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    PCI Express External GPUs (ATI XGP)

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by kylezo, Mar 4, 2009.

  1. kylezo

    kylezo Notebook Geek

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    Since all I ever see in any thread re: upgrading an integrated (or dedicated, for that matter) notebook GPU is a bunch of ppl saying it's impossible, could someone please explain what I'm missing here?

    http://ati.amd.com/technology/xgp/index.html

    "ATI XGP™ technology (eXternal Graphics Platform) is an external graphics solution for notebook PCs. [...] The device connects to specially designed notebook using the uniquely crafted external PCI Express© 2.0 connector designed and developed with JAE Electronics, Inc. Once the device is plugged in ATI XGP technology is activated. "

    From Intel re: PM45 chipset:

    http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/datasheet/320122.pdf

    "Discrete Graphics Using PCI Express* Graphics Attach Port
    • One, 16-lane (x16) PCI Express port for external PCI Express-based graphics card

    Is the answer no longer "No, impossible"??

    Is there a PCI Express converter that allows you to plug this thing in to a regular PCI Express slot? I'm confused here. What's the difference between the PCI Express slot on an average notebook and this PCI Express device?

    Found this thread:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=256985

    But I'm still a little lost on the subject.

    Thanks for any info here!
     
    kylezo, Mar 4, 2009
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You want a proprietary port to connect to another different proprietary port?

    Probably not...

    GPU upgradeability is a rare thing, they aren't here and they won't be for a while.
     
    Greg, Mar 4, 2009
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  3. kylezo

    kylezo Notebook Geek

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    Ah, kinda uninformative, but, I think I understand what you are partially saying. What's proprietary? PCI Express? Your response creates more questions than answers, really, but thanks for takign the time to respond at all! :p
     
    kylezo, Mar 4, 2009
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  4. Prydeless

    Prydeless Stupid is

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    Both ports you linked to are proprietary and you're confusing them with the PC ExpressCard slots found on notebooks, which doesn't have the bandwidth to handle a GPU.
     
    Prydeless, Mar 4, 2009
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  5. LaptopNut

    LaptopNut Notebook Virtuoso

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    The AMILO GraphicBooster is proprietary (exclusivity Patent may have already run out) but at least some people actually have the Laptop and the external GPU and confirm it working really well.
     
    LaptopNut, Mar 4, 2009
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  6. kylezo

    kylezo Notebook Geek

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    Ah, The 2nd link may be proprietary, but...it's in the Intel spec/info sheet for my chipset (PM45)...can't be that 'proprietary' if Intel is putting it in HP notebooks!

    I guess I am mistaking the ExpressCard 54 slot for a PCI Express slot?

    So then, where does one find a PCI Express slot in a notebook? just a port on the side? In any case, I'm just confused that it's included on my chipsets features sheet.

    So, is there a difference between the PCI Express in the chipset factsheet, and the PCI Express 2.0 mentioned on the ATI site? Are these the 2 ports that are both proprietary?

    Thanks for the help!
     
    kylezo, Mar 4, 2009
    #6