System Specs:
2019 14" Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 7 20QD001UUS
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-8265U CPU @ 1.60GHz, 1800 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date LENOVO N2HET40W (1.23 ), 10/17/2019
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 16.0 GB
AOC AGON AG322QCX @ 2560 x 1440
Built-in display @ 2560 x 1440
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro [1903]
eGPU hardware:
AKiTiO Node
MSI GTX 1080 Ti -> external monitor
The fan problem:
I purchased the AKiTiO Node and GTX 1080 Ti a few years ago but when I went to set things up there was a problem-- the card is so wide that the fans rubbed against the side of the node! I ran it without the cover for a while but I hated having it like that, so back in the closet it went until last week when my main gaming machine died. I made a large cut-out in the GPU side of the enclosure and then bolted one of these over the hole with a few standoffs to make a bit more room. It works like a charm and I dig the retro look. It sits on the floor under my desk and looks like/doubles as a small furnace for warming my feet in these cold Chicago Winters.
The install:
Literally nothing to it. I got windows fully patched and simply plugged things in. I was prompted for a few restarts as the necessary drivers were installed, but that was it.
Benchmarks:
I ran a few but I'm waiting for my Noctura replacement fan to get in before I really tweak it and put it through it's paces. If I remember I'll update the post.
Pictures:
2019 14" Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 7 [8th,4C,U] + GTX 1080 Ti @ 32Gbps-TB3 (AKiTiO Node) + Win10
2019 14" Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon 7th Gen [8th,4C,U] + GTX 1080 Ti @ 32Gbps-TB3 (AKiTiO Node) + Win10 // a bit of hardware hacking [build link]
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2021 15" ASUS TUF Dash F15 [11th,4C,H] + RTX 3080 @ 32Gbps-TB4 (AORUS Gaming Box) + Win10 2004 // my 3rd RTX 3080 build [build link]
Looks rad.
Love that carbon fiber look. I almost went with the AkiTio Node, but opted for the Razer. Kind of like the AkiTio look a little more with that carbon fiber. Very nice.
Lenovo Yoga C940 | Razer Core X | AMD Radeon 5700 XT
2019 14" Lenovo Yoga C940 [10th,4C,G] + RX 5700 XT @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Razer Core X) + Win10 1909 [build link]