T420S Expresscard 1.0 or 2.0?

I'm kicking around the idea of picking up a T420s with a vidock to replace my W510, but it doesn't seem worthwhile if the T420s doesn't come with a 2.0 slot. I can't seem to find any specs on it, but considering it has USB3.0 I think there's some hope.

 

Anyone? Need that information too ....

 

Actually, from the eGPU/vidock thread there was information about this. Apparently there is an option in the T420 BIOS to enforce "Generation 2" under Power -> PCI Express options. So the answer would seem yes, ExpressCard 2.0 is supported. If it works as intended is another thing though... no one has got it working yet.

Even if the ExpressCard 2.0 speeds do not work, you can establish a x1.Opt link giving also good speed. Have a look in the eGPU thread.

 

Actually, still waiting for confirmation if there is a "Generation 2" option in the BIOS. Other T420 users only stated "Generation 1" or "Automatic". Haven't seen them saying "Generation 2" is available.

 

I am also curious about this. If it does work, I'm probably going to sell my W520 and get the T420s. Just got the T420s for my work laptop and I love it - minus the graphics card.

 

Bios 1.09: Gen1 or Auto, no Gen2 option.

Will update my bios later today and check again.

 

Bios 1.12 - Same thing. However the description implies Gen2 is available. Basically Automatic allows the card to specify which one it uses. Gen1 is listed as a choice because some Gen1 cards specify Gen2 incorrectly so you can force it to Gen1 instead.

 

I built an eGPU this week, it is only Gen1 or Auto in the BIOS.
The way the PE4L works (for some reason), it is only compatible with Gen1.
You must run BIOS 1.15 to get it to work (or lower).

There is also a current limitation in the mini-HDMI cable that connects the eGPU to the PCI Express port that they can't do 2.0 speeds yet. The manufacturer is working on it.

The slot itself is 2.0, but its the hwtools eGPU products (along with the BIOS) that are current limitations.

With that said, you can still get insane 3dmark scores and run games like SC2 on high at 1080p on the 1.0 link. So even without a 2.0 link, it is still worth it.

I have a GTX 460 in the mail this week and will install it sometime next week, after looking at others' results from the eGPU thread, I'm expecting between 14k-17k 3dmarks. Not bad for a business laptop that gets 8hrs of battery life and weighs only 5 lbs, take that Alienware and Asus.

 

That sold me on it. Just called Lenovo, they took my W520 back even though it's past 21 days. 15% restocking fee will be waived by AMEX when I get a receipt for it - well up to $300 which I think it around what it is.

Time to get a T420s with the external video card for gaming.

 

Check out what Xav got on the front page of the eGPU thread in the Gaming subsection.
I think he broke 18k 3dmarks with his X220 and an i7 dual core with a GTX 560 I believe.

I'll be running my 2540m and GTX 460, so will be coming in under him by probably 1-2k points.

 

I'll be doing a 2520m with the GTX 460 most likely. If I hit more than my W520 (12,000ish) then it's hands down better since I'll be saving $500 after the DIY ViDock.

 

Part of me finds it kinda funny to get an eGPU setup beheamoth sitting next to a laptop, and part of me thinks its AWESOME.

Could you make it part of a dock? Would it be possible to get home, drop it in place, and dominate BF3 - without messing around with drivers a bunch? Or do those types of solutions tend to be pretty finicky?

 

I believe they have a USB 2.0 option instead of the Expresscard slot. Just connect it to the USB 2.0 port of the dock, though I don't think it will perform as well - none of the USB video adapters that I've used were great.

 

I bought the Vidock 4 plus for my Thinkpad T400 and I can play the witcher 2 at pretty good settings. The graphics card that I bought off of a friend is the ATI HD 5770 1 GB of Video ram. I guess I won't have to upgrade my notebook.

 

Is it possible to run a DIY ViDock on the internal monitor? I've seen some links saying it is, but none of them explain how - though they allude to the Optimus graphics on the laptop.

 

Well, they allude to Optimus because that is what is required to run it...
Give the eGPU thread in the gaming subforum a good read about Optimus.