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    What happened to external video cards?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Phantom1016, Jul 31, 2010.

  1. Phantom1016

    Phantom1016 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Back in 05~07, the future was going to be laptops that never needed updated GPUs because of External Video Card technology. Then it just turned into a card to boost a second monitor.

    Was it that the media misunderstood what the companies were saying, in that an external graphics card is only for an external monitor? Or did the aftermarket overestimate what they could do with taking a video card off the motherboard and had to make it into something different?
     
    Phantom1016, Jul 31, 2010
    #1
  2. Purlpo

    Purlpo Notebook Evangelist

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    Manufacturers probably need to implement a new port dedicated to external video-cards before anything is done. The ExpressCard slot is not enough (not fast/wide enough).
     
    Purlpo, Jul 31, 2010
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  3. crazycanuk

    crazycanuk Notebook Virtuoso

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    it does exits to an extent

    there is Vidock
    ViDock 2: High Performance Dual Display Notebook Expansion

    and our own members here have even developed their own DIY vidock solution.

    some Mfgrs like MSI have actually put out the occasional laptop that had a desktop video card installed into a docking station, but those are still rare
     
    crazycanuk, Jul 31, 2010
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  4. Phantom1016

    Phantom1016 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Phantom1016, Jul 31, 2010
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  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    External GPU solutions are really for those that game in a stationary place like their homes and want the mobility of a laptop for another purpose, such as work or school.
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 31, 2010
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  6. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    User Retired 2, Jul 31, 2010
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  7. stuckinasquare3

    stuckinasquare3 Notebook Guru

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    I can't find anything about when we'll see expresscard 2.0 laptops
     
    stuckinasquare3, Jul 31, 2010
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  8. Kocane

    Kocane Notebook Deity

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    Of course not, that's not how external graphiccards work... How will you hook the laptop's screen to an external GPU? The laptop will REALLY have to be made for the purpose before you can just hook up an external GPU and play games with speed of light on the laptop screen.
     
    Kocane, Jul 31, 2010
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  9. TehSuigi

    TehSuigi Notebook Virtuoso

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    The lack of an industry-wide standard probably reduced the whole external-graphics solution to a niche product, if not killed it outright.
     
    TehSuigi, Jul 31, 2010
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  10. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    moral hazard, Jul 31, 2010
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  11. Lozz

    Lozz Top Overpriced Dell

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    Even Expresscard 1.0 54 laptops can benefit from Vidock, unless of course you already have a top end dedicated GPU.

    There was a standard set by AMD, it's just that *the* standard was extremely expensive, complex and ultimately they went with mobile GPU based self contained solutions rather than a user serviceable part that used desktop parts so that they could use the Laptop's screen. I believe only 1 or 2 Laptops actually used AMD's solution.
     
    Lozz, Jul 31, 2010
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  12. Purlpo

    Purlpo Notebook Evangelist

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    I think EVERYONE already knows about ViDock and DIY ViDock. The OP is asking why aren't there external videocards you can just plug in into your laptop and be able to see an improvement without the need of a external monitor. And the answer is here:

     
    Purlpo, Aug 1, 2010
    #12