An External Graphics Card - I have the money, but no PCIe or USB 3.0

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 1, 2013

I am looking to upgrade my laptops GPU by plugging in a eGPU. I am going to follow this site, just one problem, no PCIe or USB 3.0. I have a HDMI, im guessing output but not sure, a VGA and some USB 2.0s. Could I add a eGPU to my laptop? I do not want to buy a new laptop and I have the money for an eGPU. I have intel HD 3000 and intel i5 - 2410M @ 2.3GHz with TB with 6GB RAM. I guess its just like plugging in a PS3 into a laptop. I was wondering whether I could plug in more than one USB and the transfer rate would stack up. Any suggestions/possibilities welcome. Thanks,
- iaminneedofhelp

USAFRet · Aug 1, 2013

If you have an expresscard slot, this is your only option. http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html

Without that, you have zero options.

k1114 · Aug 1, 2013

What laptop do you have? Could you sell your current laptop? Most of the time the price of adapter+gpu+psu+old laptop = new better laptop.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 2, 2013

@USAFRet - Would an express card slot be obvious or would it be on the inside maybe? I watched a YT video where a man had it on the inside of his laptop. And what I'm aiming for is Black Ops 2/ BF3. I have the Intel HD 3000. Would it be able to run it??? Thanks
@K1114 - I have the Samsung 3 Series 300E7C. I have an Intel i5 - 2410M @ 2.3GHz with TB. 6GB DDR3 RAM. Intel HD 3000 GPU. I only got it very recently and its not an old laptop.

If I got a USB splitter and plugged it into 2 USB ports would it share the data making the transfer speed double??? Would that be fast enough to run an eGPU? Even if its a really cheap one which is not very good and doesn't need a fast transfer speed.
Thanks for all your help,
- iaminneedofhelp

k1114 · Aug 2, 2013

Expresscard isn't common on modern laptops and you don't have it. I didn't mean old as in you had it a long time, though it is a 2 year old model. I meant if you would consider to sell what you have now to get another laptop. I don't usually recommend egpus as I said because of the cost. You can find even a new laptop that will outperform an egpu setup. But if you really want to do it:

You won't find usb solutions simply because driver issues. So let's just completely forget about that. Egpus use expresscard or mpcie. Like pretty much every single laptop on the market, your wireless card uses mpcie. This would be your only option but your laptop doesn't have easy access to it without taking the bottom off. It's usually x1 speed so you will get less performance from your gpu than if it were a normal x16 speed. (One reason why a new laptop can outperform it.) I will warn you that egpus may not work. You'd need the adapter, pe4h-pm3n-060b ($130 after shipping) I'd suggest at least a 7770 ($80 after rebate) and a cx 430 ($20 after rebate).

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 3, 2013

I downloaded GPU-Z and it said my bus interface was PCI. I guess that means my GPU is running off PCI. I was thinking of overclocking or using some Intel Technology to speed up my GPU. I looked on overclock.net and found that my GPU could run Crysis 2 at 20-40fps which is pretty astonishing. Is there any programs I could do this with for my computer. I know its not advisable but could I have your thoughts on the matter please. Any suggestions? Also I thought about downloading Game Booster to give a bit of a boost and I will run a benchmark tonight. Tell me if you want to see those results. I see your point about eGPUs. Unreliable, hard to get and expensive. You're really helpful. Thanks,
- iaminneedofhelp

k1114 · Aug 3, 2013

Your igpu is on the cpu, it doesn't use pci, but it does use pcie protocols. You can already play crysis 2 at 30fps at stock on low so you don't need to oc. Laptops will be locked and tend to overheat. You could try intel tuning utility but that will be the only way to change any settings. If your temps are fine, ocing a laptop isn't bad. http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-boards-software-extreme-tuning-utility.html

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 5, 2013

My temps are fine. Usually around 35-40C but will it work with my laptop. I don't have an extreme motherboard so... I will try it and tell you.

k1114 · Aug 5, 2013

Those are idle temps, you want to know load temps. Use a game or use unigine.

There is no such thing as an extreme mobo. Besides there is no laptop even made for ocing.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 8, 2013

I have tried installing Intel XTU but I got an error report

[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:26]: Burn v3.6.2803.0, Windows v6.2 (Build 9200: Service Pack 0), path: C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\XTU-Setup (1).exe, cmdline: ''
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:26]: Initializing string variable 'RemoveAllDataCheckboxValue' to value '[RemoveAllDataCheckbox]'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:26]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleLog' to value 'C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Intel_Extreme_Tuning_Utility_20130808111626.log'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:26]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleOriginalSource' to value 'C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\XTU-Setup (1).exe'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:26]: Condition 'VersionNT >= v6.1' evaluates to true.
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:26]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleName' to value 'Intel Extreme Tuning Utility'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:27]: Detect 3 packages
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:27]: Detected package: SSCERuntime_x86_ENU.msi, state: Absent, cached: None
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:27]: Detected package: SSCERuntime_x64_ENU.msi, state: Absent, cached: None
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:27]: Detected package: XTU_Setup.msi, state: Absent, cached: None
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:27]: Detect complete, result: 0x0
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Plan 3 packages, action: Install
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleLog_SSCERuntime_x86_ENU.msi' to value 'C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Intel_Extreme_Tuning_Utility_20130808111626_0_SSCERuntime_x86_ENU.msi.log'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Condition 'VersionNT64' evaluates to true.
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleLog_SSCERuntime_x64_ENU.msi' to value 'C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Intel_Extreme_Tuning_Utility_20130808111626_1_SSCERuntime_x64_ENU.msi.log'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleRollbackLog_XTU_Setup.msi' to value 'C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Intel_Extreme_Tuning_Utility_20130808111626_2_XTU_Setup.msi_rollback.log'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Setting string variable 'WixBundleLog_XTU_Setup.msi' to value 'C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\Intel_Extreme_Tuning_Utility_20130808111626_2_XTU_Setup.msi.log'
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Planned package: SSCERuntime_x86_ENU.msi, state: Absent, default requested: Present, ba requested: Present, execute: Install, rollback: None, cache: Yes, uncache: No, dependency: Register
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Planned package: SSCERuntime_x64_ENU.msi, state: Absent, default requested: Present, ba requested: Present, execute: Install, rollback: None, cache: Yes, uncache: No, dependency: Register
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Planned package: XTU_Setup.msi, state: Absent, default requested: Present, ba requested: Present, execute: Install, rollback: Uninstall, cache: Yes, uncache: No, dependency: Register
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Plan complete, result: 0x0
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:29]: Apply begin
[0560:10B8][2013-08-08T11:16:32]: Creating a system restore point.
[0560:10B8][2013-08-08T11:16:32]: Created a system restore point.
[0560:10B8][2013-08-08T11:16:32]: Caching bundle from: 'C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\{ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}\.be\xtu-setup-exe.exe' to: 'C:\ProgramData\Package Cache\{ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}\xtu-setup-exe.exe'
[0560:10B8][2013-08-08T11:16:32]: Registering bundle dependency provider: {ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}, version: 4.1.0.12
[1538:08AC][2013-08-08T11:16:32]: Prompt for source of container: WixAttachedContainer, path: C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\xtu-setup-exe.exe
[1538:08AC][2013-08-08T11:16:41]: Acquiring container: WixAttachedContainer, copy from: C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\XTU-Setup (1).exe
[1538:12D4][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Error 0x80004005: Failed to extract all files from container.
[1538:08AC][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Error 0x80004005: Faild to begin and wait for operation.
[1538:08AC][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Error 0x80004005: Failed to extract payload: a2 from container: WixAttachedContainer
[1538:08AC][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Failed to extract payloads from container: WixAttachedContainer to working path: C:\Users\Ben\AppData\Local\Temp\{ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}\758644594018A7C038F107D7B3CEBA6C175B548F, error: 0x80004005.
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Error 0x80004005: Failed while caching, aborting execution.
[0560:10B8][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Removing bundle dependency provider: {ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}
[0560:10B8][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Removing cached bundle: {ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}, from path: C:\ProgramData\Package Cache\{ab3c86f5-8479-4252-a09b-4ee9ac4d5808}\
[1538:0334][2013-08-08T11:16:42]: Apply complete, result: 0x80004005, restart: None, ba requested restart: No

. It comes up with this after making me open a file explorer window and trying to make me select something, of which I have no clue. Can someone help me???

k1114 · Aug 8, 2013

Did you run as admin? Try to redownload it, it may be corrupt.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 9, 2013

O, I have installed both Intel XTU and Unigine Valley. With Intel XTU there is no way to change the settings because its been greyed out. Anyway to get around this. And what would you like to know with Valley? I can run a Benchmark if you just give me the settings to do it on. Shall I also record temps at the same time or will Valley do that for me? Thanks.

hang-the-9 · Aug 9, 2013

Overclocking the CPU or video on a laptop will not give you much performance boost and will only serve to lower the lifespan on the laptop if not kill it within minutes. That looks to be a pretty thin laptop not made for modding, I'm sure it's not designed to deal with extra heat.

If you want a faster video card, sell your laptop and buy a faster one.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 9, 2013

Ok I just ran unigine and these are my results. I don't get why upping my GPU Core Clock and CPU clock by a 100MHz is going to kill them? I will up it a bit at a time ( 10 MHz ) and use Intels XTU to do a long term stress test.

Here are the average results.
Valley Benchmark Results

API - DirectX 9
Quality: Medium
Anti-Aliasing - 8x
vSync - On
Stereo 3D - Disabled
Monitors - Single
Fullscreen - False (comes up with this error message:

D3D9AppWindow::create_context(): required multisample is not supported Engine::video_restart():can't set 1280x720 fullscreen mode

Resolution - 1280x720

CPU Utilization - 20-30%
CPU Temperature - 50C
CPU Throttling - 0%
Memory Utilization - 2741MB
Memory Frequency - 1333MHz
GPU Core Clock - 650.0 MHz
GPU Memory Clock - 666.7MHz
GPU Temperature - 55C
GPU Power - 2.8W
Memory Utilization (Dynamic) 1250MB

USAFRet · Aug 9, 2013

iaminneedofhelp :

Heat. Laptops already run hot. Increasing the frequency/voltage/whatever makes it run hotter.
Hotter parts do not last as long.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 9, 2013

Yep

I understand that but look at Unigines Benchmark results. That is not overheating. My idle temps are around 30C so my computer is pretty cool. And how much not so long? I mean what would they last at default and both being OCed by 100MHz what will they last? If someone knows how to unlock the grey stuff in Intel XTU please comment.

k1114 · Aug 9, 2013

There is no way to unlock it. You're stuck with your speed.

hang-the-9 · Aug 9, 2013

If you up the speeds by 100mhz, you will see 0 benefit. To notice anything outside of a benchmark you need about a 20-30% speed increase. If you are looking for faster video, you need a new laptop.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 9, 2013

Ok, what can I run then? Black Ops? BF3? How come my CPU% is low and so is my GPU and RAM and temps, yet i'm getting low scores on Valley? Is their anyway to turn your whole computer to put all its power into that one application?

hang-the-9 · Aug 9, 2013

Unless you are benchmarking the system and then checking the temps and utilization, you will see low numbers. The CPU will work as much as it needs to for whatever app is running.

Look up the requirements for the games you want, and see what video card they need, then look up yours and see the benchmark scores and compare them. This site makes it pretty easy to find things http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php

k1114 · Aug 9, 2013

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-3000.37948.0.html Here are some benchmarks. Most modern games are unplayable.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 9, 2013

Thanks. I still dont get why even though my computer is running at 30% I am getting low fps. Could i change it so I used up more computer (70% lets say) and got better FPS. Set app importance or something. Help!!

The FPS are at about 2.3 min, 4.7 max and this is on extreme HD.

k1114 · Aug 9, 2013

Your cpu isn't being used because your gpu is so weak. It hardly has to work to keep up with the gpu.

iaminneedofhelp · Aug 11, 2013

I'm just wondering, would it be worth it to flash the BIOS? would the proit outweigh the risk or would I brick my mobo?

USAFRet · Aug 11, 2013

iaminneedofhelp :

What would you gain from doing that? You're not going to give it superpowers.

An External Graphics Card - I have the money, but no PCIe or USB 3.0

Honorable

Titan

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Share this page