2019 14" Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon 7th Gen [8th,4C,U] + GTX 1650 Super @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Zotac AMP Box Mini) + Linux Manjaro  

System Specs:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-8665U
• Laptop: Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 7
• RAM: 16GB (LPDDR3-2166)
• iGPU: Intel HD Graphics 620
• OS: Manjaro 20 XFCE 4.14 running on Kernel 5.6
• External display 24"

eGPU Hardware:

• Zotac Amp Box Mini ( https://www.zotac.com/de/product/accessories/amp-box-mini-230w-w-62-pin-connector )
• Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650 Super 4 GB
• TB3 cable from Box

Hardware Pictures:

Installation Steps:

1. first install latest kernel, updates etc.
2. connect the eGPU via thunderbolt. Nothing should happen! 
3. check via inxi -G if the eGPU got in principle detected
4. if yes, install the nvidia driver by running:

   [Please login to see this]

   make sure to install it via the Manjaro mhwd tool! It will hopefully automatically detect the eGPU and offer you to install the hybrid driver version like video-hybrid-intel-nvidia-440xx-prime (do not install Bumbelbee or Optimus)

5. turn-off Laptop after installation, unplug eGPU, start! everything should be fine. Connect it again.
6. Next, install the GPU switcher, which will create a custom xorg config. Clone it from github:

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7. go in the directory an execute (or check the installation instructions)

   [Please login to see this]

8. run the setup of the eGPU switcher:

   [Please login to see this]

   and follow the instructions. This will generate xorg configs for both integrated and external GPU. Moreover, it will setup a launch demon to switch automatically between the two, if the eGPU is connected when starting...

9. reboot with eGPU connected and it should work and and inxi -G should give something like:

That's it! This does not provide you with plug and play, but it works really stable everytime you reboot. (Always use the same TB slot)

Benchmarks on External Screen (1920x1200 via DVI):

Counter Strike: Global Offensive

FPS Bencmark Workshop map https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?l=german&id=500334237

All settings low or off

• Intel HD 620: 42.26 fps
• GTX 1650 Super: 276.47 fps

All settings max:

• GTX 1650 Super: 218.43 fps

Unigine Superposition Benchmark (1080p Extreme)

In comparison this is not too bad. Under Windows 10 and a powerful desktop CPU the 1650 Super from Zotac gets: 2461 points. ( https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/zotac-gaming-gtx-1650-super-review,20.html )

Additional Comments:

• when first connected I got troubles with the internal Wifi kernel module. However, after installing the correct driver this magically solved itself
• I usually switch off the compositing in XFCE for higher framerates
• Had real troubles with the nvidia generated xorg config! Delete it if it is generated!