Can i build an external GPU for my laptop/semi-workstation?

[Horseminge]

I am using a dell semi-workstation inspiron. need anymore info just ask, but the simple info is this- i am using a GT650m nvidia graphics card, and an i7 3630QM with intel integrated 4000HD processor. the model i got, which was 2 and a half years ago, was meant for video editing and ok gaming. i am planning on getting a desktop, but I dont want to waste my laptop. shes a powerhouse, and doesnt deserve to be thrown away or given to some kid. the problem is that I need an update, atleast on my graphics card. there is a GUI slot from the outside, and despite researching the concept i still dont know what its for, but i know this- my comp has a dedicated graphics card, and a pci express that its on. i know this. its on my comp info, and i saw it. Is there a way, and dont give me that "hurr durr laptops cant get new cards evar" bullshit, its as simple question with an answer that does exist, is there a way to get an external gpu unit and use it for my computer. im talking external powersource and all just to supply the gpu. I want you guys to know, i know my shit, ive been researching for months, i just want this question answered so i dont have to do another months worth. if it cant be done because dell bios, i understand. it would be really nice if one of you could help me out.

 

[IRONBATMAN]

If you really want to keep your laptop instead of selling it, then you'll have to mod your own external PCIe slot. It's not easy so I don't recommend it

 

[k1114]

That's not true as just about every single laptop on the market uses mpcie for the wifi card. I need more info to know what ports or if you'd have to take apart the laptop which then you may not want to do. But I would warn you it can be a waste of money. The adapter alone could be ~$100 and there is really no 100% way to know if it will work. I need the laptop model number. Btw pcie is a desktop port and while the gpu uses pcie protocols (and so say it's on pcie) your gpu is soldered to the mobo.

 

[Horseminge]

If you really want to keep your laptop instead of selling it, then you'll have to mod your own external PCIe slot. It's not easy so I don't recommend it

neither was researching to find the best prices for a desktop and knowing what to choose and what everything means and etc. neither was school. neither was work. neither is life.
I don't care if its difficult i just want to know how, a recommended link to a site or certain book or some **** that contains the info i need to get it done.
That is all.

EDITED for language by Moderator

 

[Horseminge]

That's not true as just about every single laptop on the market uses mpcie for the wifi card. I need more info to know what ports or if you'd have to take apart the laptop which then you may not want to do. But I would warn you it can be a waste of money. The adapter alone could be ~$100 and there is really no 100% way to know if it will work. I need the laptop model number. Btw pcie is a desktop port and while the gpu uses pcie protocols (and so say it's on pcie) your gpu is soldered to the mobo.

its an Inspiron 17R SE 7720, , and i didnt mention anything about the mpcie for wifi card,
and i dont quite understand why they even sell certain laptop cards if it requires soldering.

 

[Horseminge]

That's not true as just about every single laptop on the market uses mpcie for the wifi card. I need more info to know what ports or if you'd have to take apart the laptop which then you may not want to do. But I would warn you it can be a waste of money. The adapter alone could be ~$100 and there is really no 100% way to know if it will work. I need the laptop model number. Btw pcie is a desktop port and while the gpu uses pcie protocols (and so say it's on pcie) your gpu is soldered to the mobo.

you know what at this point i want to know why i cant more than how i can.
yeah i get the soldering and crap but it thought part of the definition of Dedicated Graphics cards is that they arent permanently attached to the mother board through soldering.
besides i opened up the comp already. thats how i found the pci express slot

 

[IRONBATMAN]

So would you want to try building a desktop PC rather then mod an external PCIe slot ? It's easier to get parts for a PC.

 

[k1114]

They don't sell anything that requires soldering and you can't even find any chips on sale, anywhere that would fit. Graphics cards for laptops that you can change use mxm slot (you can google an image or what that is but it's just extra info for you). You do not have a pcie slot and I'm not sure why you keep saying you do have one. Mpcie is a different matter which you do have and is the only slot you have that can be used for an egpu. The mpcie slot is usually only x1 so you will be bottlenecked, sometimes down to 50% of the gpus actual capabilities. It's not difficult. Egpus have always been as easy as simply plugging in an adapter. Everything else is pretty much the same as plugging in a gpu in a desktop. Typically people go here for all they needed to know about egpus but it's no longer being updated. http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html You should have seen it if you even did a couple minutes of research.

What you'll need is the adapter, (usually suggest a pe4l-pm3n or pe4h-pm3n but I've seen some cheaper adapters that I never seen used before http://www.hwtools.net/Adapter/PE4H.html), a psu (just get a cheap decent psu like a corsair cx430 or whatever wattage you need), and the graphics card (whatever gpu you want but at least a mid range card for a worthwhile upgrade from your 650m). You have easy access to the mpcie slot from the access panel on the bottom of your laptop. The adapter plugs into the mpcie slot, the gpu in the adapter and the psu connects to the gpu. The 24pin connector that comes with the adapter needs to be on the psu so it'll turn on. The monitor connects to the gpu although you can use optimus to use the internal monitor, it can complicate things and does get lower performance.