eGPU with a Samsung laptop

[andyweigl]

So, I have been extensively researching about if I would be able to work up some type of external GPU system with my laptop that I bought last year. Basically, from what I've learned is that there are several ports that will support interfacing with an eGPU, of which Thunderbolt 3 would be the easiest and most simple way to set it all up. The laptop that I have is a Samsung notebook 9 made in 2016 (model number NP900X5L-K02US). The laptop definitely has a usb-c type connection, but I have been struggling to find out if the connection supports thunderbolt. After looking around the internet for about 2 hours, I'm still pretty lost on that. Some places that I've went to say that it does support thunderbolt, while others say it does not. Can anyone here help me out and clarify whether or not what I want to do is possible? any help here would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jakubek160]

I don't recommend doing that. Using razer machine and attaching gtx 1080 ti to it , you lose about 30-40% of a performance compared to a pc. For that price you can make a way better pc than your laptop with external gpu. My suggestions for that. : https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2p3mhq

 

[USAFRet]

The only source to find out if it supports thunderbolt is direct from Samsung.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/notebook-9-15-led-full-hd-core-i7-np900x5l-k02us/#specs
Nothing in there says 'Thunderbolt'.

And from here:https://www.cnet.com/how-to/usb-type-c-thunderbolt-3-one-cable-to-connect-them-all/

"Since Thunderbolt 3 devices use discrete Thunderbolt chips to function, they will not function if plugged into a USB-C port. "


It's not just the physical connection, but also the chip and software/firmware that needs to support it.

 

[t53186]

I did some digging into the specs of that laptop. You are correct is specifies 1 USB type C port, sorry to say a USB type C does not equal thunderbolt, it's true it uses the same connector. Without the specific Thunderbolt trademark displayed you can be assured the laptop does not support thunderbolt. Thunderbolt was a licensed product.