Question Can I use the M.2 slot to connect an external graphics card?

[JohnSmiths]

On Aliexpress, I found an adapter that allows you to connect an external graphics card using the M.2 (NVME) slot. My laptop has an older M.2 slot that supports SATA drives. I'm not sure if I can use this M.2 slot to connect an external graphics card. Can someone advise me?

https://ae04.alicdn.com/kf/Heb51f3aef3f64723b3e67ef8a2cb960ep.jpg

 

[Ralston18]

I would be very about doing that.

Have you been able to read the applicable installation/user manual for the adapter? Including all fine print and caveats?

Update your post to include full system specs and OS information.

Include PSU: make, model, wattage, condition (original to build, new, refurbished, used).

History of heavy gaming use?

Look at the voltages being being used. And map out pin/voltage connections. M.2 requirements and GPU requirements.

What is driving the requirment for an additional graphics card?

What GPU are you planning to use?

Why external? Is there a particular problem?

There may be other solutions but more needs to be known.

 

[JohnSmiths]

For now I'm just exploring options.
The laptop only has an integrated Intel® HD Graphics 520 graphics card. I would like to play some games now and then, so I would like to connect a slightly more powerful graphics card. I chose the NVIDIA GT 1030 because it has low power consumption (about 30W) and quite acceptable performance for my purposes.
I would like to fully integrate the graphics card into the laptop (into the space instead of the DVD drive).
I would solve the power supply, +5V and +12V, using a step-down DC-DC converter. I don't have the laptop at home yet, it's on the way, it's a Getac S410. There could have been an add-on GTX 960 graphics card as an option, but it's unavailable, so I decided to go that way. I was also thinking of using the ready add-in card connector and trying to connect the NVIDIA GeForce MX150 GPU - 2GB VRAM WDJ8P - from the Dell Inspiron 7773. Of course I would have to know the wiring of the contacts.

 

[USAFRet]

If the eGPU cable requires an M.2 NVMe port, and your laptop only has an M.2 SATA port, you are out of luck.

Not enough bandwidth.

 

[JohnSmiths]

Then there is the option to disconnect the Wi-Fi card and use this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005434851512.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.124638dau3BGok&mp=1

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S93e65f605006437cba6c32a1022e9612U.jpg

 

[USAFRet]

Then there is the option to disconnect the Wi-Fi card and use this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005434851512.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.124638dau3BGok&mp=1

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S93e65f605006437cba6c32a1022e9612U.jpg

That is for coin mining, not visual display.

 

[JohnSmiths]

Thank you to everyone involved for their opinions and comments.
So I found out that this is not the way to go, the performance loss when using the mini Pci-e is approximately 30% when using the laptop's internal display 🙁
So I'll try plan B.