DIY: EGPU GTX 970 with DELL 702X 3D edition easy plug and play

Greetings:

My intent is to show the following setup is as easy as 1-2-3 by just plugging the components into the laptop without any additional software.

If you wanted to setup an eGPU with the DELL L702X 3D edition and was hesitant, go for it because it is super easy, and the results are absolutely amazing.

The following setup is completely possible with just PLUG and PLAY without any errors from Windows 7:

Laptop: Dell XPS L702X (3D edition)
EGPU connector: mpcie pe4l-pm060a
Video card: GTX 970 (reference card edition)

Just plug everything in, and Windows 7 recognizes everything without any hassle.

I can now run games at ULTRA settings on the GTX 970 that I could not run relying on the 555m that was the dGPU.

Here is what the Dell L702 looks like while attached with the EGPU:







See the following post if you want to cut a hole, so you can have the keyboard sitting flush:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...l702x-required-physical-modifications.763330/




Here is Windows 7 instantly recognizing the GTX 970 without any errors:



Here is the overclocked GTX 970 running stable:



Here are the benchmarks:





Updates:


[UPDATE 5-19-2016]
Get a 850W Power supply (EVGA 850W G2 Supernova), or the GTX 970 Reference edition will not have enough power and black out during heavy graphics processing.

I was constantly getting black screens, BSOD, or the display driver would crash with the GTX 970. I thought I had a faulty card, faulty egpu connector, insufficient thermal paste, or faulty bios flashing. However, I discovered today that all these symptoms were a result of insufficient power supply to the GTX 970.

The EVGA 500W power supply that I used is insufficient for the GTX 970 Reference edition in games that use heavy graphics because it would turn off during intense PhysX games. I don't blame EVGA, but I do blame nvidia for posting on their website that a 500W power supply is sufficient to run this card. Furthermore, I thought since I was running 500W to the GTX 970 without sharing the 500W with a CPU or other accessories, then the 500W would be enough.

The good thing is that with an EVGA 850W power supply I have been running the GTX 970 without any crashes, and I even have an extra 15 FPS now.

UPDATE 8-16-2017

Here are the benchmarks with the EGPU after I did the following upgrades to my DELL XPS 702X:

Upgraded my CPU from a 2720QM to a 2960XM


Upgraded my RAM from 1333mhz to 1866mhz (running at 1600mhz)


Cut custom vents into my laptop:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...nd-overclocking-physical-modification.807316/


BEFORE:


NOW:



All the best.

-M-

 

Now THAT's crazy man! You did a really bad ass, awesome job dude!

Has it to be the 3D-Version?

 

Thanks!

I think this should work with non-3D versions as well because the only material difference is the 3D nvidia infrared device and the screen, and I don't see how that difference would hinder the EGPU compatibility. However, I know for sure it works with the 3D-version easily without any additional software modification (as easy as plugging in an external hard drive).

 

very straight forward, thats what id call an easy peasy DIY egpu project just wondering if its the bandwidth thats holding back the 970 or maybe the cpu/ram or maybe both? looking at the fs score im guessing its both the bandwidth and the cpu @graphics and physics subscores. still, insanely more powerful than your internal dgpu for sure!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

I prefer the Alienware Graphics Amplifier It is much cleaner Good Job though.


Sent from my iPhone 6+ using Tapatalk.

 

The GTX 970 is being held back by the x1 pci slot because the GTX 970 usually goes into a x16 link.

This setup is even faster than a "GTX970m (mobile version of the chip)":

 

I dig the Bose setup you got! I like Bose surround sound.

I don't mind having the GTX 970 out in the open because the card looks beautiful with the way it is designed. I love the way Nvidia has been designing their new graphics cards with the stylish reference coolers, so it looks like something out of the movie Terminator (Cyberdyne). I was going to put it into a small PC case, but then I like staring at the card's fan when it spools up on GPU load. Also, I love the way the "Geforce GTX" lights up in green and gives my desktop a soft glow. I just need to organize the cables on my desk for a cleaner look.
I might upgrade to Bose surround soon.

 

So does this mean that using the eGPU (self made or by the amplifier) with the L702X isn't able to use the full power due to insufficient pci-lanes!? So at least x16 is needed?

 

well yes and no. trouble with most egpu systems is indeed either insufficient bandwidth in terms of pcie lanes or internal laptop hardware bottlenecking the egpu (first and foremost mobile cpu!)

on the bright side, pcie bandwidth doesnt let you lose as much performance as, say, lower clocks, less cores or lower vram amount/bandwidth. so its still a nice tradeoff and a good bump in performance when using an egpu

looking at highend desktop gpus, even a titan x doesnt show that much of a performance loss when comparing 16 to 8 to 4 pcie lanes or 16 lanes each of pcie 3.0 / 2.0 / 1.0. sure u do definitely see the performance loss but its not like it completely tanks, but is rather limited to several percent...

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

There is "enough" power with the external gpu setup with the GTX 970 to run most games at the highest graphics card settings despite the pci-lane bandwidth limitation.

Although "full" power potential of the GTX 970 is not reached, there is enough power to play at a very comfortable FPS.

Hence, if you're a student like me who has only a laptop to lug to school, and you don't want to spend money to build a desktop because the i7 is plenty enough of CPU power, then I highly recommend an EGPU setup.

 

Maybe I can lay hands on an Inspiron 17R SE soon. Would be worth a try!

 

Hey master33 , i have an Dell Xps L702x too and want to run it with an Gtx 970 too.
What do i need for this?

-The GTX 970 (Reference Design)
-PE4L-PM060A (http://www.amazon.com/Bplus-PE4L-PM060A-PCI-Express-slot/dp/B00S4M2UKO)

Something else ?

 

Greetings Timch91-

1) Get the "reference card gtx 970," so you can attach it to the laptop with no problems from Windows 7 or bios.

2) Get the above "Pe4l connector" so you can run the card with no connection problems or errors. Furthermore, this solid cable link lets you run at the highest speed possible as of February 2016 technology on the market (avoid detachable cables because unreliable speeds).

3) Get a 500w power supply that can supply 40a per rail. The "evga 500w" power supply I have is good enough.

4) Lift laptop keyboard. Connect everything and then turn on the EGPU switch, then power on laptop.

5) Enjoy all games at ULTRA settings at 1920x1080 resolutions!

6) Post back and share your joy with others.

All the best.

-M

 

do i need an extern screen too ?
And do you think this one is good too : Gainward Nvidia GTX 970 Phantom?

Greetings Timon

 

Greetings Timon-

Regarding monitors:
You can use the egpu without an external monitor by routing the video signal back into your laptop screen. However, the performance of the egpu would be a lot slower than if you ran the card directly to an external monitor.

Also, if you do get an external monitor and want to maintain "Nvidia 3d playability" for games, then make sure to get one with a 120hz refresh rate. The "Nvidia 3d" on our dell xps 702 laptops work with only 120hz refresh rates (a fast monitor refresh rate is required for 3d capability).

If you would prefer to have an external monitor with better color depth and picture clarity, then get a IPS monitor, but IPS monitor lack 120hz refresh rates, so you lose the "Nvidia 3d" capability on an external monitor.

Regarding video card manufacturers:
Get the "reference card gtx 970, so you can attach it to the laptop with no problems from Windows 7 or bios (the Gainward gtx 970 may work, but might require Nand0's Software)."

Let me know if you have any other questions. I will be happy to walk you through the process.

All the best.

-M

 

Thanks for your help
I have the problem that noone sells the reference disign and in UK it cost 299£=385€. Where you bought the 970 reference card and how much you payed?

 

Hi, master33! You work is truly inspiring! I have Dell N7110 and think about the same upgrade.

The only thing I don't "understand" is how PE4L-PM060A with PCIE x1 slot will fit GTX 970 with PCIE x16 slot?

Thank you.

 

Hi, I have XPS 17 L702 and 2 years ago i buy EXP GDC V7.0 Beast Laptop External Independent Video Card Dock, but that thing doesn't work. I have video with all my installation :
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz2jA2jpD-SFMDhBYWVtLWNWUFU
Mb you can help my?

 

Hi, did you get your EXP GDC working?

 

No, I think EXP GDC V7.0 dont work with my XPS, because i try all that i can ((((

 

Master33 - I have the same l702x 3d version and i would love a little more graphics power without having to buy a new computer. I just wanted your advice.. can this only be done with the refenrence card ... I was really interested in the ASUSGTX970 plus is cheaper... Please let me know what do you suggest?

 

Literally you can use whatever brand you like. There should be no difference.

 

Greetings-

I know that the "reference edition" GTX 970 will work perfectly with no errors, no problems, and no extra software needed with our current Dell l702x laptops egpu setups.

However, I'm not sure of other brands. You could always try it and post back on to this forum because I am interested as well. If there are any errors during your laptop bootup, then you could always purchase "Nand0's setup.xxx" that allows you to customize and and fix any bootup problems.

Good luck.

Keep me updated on your progress.

All the best.

-M

G

 

Greetings-

I know that the "reference edition" GTX 970 will work perfectly with no errors, no problems, and no extra software needed with our current Dell l702x laptops egpu setups.

However, I'm not sure of other brands. You could always try it and post back on to this forum because I am interested as well. If there are any errors during your laptop bootup, then you could always purchase "Nand0's setup.xxx" that allows you to customize and and fix any bootup problems.

Good luck.

Keep me updated on your progress.

All the best.

-M

G

 

Hello,

First of all, thank you for sharing!

I have the l702x 3D i7, I believe it's the exact same as your computer.
I purchased the 970 reference card
I purchased the mpcie pe4l-pm060a
I purchased an 850w PS

The only issue I'm worried about, besides cutting the chassis - is the fact that I've updated to Windows 10. Do you think this will cause a problem?

Much appreciated!

 

accidental repost!

 

Greetings-

Your hardware will meet all the requirements for an easy "plug and play" with the egpu.

You do not have to cut into the chassis if you use an external keyboard or if you don't mind the keyboard metal trim sticking out on the right side. I cut into the chassis, so I can use the laptop keyboard and save room.

Windows 10 should work fine with your egpu setup. I have read online about MacBook pros running Windows 10 while running Egpus with no problem.

Please keep me updated on your progress as well because I am interested to see if Windows 10 will run an egpu without any problems. I might consider upgrading to Windows 10 in the future and would like to maintain an egpu functionality.

All the best.

-M

 

Sorry - another question, does it need to be the EVGA 850W G2 Supernova, or can it be a different 850w power supply? The amazon seller I bought from increased the lead time to 2 weeks.

 

Greetings-

The EVGA 850W G2 Supernova will work perfectly with the GTX 970 and even allow you to have sufficient power to overclock the card with bios voltage mods. You can eventually tune and overclock the card to run stable at even a 1550mhz core clock.

I have read online that some power supplies rated at 850w fail to deliver the advertised amperages. When the GTX970 lacks sufficient power, then the card will "shut off." The symptoms would be manifested as black screens with audio still running in the background during intensive rendering scenes in games.

Although you can buy a "generic" power supply, I would recommend picking up a "well rated one (gold/platinum)" for power efficiency and because you do not want the annoying black outs I had to experience when my GTX970 was "underpowered."

Keep me posted on your progress.

All the best.

-M

reetingd

 

Could you elaborate on how to plug the mpcie pe4l-pm060a into the gpu, and the gpu into the PS? I think I have the wrong cables

 

Greetings-

Please post images of the alleged "wrong cables."

I want to see if you have the correct cables, so I can guide you through it.

The setup only takes about five minutes:

1) Make sure your laptop is off and unscrew the keyboard trim piece (Google or search online for DIY on Dell L702x disassembly).

2) Plug the Gtx970 into the Pe4l.

3) Plug the mpci cable from the Pe4l into the mpci port under the laptop keyboard (I had to remove my Avermedia tv tuner card that was in the mpci port).

4) Plug the 6-pin power cables from the PSU into the GTX970. Make sure that each 6-pin power cable is "independently" coming directly out of the PSU to balance out the power load (Do not use two 6-pin connectors on the same power rail line because there may not be enough current).

4a) Plug the floppy drive mini molex from the PSU into Pe4l.

4b) Plug the power switch that came with the Pe4l into the PSU motherboard connector.

5) Plug the PSU power cord directly into a wall outlet.

6) Connect display cables from GTX970 to an external monitor.

7) Turn on Pe4l by flipping the black switch (Your GTX970 reference card should now be automatically powered on. The fan will spinning, and the green "GeForce logo" will be illuminated).

8) Turn on laptop and wait for Windows to show up in your external monitor.

9) Play some graphically demanding games and ENJOY!

All the best.

-M

 

I'll follow the steps above and report this evening! Thanks!

 

Yep, I must have the wrong cables.
The cable that comes directly out of the PSU is a 4+4
The PCI-E cables that came with are also attached to a 8 pin "Type 4"
Here are some pics

 

So do I need a different power supply, or what cables do I need to buy?

 

I tried a variety of ways plugging all of the cables in, one works that makes the graphics card come on and fan blow at full blast.
The computer wouldn't recognize the card however, and I was worried that it would burn out the card so I turned it off.
Can anyone offer a quick how-to on plugging this setup in, at least an outline of what cables I need? Much appreciated.

 

Okay - I bought the EVGA G2 850 PSU
I tried to follow these instructions, the gtx light came on and the fan spun, both lights on the pe4l came on, but the display (connected by hdmi cable to the GPU) did not register the graphics card.
I don't fully understand the 'power rail line' part - could you dummyproof this for me?

-How many cable lines are in play?
-From what slot on the PSU do I plug the 6 pin connectors, and to where?
-What cable goes from the pe4l, to the mini molex, to the GPU? (it's difficult to tell from your pics, I don't have the same cables as you do in the pics)

Please help! Thank you! Sorry for the ignorance!

 

I have a Dell XPS L701X and have bought the exp gdc with a supplied Dell power source from GearBest. I have an EVGA 2gb GDDR5 GTX960 and have tried a few times to set it up following all directions. Upon boot up the GTX is not recognised and nothing is showing up in the device manager. I am running windows 10 and I have also checked the BOIS screen, but there is nothing to show the internal GPU.

Could someone PLEASE help me as I hope it is a simple fix? Otherwise I may have to fight to get a refund.

 

Hello everyone

Master 33 thanks for sharing man. Much appreciated.
I will be following your instructions for my dell xps 17 702x non 3d version.

Updated my ram to 16gb, installed a kingston sdd and a solid gpu is what neeeded now to start enjoying games again!

Besides the gpu and a solid psu does the
"EGPU connector: mpcie pe4l-pm060au" still considered to be the best option?

Thanks again

 

Hey did you manage to get your egpu working?

Cant find pe4l-pm060 version "a" anywhere! Only version "b" from 1 store worldwide. Can anyone advice if verdion "b" will be a problem.

Thanks

 

Greetings John702x-

Sorry for the late response, but I just got your message.

I hope you have already solved your problem, if not, then read the following:

1) You could buy "molex adapters" that plug into your existing molex cables and convert them into PCI-E 6 pin cables:

https://www.google.com/search?q=pci...ved=0ahUKEwjI_db59NTQAhVDwVQKHcEABpkQ_AUIBygC

OR

2) You could buy another power supply with two sets of PCI-E 6 pin cables on independent rails. Avoid power supplies that have two PCI-E 6 pin plugs coming off the same cable because the rail may not be able to provide enough "juice" during full load for the GTX 970.

I have modified my GTX 970 BIOS and raised the wattage limits, so there may be up to 150w draw on each PCI-E 6 pin plug. I'll walk you through on how to get this setup running, so you too can achieve 1600mhz+ overclocks.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

All the best.

-M

 

Greetings John702x-

I'm here to help.

I'm glad you got the EVGA G2 850 PSU because now you will have the potential power to be able to fully overclock your gtx 970 to 1600mhz+.

You have to hold the "FUNCTION" button on your keyboard and press the F1 key, so your laptop will output to the external monitor.

There should be a total of four plugs coming out of the back of your EVGA G2 850 PSU. One plug is connected to the power switch for the PE4l. One plug is connected to the floppy molex of the PE4l board. One PCI-E 6 pin plug is connected to the GTX 970 board. The other PCI-E 6 pin is connected to the other GTX 970 board.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you need me to show your a picture of my setup.

All the best.

-M

 

Greetings Mike M-

I think the DELL XPS L701 should work fine with the EGPU setup that you are running.

However, I'm not familiar with Windows 10. Also, I'm not familiar with the settings on the EXP GDC.

I'm guessing it may be a Windows 10 problem. Is there a way you can install Windows 7?

Also, check the jumpers and switches on the exp gdc if it has any.

Good luck.

All the best.

-M

 

Greetings iceman100cy-

Nice upgrades!

I'm not familiar with other EGPU connectors. I love my PE4l because I'm running it with zero problems, so I personally consider it my best option.

All the best.

-M

 

Greetings iceman100cy-

I would email the vendor and ask them what is the difference between version "a" and version "b."

Post back what they say.

All the best.

-M

 

I have the same Dell L702x 3d
and I can't find the pe4l-pm060 anywhere
I also have a NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X I "need" to connect if it's possible

I would really appreciate any helpful input

thank you

 

Greetings Mhermes-

I just saw some PE4L's for sale on ebay.

All the best.

-M

 

dell xps 17 702x non 3d version.

Hello

Manage to get pe4l-pm060 wire same one used by Master33. Was the last one from mfactor webstore.
Before spending more money and cutting up my laptop decited to give it a test.

Used a friends pc component.
Card used was an msi nvidia gtx660 couldn't find any newer one.
Using Windows 10 pro on my dell


There was not any plug and play.
When the card was connected the laptop wouldnt start. Not even loading bios. Just a black screen.

The only way that i manage to get it to "see" the card and install drivers was to
1)unistall the nvidia gt555m drivers and disable the card
2) start laptop get into BIOS connect the pcie connector and then exit bios.

Only then will load. Unfortunately if I restarted or shut down the nvidia gtx555m will be recognized and reinstall drivers by its self.

Btw dont know if its relevant but when the egpu was working laptop monitor and external screen were working with out twicking otpimus etc

Looking forward for any suggestions as i would like to be as sure as possible before investing in to a new vga.

P.s thinking of a 1060

 

Greetings iceman100cy-

I only know for sure that the GTX970 reference edition card works flawlessly with our current laptops without any issues (I have not tried any other setups).

However, I'm inferring the GTX970 and newer "reference edition" cards should be able to be plug and play on an EGPU setup with Windows 7 on our laptops because the GTX970 reference edition works fine. I'm thinking the problem you are having with the GTX660 may have something to do with some stuff I have read about:

https://www.techinferno.com/index.p...-dsdt-override-to-fix-error-12/#comment-91134

https://www.techinferno.com/index.p...de-dsdt-override-simultaneous-igpu-dgpu-egpu/

I remember reading something that Nand0 stated regarding older graphics cards and problems with booting.

Also, try looking for a "modified BIOS" for the DELL 702X. I have seen forums with the modified BIOS that will allow you to turn off the nvidia 555m or the intel integrated graphics.

I hope this helps. Please post back with any progress.

Good luck!

All the best.

-M

 

Thanks man. I will keep u posted

 

Does anyone have any opinions on the PE4C-PM060A V3.0? I can't seem to find the older pe4l-pm060 v2.1 anywhere but ebay; the price has sky rocketed to the point that building a PC would make more sense. However, if anyone even thinks the newest and cheapest version has a high chance of working then I'm willing to give this a try.