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    eGPU, expresscard vs Mini PCI interface, results?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ickibar123, Nov 4, 2011.

  1. ickibar123

    ickibar123 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,

    I've read a very small part of that huge 'EGPU DIY experiences' thread, and gave up.

    I simply want to know what is the maximum performance level that one can get out of an expresscard 1.0 slot versus a 2.0 slot in new laptops, versus a MiniPCI slot of a laptop and it's various speeds.

    I suppose Expresscard 1.0 has already hit the limit with minimal gains in performance even if going to a Nvidia 580GTX or AMD 6990 external video card from a 9800gs mobile GPU. My laptop has Expresscard 1.0 and I'm not sure of the speed of my MiniPCI slot. Penryn PM45 chipset.

    What about express card 2.0 and MiniPCI? Do we have to wait for future desktop video cards to come out to see the final performance level possible?

    These guys seem to be using some MiniPCI speed, using a PM3N adapter and getting 18K on 3dmark06.
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...68-vidock-w-sandy-bridge-l1502x-l1702x-3.html
    I can't get a definitive MiniPCI #x speed out of their posts.

    I don't know why they are talking so much about an HDMI cable. Just get a good cable and run it to an external monitor from the EGPU, done.

    The threads I've found using Expresscard 1.0 isn't too impressive. Then again I haven't found anyone trying out a 580GTX with that interface.



    Theoretical throughput numbers:
    Expresscard 1: 266 or 250MB/s
    MiniPCI express 1.0 1x: 250MB/s per lane (so 250MB/s each way?)
    MiniPCI express 2.0 1x: 500MB/s per lane (so 500MB/s each way?)
     
    ickibar123, Nov 4, 2011
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  2. ickibar123

    ickibar123 Notebook Consultant

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    From what I've seen on the web so far, about 15K on 3dmark06 is the best you can do in expresscard 1.0 but more might be possible. I'd need to see some more reports.

    Someone who has an expresscard 2.0 laptop;
    "I got only 3DMARK11 Professional Edition set to Extreme (X) 1980x1080 (1080p) with a heavy load suitable for high-end gaming PCs.
    so my 3DMARK 11 Score is X1719

    Run Details:
    GPU nvidia geforce GTX 570
    CPU Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2410M CPU @ 2.30GHz
    Time 11/7/2011 8:41:45 PM

    Result Details:
    Graphics Score 1592 GT1 8.17
    Physics Score 3599 GT2 8.39
    Combined Score 1948 GT3 7.72
    GT4 4.84
    PT 11.43
    CT 9.06

    Set to Performance (P) 1280x720 (720p) with a moderate load suitable for most gaming PCs.
    My score is P4457
    it's better than most of the high end gaming laptop like Alienware M17x R3 + GTX 580M

    also I'm running Battlefield 3 on fullscreen resolution 1920x1080 60.00Hz with the Graphics quality on ULTRA
    "
     
    ickibar123, Nov 10, 2011
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