DIY: EGPU for DELL XPS L702x required physical modifications

Greetings:

These are instructions on where to physically cut into the Dell XPS L702x series in order to implement an EGPU setup. The mpci-e connectors are underneath the keyboard, so the laptop requires some physical modifications unlike the Dell XPS L502x with the mpci-e connectors underneath the laptop itself for easier access.

Here are some pictures to show where to cut and how it will look. There are two options for cutting: 1) Expresscard style v. 2) Efficient style.

Expresscard style look allows for a more OEM look but accessing the cable is one step more difficult because of the unbolting of an extra screw to remove the Blu-ray burner:





Efficient style allows for easier access to the mpci-e slot, so just lift up the palm rest and the keyboard to get access to the cable:






Here is where to cut:




I started with the Expresscard look because it looks more OEM, but I realized that I needed to unplug the Egpu everyday because I did not want to carry the Egpu connectors and the graphics card itself with me to class everyday. However, if I had purchased the Egpu setup that has the mini-HDMI socket, then I would I go for the Expresscard look, so I can just bundle the wires under the laptop.

Also, be sure to wear goggles and a surgical mask because there will be metallic particles when you dremel the frame of the laptop.

I hope this helps out anyone who has a Dell XPS L702x laptop and wants to do an EGPU but was confused about the physical access issue to the mpci-e ports.

All the best.

-M-

 

Do you have the 3D version of the XPS17? Is it possible to use Nvidia's PCIe compression with it?
Do I need to make any Software (BIOS, Windows) changes? Wich mPCIe to PCIe adapter do you use?

 

Yes. I have the 3D version of the XPS 17.

I have the mpcie pe4l-pm060a:
https://www.google.com/search?q=pe4...y4G4DA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw#tbm=isch&q=pe4l+pm060a

I chose the pe4l-pm060a over the other versions because it can run pci generation 2.0, so faster than the other versions which only support up to pci generation 1.0 speeds. Any pe4l that uses "mini hdmi" cables as of 10-24-2014 cannot hold the speeds of pci generation 2.0 with Nvidia cards because there is an issue with the sockets and cables. Hence, only the hardwired version of "pe4l-pm060a" can handle the pcie 2.0 speeds of 5.0GT/s.

Data Transfer Rate:
PCIe 1.1 = 2.5GT/s
PCIe 2.0= 5.0GT/s

As to your other questions, I'll update you when I have more information.

 

Is this ( EXP GDC Laptop External PCI-E Graphics Card - US$50.00 ) comparable with your setup?

Wich GPU do you use?

 

No. The "Exp gdc" cannot support pci generation 2.0 speeds of 5.0GT/s with Nvidia cards. Again, this goes to the cable with the socketed ends. There seems to be a pattern of socketed cables (not hardwired/soldered onto the board) to be problematic of supporting generation 2.0 speeds with Nvidia. However, I think the "Exp gdc" is capable of handling generation 2.0 speeds of 5.0GT/s with Non-Nvidia cards.

I am waiting for the GTX 970 by Nvidia to be in stock.

 

Where did you read this? On the supported GPU list they have some Nvidia cards with 1.2 Opt (wich equals PCIe 2.0 x1 if I'm correct?)

 

I have compiled a list of nando's comments regarding socketed connector's inability to handle pci-e 2.0 speeds:

"nando4 found Gen2 works too, when using a PCIEMM060B cable and a AMD card. NVidia cards refuse to run a Gen2 link with that cable"
https://www.google.com/search?q=PCI...Y3piQLx_4DwDA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAw&biw=960&bih=473

"So it was unreliable for pci-e 2.0 but could maintain a pci-e 1.0 link without any problems. For this reason I have been advised the future PE4H 3.0 will be a EC2C+mHDMI cable+PE4H all soldered together. It seems the mHDMI connectors are the culprit causing pci-e 2.0 links to fail."
http://forum.techinferno.com/[email protected]

The GDC EXP appears to use a mHDMI connector:
http://www.banggood.com/EXP-GDC-Laptop-External-PCI-E-Graphics-Card-p-934367.html

Jacobsson mentions the following in a post:

" I get the same scores in 3D mark with pe4l vs exp gdc. I even manage to maintain gen2 signal with a HDMI pigtail in between"
http://forum.techinferno.com/enclosures-adapters/6643-exp-gdc-v6-v7-discussion-5.html
But, I'm not sure if Jacobsson is running an Nvidia card.

Coyote states a problem with the EXP GDC mHDMI cable in the following post:

"Wanted to report some issue with the EXP GDC...Playing BF4 I had no BSOD but at times FPS would drop, a look to GPUZ and Gen2 "switches" to Gen1. Took EXP GDC and plugged back the PE4L and Crysis 3 ran flawless. I have no clue why this is happening. I mean why EXP can't maintain the Gen2 speed."
Jacobsson responds in the post:
...It appears to be another case of a bad cable I'm afraid...
http://forum.techinferno.com/enclosures-adapters/6643-exp-gdc-v6-v7-discussion-18.html

Furthermore, Jacobsson says the following in a post:
"From now I can no longer promote the EXP GDC since too many people have quality problems and no service from Cloud."
http://forum.techinferno.com/enclosures-adapters/6643-exp-gdc-v6-v7-discussion-20.html

Moreover, Jacobsson says the following in a post regarding disadvantages of EXP GDC:
- Quality issues with dubious return policy: USB port power, faulty mPCIe/EC cables, PCI Reset Delay faulty on some samples
- logistics/delivery/purchase is more complex via Taobao agents
- No x2 link capability
http://forum.techinferno.com/enclosures-adapters/6643-exp-gdc-v6-v7-discussion-20.html

Hence, the GDC EXP should be unable pci-e 2.0 links with an Nvidia card unless Nando is wrong about the connectors.

 

I ordered the EXP GDC anyways and it works like a charm, at PCI-E 2.0 x1.

I think they fixed the issues.

 

Any updates on this? What did you go with in the end?

 

Hi master33,
you could be my saviour... I have Dell 17r SE (special edition of xps 17) and testing over a week egpu Beast by miniPCIe.
No success. I was not sure if the problem is not caused by 3D version of laptop - no integrated gpu visible = no optimus. I tested probably all options (consulted with nando) but still no device detected.
Tested the same eGPU with Dell E6530 and everything worked great. Can you advise any experience? Could PE4L solve my issue?
Thank you very much

 

hi guys
i m going to buy this dock for my dell xps 17 L702x . plez tell me if i need any thing els
EXP GDC V7.0 Beast Laptop External Independent Video Card Dock
i already have amd r7 260x gfx card
plzz tell me if i need any thing else for setup
plzz relpy

 

See:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ll-702x-3d-edition-easy-plug-and-play.785168/