i7 3610/30 + EXP GDC v6.0 ... opinions?

Hello guys!

First post in this forum! \o/

I've been kind of following the eGPU stuff for quite some time, and now that I'm thinking about replacing my laptop I am looking for the eGPU alternative which suits my needs best...

I was thinking of buying an i7 3610/30 equipped laptop (trying to avoid CPU bottlenecks) with an avg "integrated" discrete GPU card, like 7670 Mobility or the likes (so that eGPU wouldn't be the only absolute option).

For the eGPU I'll use a 5850 at the beginning, but I should upgrade it to something better (not high-end anyway) relatively soon

Since I have low budget (i.e. the laptop won't have a spare mPCIe easily accessible), I will probably use a USB3.0 to ExpressCard adapter, what do you think about this? is there any known backdraw of using such an adapter?

I know I could also remove the wlan module and use that slot, but it comes with some backdraws as you all know, and still, it has to be easily accessible...adapter is better, if it doesn't cause any issue

About the eGPU, I was thinking about buying an EXP GDC v6.0 (you can only find it on the chinese taobao website) as it's much cheaper than the PE4* alternatives...

What do you think about my setup and the EXP GDC v6.0? (not sure if I can add any link in this forum so just google for taobao exp gdc v6 and you'll find it, first link )

Thank you

 

The main drawback about using a 3.0 to Expresscard adapter is that it just won't work at all. Those adapters only carry the USB element of express card, not the PCIe element which you need for the eGPU to work.

If you aren't prepared to faff about with the WLAN module (understandable) and you don't have the laptop yet, I'd really focus on buying one with the ExpressCard slot. Likewise, having a dGPU in the laptop will only complicate matters and almost certainly mean setup 1.x is needed (an extra cost).

If you want dGPU too, and don't need features like many monitor output, it makes more sense in your case to put all the money towards a laptop with decent dGPU, in my opinion.
As for the EXP GDC v6.0, I have one on order right now, so I can report back if that's any good or not.

 

I see, thanks for the hints!

I still don't think looking at a gaming laptop is the right choice though...that could be true in USA, but at least here in EU the prices for gaming laptops are crazy :/

Can you elaborate more on the "having a dGPU will only complicate matters" bit please?

 

Well I live in England so I know all about the prices of kit over here in EU. (20% vat yay!)

I'm not an expert on these things, but laptops are usually designed to have only one GPU running in them (not counting integrated graphics on the processor), and having two running at once (internal dedicated GPU and eGPU) hardly ever works, so the internal dGPU is needed to be disabled, and most laptop BIOS's don't come with this function, so a piece of middle ware used at started called Setup 1.x has to be used to disable the internal dGPU, which costs more money).

 

Sorry to bring back an old thread but this part of the forum seems to be dead. Do you think an older laptop such as my T9600 + GT 240M with ICH9M will have the eGPU and dGPU conflict issue?