System specs
HP 8470p - 14" - 1366x768
- CPU: Intel Core i5-3210M
- RAM: 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz
- iGPU: Intel HD4000 650-1100MHz
- dGPU: none
- OS: Windows 10 Pro ver.1709 and 1803
- External display: Samsung SA300 - 19" - 1366x768
eGPU hardware
V1
- VGA: XFX 9600GT 512MB DDR3 (lower gpu and memory clocks, than reference; no external power connector)
- PSU: Codegen 300W ATX (in a Codegen 450W case with 120mm fan)
- eGPU: $7 PCE164P-N03 with 60cm USB 3.0 cable (default PCI-e to mPCI-e) + US$5 Expresscard USB extension
V2
- VGA: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 560 (reference clocks)
- PSU: Codegen 450W ATX (without factory case)
- eGPU: $7 PCE164P-N03 with 100cm USB 3.0 cable (default PCI-e to mPCI-e) + US$5 Expresscard USB extension
notice: With the 100cm blue USB 3.0 cable, the eGPU work only with ExpressCard gen1.
I bought another riser with new cable for EC2.
The mod
The WWAN mPCI-e slot is whitelist locked, the WLAN mPCI-e slot is unlocked, but can’t detect anyway the eGPU. I tried everything on the link, but nothing. That's why i did the Expresscard mod.
V1
V2
Drawing for soldering
Hardware pictures
V2
Temps inside the case:
Idle and browsing temp of GPU: 29-32°C
Max temp: 84°C
Avg. temp when i play: 60-70°C
Archived case project
Installation steps (GTX 560 need only driver install)
Plug the powered eGPU to loaded Windows.
You can see in the Device Manager.
Only at your own risk!
error 12 - eGPU.io DSDT override
Before all, detach the eGPU
1.) Step 1.
2.) Step 2. - Option 2. (I used with UEFI) (Option 1. need "testing mode" -> can't play e.g. Fortnite)
2.1) Mount S:\ and backup "BOOTX64.efi" file with CMD as Admin
mountvol s: /s
copy s:\EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.efi s:\EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.win
2.2) Download Clover.
2.3)Open the downloaded file with 7-zip, and copy "EFI" to "C:\EFI" manually.
2.4) Copy "C:\EFI" to "S:\EFI" with CMD as Admin (overwrite, hidden files) (source)
xcopy c:\EFI s:\EFI /E /H /K
2.5) Make target dir and copy the modified dsdt file
mkdir s:\EFI\CLOVER\ACPI\WINDOWS\
copy c:\dsdt\dsdt-modified.aml s:\EFI\CLOVER\ACPI\WINDOWS\dsdt.aml
2.6) "Reboot via Clover -> Windows EFI menu and proceed to step 3 to confirm it worked."
2.6.1) Shutdown
2.6.2) In UEFI BIOS set boot priority first place "Customized boot"
2.6.3) Set Custom Boot path to "\EFI\CLOVER\CLOVERX64.efi".
2.6.4) Save and exit
| Clover |
After save, the system boot to clover automatically. The "Timeout" parameter default 5sec, this can edit.
Optional: Hide Clover select screen on boot
1.) Edit C:\EFI\CLOVER\config.plist file with Notepad++
2.) Search "Timeout" word (result normally in line 291)
3.) The next line have the value of timeout in seconds, you can set to "0" for hide clover's screen at boot
3.) I don't have "Large Memory", but the error 12 is fixed.
error 43 - NVIDIA reg key delete
- I used the last (342.01) and a older (341.92) driver for Geforce 9600GT.
Sometimes after boot, I get error 43 for Intel HD 4000 and Nvidia 9600GT too.
The solution:
2.) Disable eGPU in Device Manager
3.) Enable Intel IGP
4.) Enable eGPU
So eGPU will be the primary.
Using after istallations and errors solving
When connect the eGPU to loaded Windows, the Wi-Fi is broken, and the system becomes unstable.
That is why you have to connect when you see "Press Esc to BIOS" before Clover. You may need to turn off the "Fast boot" or set bios menu timeout.
Benchmarks on external display
CUDA-Z
Valley
| Nvidia GTX 560 | Nvidia 9600GT | Intel HD4000 |
3DMARK
Plans
- Delay circuit for dynamism
- eGPU auto power on, when connect the Expresscard
- maybe replace USB 3.0 Type A to 3.0 mini-B -> USB Type-C to Type-C for more pins (need more wires for USB 2.0 and the auto power on)
GT 1030 (~30W) or GTX 1050 (~75W), 96W notebook charger (12V/8A)Custom case:In real lifeRender images:
Comments
- I can use extend, primary and second screen.
- The 9600GT 600MHz/700MHz (gpu/mem) slower than Intel HD 4000.
- The GTX 560 big performance jump after the HD4000 or 9600GT.
The idea was given by inxftw's article, and this post.
Changelog
- 2018.04.10. - One PCIe TX/RX GND shield wire location was corrected & opening post drawing updated.
- 2018.04.12. - Added custom case renders.
- 2018.05.18. - Added GTX 560 results and photos.
@diyman, your CUDA-Z results are a little below what's expected for 4Gbps-EC2. This likely means there is may be bit errors requiring some error correction being performed down the link.
FIX: Add shielding parallel ground lines to the PCIe TX/RX wires
There is one way you can improve this. The 4 PCIe TX/RX lines PETn0/PETp0/PERn0/PERp0 mPCIe pins 23,25,31,33 have noise shielding ground lines running parallel to them. In your implementation you have been connected these lines to a common ground as central silver blob.
So simply wire them in parallel so the differential signalling provides electromagentic noise suppression. If all goes well, your CUDA-Z H2D numbers will then be as expected.
You're right. I will improve later.
I wanted to reduce the number of solders because the pins are very small. 😀
I now test a GTX 560, but unfortunately the card is unstable (cooked card). If I find a card that is stable, I will edit my build guide with new CUDA-Z screenshots.
Thanks for help!
Could you draw where to solder which cable, because I didn't understand, I should be able to test what you draw by the end of April, when my adapter arrives
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
All right, I will attach a drawing, into the implementation guide.
Thanks, since I don't want to mess up my expresscard adapter when arrives
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
can you please draw a sketch where to solder mpci to expresscard. photos are ok...but dont help much.
thank you
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
@diyman, your CUDA-Z results are a little below what's expected for 4Gbps-EC2. This likely means there is may be bit errors requiring some error correction being performed down the link.
FIX: Add shielding parallel ground lines to the PCIe TX/RX wiresThere is one way you can improve this. The 4 PCIe TX/RX lines PETn0/PETp0/PERn0/PERp0 mPCIe pins 23,25,31,33 have noise shielding ground lines running parallel to them. In your implementation you have been connected these lines to a common ground as central silver blob.
So simply wire them in parallel so the differential signalling provides electromagentic noise suppression. If all goes well, your CUDA-Z H2D numbers will then be as expected.
I got my expresscard usb 3.0 today, could you help me with this, i need a draw or some documents to learn which ping goes where
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
I added the drawing, I hope to help you with the project
I wanted to do a better drawing, but I did not have enough time.
Later I might update the drawing and publish newer results with GTX 560.
I look forward to feedback. 🙂
Later I might update the drawing and publish newer results with GTX 560.
I look forward to feedback. 🙂
Thank you for the drawing. One PCIe TX/RX GND shield wire location was corrected & opening post drawing updated. Please be sure to use this as a reference if doing further updates.
I added changelog.
thanks for the drawing...
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
hey all,
sorry for asking this in your thread: my adapter cards look alittle bit different.
which one should i use?
https://ibb.co/mPsPz7
No1 and No2 - are they the same? can i use them both for egpu? -or both not?
my usb to mini usb adapter dont have the WAKE# to bridge. does this matter?
thanks for your help!
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
@j_chaina , can you please link me where you purchased adapter 1? That one has a USB 3.0 connector on the PCIe and mPCIe adapters. As there are flat USB 3.0 cables it gives greater underside threading in tight spots capacity than adapter 2 that has a mini-USB end.
oh sorry my picture is misleading: i got two risers from amazon:
No1
https://tinyurl.com/y9ejwytr
No2
https://tinyurl.com/y7or4fg6
...and i also got this adapter on ebay:
https://tinyurl.com/y85curuj
(i dont know if i can use this adapter for my modding?!)
(both risers work so far that the GPU is running on it with a 430w psu; but my thinkpad t430 wont reconize the egpu through minipci - tried it all; with gdc beast v8.0 expresscard it works all fine, but only with gen1 - this is why i want to mod to express card like in this thread) - i will post my complete build guide later.
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
...and i also got this adapter on ebay:
https://tinyurl.com/y85curuj
(i dont know if i can use this adapter for my modding?!)
Oh I see. This adapter wires the USB lines to the USB cable. As PCIe wires required for an eGPU are not being wired through, it does not make a good adapter candidate for modding.
..but i can use No2 for modding?
thanks for the fast replies! 🙂
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
hey all,
sorry for asking this in your thread: my adapter cards look alittle bit different.
which one should i use?
https://ibb.co/mPsPz7
No1 and No2 - are they the same? can i use them both for egpu? -or both not?
my usb to mini usb adapter dont have the WAKE# to bridge. does this matter?thanks for your help!
Your mpcie adapter with green PCB, only a mPCI-e to USB adater.
With this can you plug a wireless mouse recevier into this usb socket.
This use a circuit to make 5V from 3.3V.
The adapter with blue PCB has mini-B USB, but with custom wiring for x16 to x1 risers.
The green is not good for the mod, only the blue. 😐
I have a plan with usb Type-C connecting, but it's need a lot of soldering... 🙂
thanks for the fast reply-
yea i also thought so..the green is only for normal usb stuff!
The blue one doesnt have the WAKE bridge. like yours. so i dont need to solder bottom mpci-e pin2 to WAKE pin on the express card?
i like soldering 😉
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
The wake pin is optional, this can the pcie device awake from sleep.
Maybe I will add my Type-C plan with draws.
@diyman, I believe an even simpler mod could be made here that would :
(1) use a male-ended USB 3.0 interconnect cable
(2) maintain the integrity of the USB 3.0 expresscard - just either end would be disconnected from the original circuitry
Could do that by:
1.allocate one of the USB 3.0 jacks on the expresscard to be for eGPU use
2. etch into the USB 3.0 circuit board (USB 3.0 port end) just beyond the 9-pin USB 3.0 jack pins to disconnect it
3. etch into the USB 3.0 circuit board (expresscard connector end) to also disconnect it from the circuit
4. Do some investigation on how to wire those 9pins USB 3.0 pins to the expresscard pins
5. Solder in the wires as needed being sure to run GND shields around the four PCIe RX/TX wires
I did not want to Type-A usb to use for connector on the laptop, because my family is also using my laptop and so could plug in either a pendrive physically to the egpu port. And this would not be good... 
ok guyz... I cut off the board on the expresscard.. and I was facing serious problem...
how the hell I am going to solder that small things together...I am not a person who gives up easily...but that is insane... I might entirely give up and try another expresscard solution
I will give it another go and try my best to solder it together...
while searching for the options, do you think @diyman this adapter would work?
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
ok guyz... I cut off the board on the expresscard.. and I was facing serious problem...
how the hell I am going to solder that small things together...I am not a person who gives up easily...but that is insane... I might entirely give up and try another expresscard solutionI will give it another go and try my best to solder it together...
while searching for the options, do you think @diyman this adapter would work?
Would you like to do an external mPCI-e slot?
This PCB factory of the express card?
If so, then there is no need to solder well.
This is a pure solution for a mPCI-e slot with hotplug.
If it works, it's a very good idea! 🙂
I think this is like yours:
I see 9600 I press like. Great modelling too.
Good stuff!
Thanks! 🙂
@jaggiemccool, I do not see tracks leading to the PCIe TX/RX pins 23,25,31,33. Your adapter does have USB pins 36, 38 wired suggesting it's an expresscard-to-USB adapter only.
http://pinoutguide.com/Slots/mini_pcie_pinout.shtml
There is an expresscard-to-mPCIe adapter but it's not so readily available, nor is it cost effective:
https://world.taobao.com/item/8414646621.htm
ok guyz... I cut off the board on the expresscard.. and I was facing serious problem...
how the hell I am going to solder that small things together...I am not a person who gives up easily...but that is insane... I might entirely give up and try another expresscard solutionI will give it another go and try my best to solder it together...
while searching for the options, do you think @diyman this adapter would work?
Same here, I give up, I don't have enough skill to do this, is there any adapter?
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
hi... @diyman i did not have much time lately, but what if I could put your solder drawing into a bit precise scheme and contact a shop which makes custom flex boards... something similar like photo below
or perhaps more cheaper solution to use these stripes and glue for pcb...
flex stripe wires
Pending: Add my system information and expected eGPU configuration to my signature to give context to my posts
Hello, first time posting here so sorry if i don't know something!
I found out some riser cards for miners pretty cheaply from store. I would like to know could i use it like i would use EXP GDC Beast?!
Here is some pictures of the riser and connections: (I would use ExpressCard USB 3.0 adapter to connect USB to riser card)
So these are the main things i need, of course GPU is needed too and PSU too 🙂
I would like to know will this work in my 8470p?
8470p {3320M, HD 4000, 8GB DDR3, 128GB+128GB, 1600x900 14"}
eGPU: EXP GDC Beast 8.4C, Dell DA-2/GPS-500A8
@dub_monster , you query has been moved into this thread showing how to make a DIY expresscard adapter for use with the PCE164P-N03 PCIe riser.
hi... @diyman i did not have much time lately, but what if I could put your solder drawing into a bit precise scheme and contact a shop which makes custom flex boards... something similar like photo below
or perhaps more cheaper solution to use these stripes and glue for pcb...
flex stripe wires
I do not think this is worth it.
I think the drawing is understandable. I added serial number and the name of the pins for clarity.
If you can produce PCBs, that would be the best solution.
Alright, thanks. So can i just plug that USB cable to that Expresscard USB adapter, without soldering mPCIE board to it?
Please note that my message is always reply to quoted message.
These ingredients are appropriate.
First, do not cut the PCB.
This ExpressCard already has a USB socket PCB and should be physical stability.
The printed wires must cut off the surface of the PCB. For example, with a blade.
If this is the case then you need to know the USB socket pin on the PCI-e.
You need to be sure of the pin assignment.
You can do this with a multimeter.
In my situation, the following is:
pin1 - WAKE
pin2 - REFCLK +
pin3 - REFCLK-
pin4 - PERST
pin5 - PERp0
pin6 - PERn0
pin7 - GND
pin8 - PETp0
pin9 - PETn0
@diyman, thank you for the updated.
Did you CUDA-Z host-to-device numbers improve with the V2 solution indicative of better signalling?
This is an important thread as these older expresscards systems, while having a convenient eGPU attachment point, no longer have a cost effective eGPU adapter to attach to them. The lowest cost EXP GDC Beast has shown voltage & signal instablility.
This $7 eGPU adapter + $5 USB 3.0 expresscard + USB 3.0 cable + 9-13 soldered wires to attach the USB 3.0 pins to the expresscard pins looks to be the most cost effective solution & simplest modding solution. Just require someone to show it being done.