2024 14" Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6+ IMH [CU1,16C,H] + RX 6800 XT @ 64Gbps-OLx4 (OSMETA EG01-M OCuLink) + Win10 22H2 // using Lenovo TGX port to attach OSMETA brand OCuLink eGPU adapter not validated by Lenovo  

@shortking, thank you for your build for a laptop with a unique 64Gbps PCIe 4.0 x4 TGX (ePCIe) port.

Do note: have adjusted the topic title as it's technically using the Lenovo ThinkBook Graphics eXtension (TGX) port, which happens to match a OCuLink eGPU adapter pinout, but isn't attaching a corresponding vendor validated Lenovo TGX enclosure. Great for experimentation in China where OCuLink eGPU adapters are quickly and easily acquired and replaced from their taobao marketplace.

However, Western users note that the laptop is currently China domestic-market only and use of third-party OCuLink adapters could make it susceptible to reliability issues as noted in OCuLink: What It Is, Why You Need It, and Where To Get It , copied below.

There are currently 4 eGPU Nvidia RTX builds using such OCuLink adapters that saw a 64Gbps PCIe 4.0 x4 to 8Gbps PCIe 1.1 x4 downgrade due to an electrically unstable ePCIe link using such third-party OCuLink eGPU adapters as shown in link below:

https://egpu.io/best-external-graphics-card-builds/?table_filter =""(202[234]) " 8Gbps Nvidia RTX "

NEW!! Jan-2024>> PCI-SIG announces CopprLink PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 6.0 internal & external cable branding for 2024 release as noted:

OCuLink: What It Is, Why You Need It, and Where To Get It 

NEW!! Jan-2024>> Most recent comment about challenges in reliably extending an internal 2022+ 64Gbps PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe slot to an external PCIe slot is below and what is tech is available at the moment, mostly DIY/experimental, to assist there. OCuLink-cabled tech even presenting questionable long-term reliability for 2015+ 32Gbps PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 NVMe slots.

2023 14" Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G5+ APO (780M) [R7K,8C,H] + RTX 4080 @ 64Gbps-M.2x4 (OSMETA GK01 OCuLink) + Win11 23H2 // dual-M.2 NVMe slots & USB4v1 port 

NEW!! Jan-2024>> Lenovo have at CES 2024 announced a Q2 2024 proper OEM-approved 2024 Lenovo ThinkBook 14i G6+ notebook with TGX eGPU port and Lenovo ThinkBook Graphics Extension (TBX) OCuLink enclosure that would have to have lab tested 64Gbps PCIe 4.0 x4 reliability if they want to avoid returns/refunds under Western consumer protection laws. Read more about it at:

OCuLink: What It Is, Why You Need It, and Where To Get It

Western customers who value a reliable "just works" solution may consider awaiting the rollout of the 2024 Lenovo ThinkBook 14i G6+ and Lenovo ThinkBook Graphics eXtension (TBX) OCuLink enclosure in their local market. OCuLink however gives a glimpse of what ePCIe on laptops could look like. Worth noting PCI-SIG has a even newer recently announced CopprLink PCIe 5.0 / PCIe 6.0 cabling spec than OCuLink.

thank you nando for the edits. as nando stated, this is a china domestic laptop so there are minor challenges to go through the settings for it to be english although i have a partner who is able to translate for me.

i will also be doing more testing as soon as i receive my items after spring festival is over and will also test nvidia gpus and maybe attempt dual OCuLink just to see if it’s possible when i have a weekend free.

if there are any requests for testing, please feel free to let me know and i’ll see what i can do to help.

@shortking, nice 1st build with this stock OCuLink/TGX port !

Is there any software / bios setting that allow hot plugging ?

@wildfear @nando4 here are the bios pics attached. no settings for hot plug. need to boot with OCuLink already plugged in currently.

Posted by: @shortking

@wildfear @nando4 here are the bios pics attached. no settings for hot plug. need to boot with OCuLink already plugged in currently.

Thank you.

Just confirming, you found no TGX specific settings in the BIOS?

Also mind posting the 3K LCD's hwinfo64 query info and whether the Win11 HDR-enable switch can be activated as done here and the two posts thereafter?

Lastly, may I ask that you include a AIDA64 bandwidth write test measure in your opening post, clicking buttons on AIDA64 trial version as shown at https://egpu.io/builds#perf to get the write number?

yes, i can confirm there are no tgx specific settings in bios currently.

here's the lcd info.

• Monitor Name: Lenovo [Unknown Model: LEN8AB1]
• Monitor Name (Manuf): LENOVO LEN145-3K
• Color Bit Depth 10 Bits per Primary Color

i do not see the hdr setting on the thread linked, this is what i see.

AIDA64 results edited into first post.

Posted by: @shortking

here's the lcd info.

• Monitor Name: Lenovo [Unknown Model: LEN8AB1]
• Monitor Name (Manuf): LENOVO LEN145-3K
• Color Bit Depth 10 Bits per Primary Color

Thank you. From this info found:

The LEN145-3K LCD name and specs - 3K, IPS, 120Hz, DPI-P3 high gamut, 400nits match the display reviewed by notebookcheck below contained in a 2023 14.5" Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14.

Worth noting notebookcheck measured it delivering a higher average 453nits of brightness. Nice.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Yoga-Pro-7-14-G8-notebook-review-GeForce-RTX-4050-laptop-powers-3K-display-with-120-Hz.715978.0.html#toc-3

@shortking, nice build with the 2024 thinkbook 14+, I've noticed that devices with a native OCuLink port like gpd devices, ayaneo, or Lenovo's tgx port have a slightly higher bandwidth around 6600- 6700 mb/s while when you devices use an m.2 to OCuLink adapter they have a bandwidth of around 6100- 6400. It's Only a slight difference but maybe OCuLink ports have redriver? Makes wonder how a teardown look like? Could you do a teardown if possible looking at the tgx port? If not it's fine. 

Posted by: @devin1fire

I've noticed that devices with a native OCuLink port like gpd devices, ayaneo, or Lenovo's tgx port have a slightly higher bandwidth around 6600- 6700 mb/s while when you devices use an m.2 to OCuLink adapter they have a bandwidth of around 6100- 6400.

Have too noticed those lower and higher groups of AMD GPU AIDA64 H2D bandwidth number but concluded differently.

AMD CPUs have +7% higher AIDA64 write bandwidth with AMD GPUs than Intel CPUs.

Example below:

REF: 2023 14" Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G5+ APO (RTX3050) [R7K,8C,H] + RX 6900 XT @ 64Gbps-M.2x4 (NFHK N-P114-A OCuLink) + Win11 22H2 // dual-M.2 NVMe slots & USB4v1 port