Host
- Razer Stealth 8550U
- -.100 undervolt
- Liquid Metal Repaste
eGPU hardware (eGPU enclosure, video card, any third-party TB3 cable, any custom mods)
- Lenovo Graphics Dock – GTX 1050
- MSI Afterburner with slight undervolt – I will keep tweaking to lower temps/noise
Installation steps (what did you do to get it all going?)
- True plug and play after loading Lenovo firmware and drivers
- Updated with latest Nvidia driver with no issue
Benchmarks –
All benchmarks are on internal screen
Heaven FPS 24, Score 614, Max FPS 52, and Min FPS 7
Division
- 1080p High Preset – 26FPS
- 1080p Medium Preset – 34FPS
- 900p Medium Preset – 43FPS
- 900p Medium Preset with tweaks – 48
Formula 1 2013
- QHD – High Settings – 60FPS
Far Cry 5
- 1080p Normal Preset – 40sFPS
Wolfenstein 2
- 1600x900 - high settings - 60fps
GTA V
- 1600x900 -Normal preset - 60 fps
Metro Last Light
- 1600x900 - Normal preset - 60fps
Nex Machina
- 1080p - medium settings - 60fps
Steep
- 1600x900 - medium preset no AA - 30-40fps
Splinter Cell Blacklist
- 1600x900 - high settings - 60fps
Comments (eg: how has the eGPU improved your workflow or gaming)
My constant objective with PC gaming when traveling is very low noise levels and portability.
Linus had created a video featuring the Stealth with Aorus Gaming Box. I currently have a AW 13 with amplifier and while the setup is clearly the highest performance EGPU option the laptop itself is simply not professional. After seeing the Linus video I thought this might be an alternative to review. A little ultrabook for business and such with a EGPU at the hotel after hours. When I started reviewing the option there are sorts of questions about compatibility and noise with the AGB so I starting looking at the Graphics Dock.
Once the AGB came in the connection was plug and play. Great performance but… the noise was just too loud. The AGB is technically portable but when trying to put in my current luggage there would be no room for much else. Unfortunately, I quickly realized this setup would not meet my objectives. Welcome Lenovo Graphics Dock…
Installation was breezy, on internal screen Far Cry 5 plays at 1080p normal setting between 35-50 fps, it is audible at load but very tolerable and truly portable.
On a very positive note the whole setup with under $1400 with discounts and before taxes.
Anyone want to buy a AW 13 R3 - 😊
MacBook Pro 15 2.7mhz with 560x - Razer Core X (850 watt psu) with 2080 ti.
2017 14" Razer Blade (GTX1060) [7th,4C,H] + Titan Xp @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Razer Core X) + Win10 [build link]
Hang onto that AW13 since they don't make them anymore. I got a 2017 AW13R3 earlier this week. Supposedly the Thunderbolt 3 controller attaches directly to the i7-7700K like in its bigger brothers. When I have time, I will redo comparison between the AGA and TB3.
• 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]
Yeah... The AW 13 will probably stay with me. It is a special laptop. I am curious what they will do next in the portable market. With EGPUs catching on more and more it would be great if they added a AGA connection on the XPS line.
By the way... How hard was it for you to take the Lenovo apart? More importantly how well did it all go back together? I am thinking if I can get temps below 68 then fan noise will be low. Maybe a repaste would help by a few degrees.
MacBook Pro 15 2.7mhz with 560x - Razer Core X (850 watt psu) with 2080 ti.
2017 14" Razer Blade (GTX1060) [7th,4C,H] + Titan Xp @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Razer Core X) + Win10 [build link]
To take the Lenovo eGFX apart, you'll need a thin and flexible putty knife. The thick and stiff ones will bend the top aluminum cover. Look at the picture below for reference of the amount of double-side tape you'll need to cut through. I went in from the rear and work slowly to not damage the top cover.
• 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]
I did not doing anything specific to make the internal screen to work. You could disable the Intel GPU in Device Management - Display Adapter. This may force the 1050 to be used.
I may have done this during first setup but I know I did not do this every time I used the egpu.
MacBook Pro 15 2.7mhz with 560x - Razer Core X (850 watt psu) with 2080 ti.
2017 14" Razer Blade (GTX1060) [7th,4C,H] + Titan Xp @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Razer Core X) + Win10 [build link]
Wish I could help more. What laptop are you pairing with it?
MacBook Pro 15 2.7mhz with 560x - Razer Core X (850 watt psu) with 2080 ti.
2017 14" Razer Blade (GTX1060) [7th,4C,H] + Titan Xp @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Razer Core X) + Win10 [build link]
That’s so odd. You would think the two Lenovos would pair nicely. It worked with the Stealth but not with the Razer Blade 14. EGPU are odd creatures.
Only other option is a fresh install or an alternative EGPU.
MacBook Pro 15 2.7mhz with 560x - Razer Core X (850 watt psu) with 2080 ti.
2017 14" Razer Blade (GTX1060) [7th,4C,H] + Titan Xp @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Razer Core X) + Win10 [build link]