Z1 + ViDock + GTX 570 > FTW (the Z2/PMD killer)

I have an eGPU 560ti/ Vaio VPCZ-1 setup, and I just tried out the BF3 beta the other night, with settings maxed (except AA was only at 4x I think). Anyways I was only playing on a TV at 1366x768 or so (until my new monitors get here) and it worked perfectly. So I think you'll be happy with 560ti for BF3.

 

Now I can disable 330m by using setup1.x at start up but I think optimus driver not stable sometime I can run 3dmark2006 sometime can't.
I can install driver only 285.27 retrofit.

Please suggest.

 

Perhaps I missed it, please give some info about your setup.

GPU in ViDock?
Do you get a picture with external screen?
What error message appears with the drivers...

 

I use Vidock+g560ti.
When I use extenal screen for 10 secs. There is balloon mgs driver missing and blue screen appear.

Now I try to uninstall 285.27 and lastest intel hd graphic.Now I can't install any driver. For 285.27 now I can't install like another version of Driver mgs is " This graphics driver could not compatible graphics hardware."

 

Now I install intel driver again and I can install 285.27 driver but I can't run 3dmark2006 again error mgs is "IDrect3DDevice9: resent failed: Device lost (D3DERR_DEVICELOST)."

 

Please boot with ViDock unplugged and uninstall all graphics drivers. Perhaps use driver sweeper if there are some driver bits left.

Reboot (still unplugged, with setup1.x having your 330m disabled). Install newest Intel HD driver. Download NVIDIA Desktop driver:
NVIDIA - Download Drivers

Reboot. Now put your laptop to standby mode switch on and plug in ViDock. Wake up your laptop. Card should be detected. Skip windows update driver search if it pops up. Install NVIDIA drivers. Reboot. When the green power light on the Z turns off, unplug the Vidock from the EC slot (just push the card in so it pops out). Let it boot, put it in standby, plug in ViDock, wake up. Should work.

If everything works properly, you can try to hot-plug the ViDock (everything the same, just dont plug it in sleep mode).

Note: Never unplug or switch off the card while it's running (this causes blue screen). First "safely remove" the card before disconnecting.

 

I try to hot-plug Vidock but I can't install Nvidia 285.26 mgs is the same.

 

Why don't you try this version:
http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/280.26/280.26-desktop-win7-winvista-64bit-english-whql.exe

What you are trying to install is apparently a driver that requires inf modding. The above driver does not. Install this WHQL driver to rule out other issues first, you can still upgrade to a newer modded driver later.

 

Thanks a lot for your help, I've successfully installed ViDock + GTX560Ti. Howerver I haven't succeeded with Optimus drivers, so now I have three drivers sets installed:
1. Intel drivers for integrated video.
2. nVidia mobile latest drivers for GT330M.
3. nVidia desktop latest drivers for GTX560Ti.

I've got 7.7 index on graphics (not 7.9). Should I disable Intel videocard in Device Manager while using ViDock? If I disable Intel videocard, WiMAX adapter stop working, but I still can use Wi-Fi with it.
Also, I have removed both jumpers on ViDock card, which means as I understood that there will be boot delay, but still no luck with booting with ViDock being connected to laptop.
Anyway, it works and Battlefield Bad Company 2 runs smoothly on 1600 x 900 with antialiasing and anisothropic filtering.

 

^ Seems to be all fine. The only thing that needs to be ever disabled with an eGPU setup is the dedicated 330M in the laptop (either with BIOS hack or Setup1.x). Intel needs to be active for Optimus to work (see additional run with graphics processor settings in the menu bar in NVidia control panel).

Use an external monitor for best performance. Without Optimus being active, you would have massive stutters. Do a 3DMark06 benchmark. If it is more in the 15000 points region all is fine, if it's stuttering and in the 5000 points area, you got Optimus issues.

With that setup, you should be able to play all recent games in high/high details, if not even maxed out.

 

Just a thought - why isn't it possible to have more than one nVidia GPU in one system? Seems to work for desktops (SLI).

 

Seems like on the laptop the two GPUs have some sort of resource conflict, they can work together but the performance suffers.

 

I will do this for sure. But now I can tell that I haven't installed any "special" drivers for Optimus. Is it ok? I've just downloaded latest version of nVidia desktop drivers. And BFBC2 runs on maximum settings just fine.

 

Recent NVidia desktop drivers included the pci-e compression component so will give great performance if it detects a Intel 4500MHD, HD or HD3000 iGPU. It however does not allow internal LCD mode to work if. If you require that functionality then install the DIY eGPU modded driver.

 

I don't need using eGPU with internal LCD, so it's all fine for me now, thanks.
I just don't understand, should I bother about 7.7 graphics benchmark, so I think I really need to run 3DMark06.

 

Where can I buy this?
Looks like a great product.

 

I bought mine from ViDock 4 Plus - ViDock4plus, $278.95

 

Thanks looks like a great deal, sort of dumb question but do you need a external monitor or can you use your laptop screen?

 

Note you can make a DIY eGPU for less money that is not as power limited as the ViDock. The ViDock is underpowered for the GTX570, one of them burned up driving this card.

 

can't imagine you really need one with that 580M (for gaming anyways) lol..

 

Not for me.
Yeah my laptop is OK 

 

UPDATE: It's almost 3 months since I raised the support request, but villagetronic have contacted me to say that they have shipped a replacement PCB for the one that burned out!

 

I've read all the thread, but I don't understand one thing:
Can I use vidock with my vaio screen to increase graphic performance in games or I have to use external tv(monitor)?

 

You can use the external graphics card to drive the laptop screen, but due to the limitations of the expresscard interface it does not perform much better than the stock GT330M (with a slight overclock). On an external monitor though, the external GPU performs much better (2-2.5x as fast as the GT330M) since then there is no back-to-the-laptop traffic required.

For gaming, you want to get out the best performance, so you will want to use an external screen.

Hope this answers your question.

 

pyro0
All clear...thanx...its a pity((

 

Question, is it possible to get the eGPU to display on the internal display? Sorry, I didn't read through the whole thing. (I know its possible with Optimus, but the Z12 dosen't have it?)

 

It's possible but does not give you that much of a noticeable speed improvement.

 

Does the gtx 570 with 219W of power usage come critically close to the max of 225w for the vidock 4 plus?

i mean, that kind of seems right up to the max.. wonder if it will reboot/disappear alot when being pushed to the brim when for example rendering with nvidia iRay..


^ sratch that. I read the previous pages..I

think i'll have to build a custom one. but i want something looking fancy

 

ViDock 4+ and GTX560Ti should work, this is well within the power limits. I think we should rename this thread to "Z1 + ViDock + NVIDIA Desktop GPU > FTW (the Z2/PMD killer)" because it seems to me that ppl think either the 570 is the only GPU on the market or the Z1 doesn't work with other cards. As I have already pointed out here several times, everything better than a 460/560 class card does not give a noticeable performance jump at all. See the eGPU thread.

 

well .. i dont know if thats really the situation but i opted for the 570hd because i wanted the most powerful one to fit within the power envelope but i know in general that power draw specs is always real and power delivery specs is mostly fake...

 

Well, if you read the thread you will recognize that you would not be the first one that gets a blown ViDock with a 570. Many cards are factory overclocked, probably yours too, and draw even more amps that what NVidia claims for the stock reference design. Not to mention, the "support" from VT is horrible, they give false compatibility information and they provide unlicensed software to customers and everything. Not the kind of toys that I like to fiddle around with. If I wasn't that much of a community-oriented person, I would not give tips for such a product at all.

 

Hi,
I just want to sum up this thread if someone want to have a Vidock + Z11:

How To Vidock + VAIOZ11 :
1) H.a.c.k Bios
2) Uninstall all driver (Intel, GT 330M, other graphic driver) using Driver Sweeper
3) Boot in static mode, tri selector on STAMINA (F2 at boot and switch to static)
4) When the boot logo of the Vaio is gone, insert vidock card.
5) Install only (not other featur nvidia) Driver of your graphic Card (In my example it’s a GT 550 Ti) (Go on Nvidia website)
6) Reboot in static mode, tri selector on STAMINA (Don’t need to plug Vidock Card)
7) Install Intel Graphic Driver (Go on intel website)
8) Reboot in static mode, tri selector on SPEED (Don’t need to plug Vidock Card).
a. Now if you want optimus Working (Using only your laptop screen, but low performance)
b. Install Driver GT 330M 270.51 + Mode Files

a. Now if you want no optimus (using an external display, better performance)
b. Install Last Driver GT 330M on nvidia website

Now if you boot on STAMINA (then plug your vidock card after boot logo), you will have 2 graphics cards (Intel+your external graphic card)

For this your need :
H.a.c.k Bios Sony Vaio Z11
Last intel Driver
Last Driver of your graphic card
Last Driver of GT 330M or Driver GT 330M 270.51 + Mode files.

BIG Thanks to PYRO, COMPUTERCOWBOY, NAUTIS, NANDO4, ANDREW8 they have done everything.

 

Are you sure this one is correct? My vaio z1 did not find any compatible card for latest drivers from website. Then I tried 285.38 patched from adv. bios thread and that one installed.

I have major issues however. getting nvlddmkm.sys 116 BSOD with GTX 660 Ti in Vidock 4+. Not sure where to start fixing. Either power is faulty, drivers or this installation glitch.

 

I have a GTX 570 and that about tops out the power of the 4+, probably the reason I haven't blown my Dock is I don't push the card, I did some 3D mark benchs when I first got it, thats it, I just use the card to drive more resolution and more displays for writing code.
Your issues are most like likely power related.

As far as drivers go, I have never had a problem installing any driver from the nVidia site provided I have the ViDock plugged in. If you are talking about drivers for the 330M, then you are going to have to hack up the INF. I wrote a program to do that automatically, there is another thread about it.

 

ComputerCowboy, thank you for prompt reply. I'm getting to the same conclusion as I used nVidia Inspector to limit power usage on lowest level. With that I managed to do some gaming and run #D Mark.
The score however pretty low with that 7843

I thought 660 should be less demanding than 570 as it is newer but lower end card.

Now the main question is if I can boost power on vidock. VillageIntruments wrote me that they are waiting for new PSU from vendor to have 200+75 vs 150+75. I'm wondering if I can use some other 200W adapter to power vidock. Really do not want to go with DIY solution as it is much bulkier.

I can also go with lessdemanding card. How much monitors you used 570 with? I need to drive 1x2560x1600 and 2x1200x1600 for work and only one 2560x1600 for gaming.

i did use your program with 285.38 drivers so I managed to install them. Question is if I can use it with latest 306.02 to have the match of drivers installed for eGPU and dGPU in windows.

 

I'm thinking on maybe getting GTX-570 2.5G instead of GTX-660 but according by this comparison 660 should be less power demanding. Though 570 would work better with 2560x1600 screen. I'm wondering though how those parameters are affected by eGPU 1.xOpt speeds. I'm frustrated.

 

Ok, that's something interesting.

As I do not believe in vidock 4+ not powering 660 I started to do some dancing around it.
Both PSUs 150 and 75 gave me 12V output.

Disconnecting 75 from vidock did not make any difference actually. It still worked on low clocks.

Then I did a trick by switching 75W connector with one of 75W (150 psu) connectors.
So I had 150 psu powering 1 connector on each side of card. And another 75W connector to the other free port.

Now this did the trick. Card worked fine. Still have to find if one of PSUs is failing on me so that switch worked. I might be even using 150W only now and other 75 are dead.

Q: The benchmark however gives me 13990 in 3DMarks. Is this OK on i5 8GB version? I bet 660 should give more even on i5.

Q: Does Vidock actually use 1.xOpt or 1.x connection? I did not install modified 330 drivers yet. only full intel and full 660 driver. I'm on stamina. How do I check bus speed ratio?


ATT: Going to exchange Gigabyte 660 Ti to Zotac as Gigabyte has that great cooler but it does NOT FIT in ViDock 4 case! It has more bezel on top of card so height it too much. Be careful! Other cards may fit too but ZOTAC looks really compact yet good performance and cooling system.


Update: After some testing I figured out that problem was in 75W adapter.
Today I managed to power GTX 660 Ti with 150W adapter alone but using 1 of 75+75 ports and separate 75 one.
I think new ViDock coming with 200+75 should power higher specs cards (think 670, 680) but even my configuration is neat as I got rid of one of the adapters. Less mess with cables.

 

Anyone managed to install 306.02 nvidia drivers using ComputerCowboy's patch program? I have hacked BIOS but no driver enforcement tweaks made.
The tool says that 0 files patched. And vaio does not find compatible driver in inf file

 

Hello all. Just have a question: will ComputerCowboy's hack of bios and other tricks (like reinstalling drivers etc) work on european vaio z's (have vpcz12v9r)?

 

My BIOS hack won't work on your laptop. Read the first post of http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/602497-latest-vpc-z1-330m-drivers-bios-hack-people.html
there are links to solutions that will work for you.

 

Did you run the installer before you ran the patch?
Here are the steps

1. Download latest nVidia Drivers for 330M
2. run the installer
3. installer fails, but extracts the files
4. then run my patch program
5. make sure it is pointing to the place where the files were extracted (default is c:\NVIDIA)