2019 14" Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 7 [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:

   sudo mhwd -a pci nonfree 0300

   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:

   git clone  https://github.com/hertg/egpu-switcher.git  
   

    

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

   sudo make install

8. run the setup of the eGPU switcher:

   sudo egpu-switcher setup

   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!