Is RAID mpci-e compatible with an external GPU adapter? What about speeds?

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augeacc35

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Aug 21, 2013
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Hello, I'm having a problem deciding how to install an external GPU to my MSI GT70 laptop. I have ordered an external GPU adapter (mpci-e to pci-e x16): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-PCI-E-V80-Independent-EXP-GDC-Beast-Laptop-External-Video-Graphics-Card-/112086285490
My question is will it work with a RAID connector (as far as I understand thats how it's called) on my motherboard:
raid_connector

The RAID connector seems to have 20 pins, however the mpci-e from my wifi card has 52 pins. So are they all necessary? I mean the adapter has only 19 wires out (best HDMI) used for data, not video. Please keep in mind that the adapter also has an usb slot which might slow down the transfer rate. I hope to hear soon, because I will either will have to cut my laptop a lot or just connect with a raid that I want to buy now.
 
Solution
Solandri
I'd suggest asking on Notebookreview's forums for the GT60 and GT70 owner's lounge forum.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/the-official-msi-gt60-gt70-owners-lounge.658595/page-165#post-9140320

If I understand the hardware and what you're trying to do, basically what you're trying to do won't work. The mSATA (RAID) connector you've bought is physically identical to the mini PCIe connector used by older WiFi cards. But it is SATA, not PCIe. Unfortunately, when laptop manufacturers got together to standardize a smaller SATA slot, they cheaped out and decided to re-use the miniPCIe connector hardware to create mSATA. So even though they look the same physically and cards will fit into either, electrically they are very...
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Solandri

Solandri

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Jan 4, 2012
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I'd suggest asking on Notebookreview's forums for the GT60 and GT70 owner's lounge forum.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/the-official-msi-gt60-gt70-owners-lounge.658595/page-165#post-9140320

If I understand the hardware and what you're trying to do, basically what you're trying to do won't work. The mSATA (RAID) connector you've bought is physically identical to the mini PCIe connector used by older WiFi cards. But it is SATA, not PCIe. Unfortunately, when laptop manufacturers got together to standardize a smaller SATA slot, they cheaped out and decided to re-use the miniPCIe connector hardware to create mSATA. So even though they look the same physically and cards will fit into either, electrically they are very different.

The external GPU adapter you bought needs to be plugged into a miniPCIe port, not a mSATA port. Most laptops only have one miniPCIe port - occupied by the WiFi card. A few laptops have two - one for the WiFi card, one for a cellular phone network data card. If you're fortunate enough to have one of these laptops, you can plug the mPCIe to PCIe x16 adapter into the empty cellular slot and run your external GPU that way.

If you only have one mPCIe slot, then you've got to choose between the external GPU or WiFi. Can't have both at the same time. Since the GT70 has an ethernet port, you may be able to live without WiFi. However, a lot of the WiFi mPCIe slots are x4, not x16. That would limit the maximum speed of an external GPU.
 
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Solution
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augeacc35

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Aug 21, 2013
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10,530


So as far as I understand my laptop has only one mpci-e connector. I guess I will use that one for an external GPU. Any chances connecting the same wifi card somewhere else? I really need help with connectors of my motherboard since I haven't found anything advanced written about it. Also, any alternatives for same performance as mpci-e. Maybe mxm can be converted into a pci-e? I would love to learn more about external gpu tricks.
 
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