eGPU setup right now, or just wait it out for a good thunderbolt laptop?

Alternatively, do you know any thunderbolt laptops in the range of $800 that are available right now?

 

lenovo T430s, acer S5.