External GPU on Lenovo X220

[shrikitiki2011]

Hi Everyone,

I came across an interesting thread about a guy using an external GPU on his Lenovo X220. I am not sure how this is possible, and was wondering if I could do the same, and where I can get the parts necessary to do that

Thanks

 

[Pepto]

Never heard of a external GPU, I don't even think it is possible. I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure there isn't any port on any computer that can support the bandwidth of a GPU.

 

[simon12]

Its certainly possible but like pepto said the card is hugely restricted by the port it connects to (usually the express card slot) so its not ideal.

 

[JohnBender]

There would indeed be a significant bottleneck by the expresscard interface; but if you look at the DIY eGPU thread on the notebookreview forums, they say that e.g a GTX 560Ti will still give you an appreciable performance increase over Intel HD 3000 alone.
On Youtube, /watch?v=36FNJsYhLb4, Battlefield 3 runs smoothly (35-60 fps) on Ultra (as opposed to 7-8 fps on Low on Intel HD 3000).
The whole process, however, of building your own eGPU, remains complicated, and much more expensive than say a console (keep in mind that you need another monitor! can't use the laptop's). So if you are somewhat tech-savvy, really determined AND have the money, know that it is possible. The thread I mentioned is really well made.

 

[sk1939]

There would indeed be a significant bottleneck by the expresscard interface; but if you look at the DIY eGPU thread on the notebookreview forums, they say that e.g a GTX 560Ti will still give you an appreciable performance increase over Intel HD 3000 alone.
On Youtube, /watch?v=36FNJsYhLb4, Battlefield 3 runs smoothly (35-60 fps) on Ultra (as opposed to 7-8 fps on Low on Intel HD 3000).
The whole process, however, of building your own eGPU, remains complicated, and much more expensive than say a console (keep in mind that you need another monitor! can't use the laptop's). So if you are somewhat tech-savvy, really determined AND have the money, know that it is possible. The thread I mentioned is really well made.

It's also a giant 900 page thread, it's easier to read the summary.

 

[JohnBender]

It's also a giant 900 page thread, it's easier to read the summary.

Yes of course, that's what I meant. Reading that and the experiences people made with your laptop (if any) should be enough to have a fair grasp on what you need to do and buy.