Plug & Play External Graphics Card Solution for Precision laptops?

Hello Precision laptop owners,

I was wondering if any of you had any experience trying to have an external graphics card solution for precision laptops? Work is basically giving away some precision laptops as end-of-the-year-bonuses and there is one 5510 with the IGZO panel that I'm drooling over. It has basically Intel HD graphics which is more than enough for work but not enough for home And there are many others like me who would love to take some of these beauties home but we would like to have more graphics power. Thoughts? Suggestions? If nobody has tried anything before, we can be the guinea pig. Give us suggestions and we will bring them in and see what kind of results we get?

 

The only real possibility is a Thunderbolt 3-based external GPU enclosure. The one that I have heard the most about is the Razer Core. You would have to purchase something like this, and then a regular old PCI Express graphics card to stick inside. Using NVIDIA Optimus, it should be possible to have the external GPU render content on the laptop screen.

Haven't heard of anyone trying this with the 5510. (Kind of expensive just to test. )

Here's an article describing someone's attempt with the Razer Core and an XPS15 (similar to Precision 5510). Seems like he got it working, but it was not without issues.
http://www.ultrabookreview.com/10761-razer-core-review/

 

Thanks for that. XPS 15 is indeed very similar to 5510. From the article, it definitely wasn't a plug & play solution for him but the author seems to think it was worth the effect and effectively replaced his desktop

You are right, kind of expensive just to test I was hoping someone already did all the expensive mistakes and testing. I guess we have to go where no man has gone before!

 

Be sure to let us know how it goes, I'm sure there are people here would be interested to hear.

 

Already tested EXP GDC Beast v8 EC version with gtx 970, pretty ok running on external monitor

btw: precision m6800

 

That won't work with the 5510 as there is no ExpressCard slot. However, I had been considering something like this to try on my M6700. I wish it came in a more polished kit (actual full enclosure, with power supply). At least it is affordable.

Can you expand on your experience a little? Is it pretty "plug-and-play"? Any obvious gotchas while using it?
Thanks.

 

Not yet out we have no iinformation on possible compatibility...but its a cheaper alternative to the Razer Core.

https://www.akitio.com/expansion/node

 

That is pretty much a toned down TB3 HDK with a different firmware. Or the Thunder 3 PCIe box.

 

Here's a long discussion in this forum about getting the Razer Core working with the XPS15 9550.

John

 

The nice thing about the Node is that it has a built-in 400W PSU which the other two that you mentioned don't have.