Looking for a graphics card (not too expensive)

[ultimate99]

I'm thinking of doing an eGPU setup for my T420. I haven't built and owned a desktop since 2009. I game very casually....some times I have this urge to game...

 

I found this guide, I like the idea and thinking of going with it: http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html

 

Now, what graphics card do you guys recommend?

[FunkyMike]

Old Guide.

 

You best go here:

 

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2123-diy-egpu-setup-1-30-a.html

 

I saw some benchmark spreadsheet on there at one point.

[ultimate99]

Old Guide.

 

You best go here:

 

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2123-diy-egpu-setup-1-30-a.html

 

I saw some benchmark spreadsheet on there at one point.

interesting, thanks.

 

Just out curiosity, for a non-heavy gamer, is an eGPU setup a good idea or should I go to the console route?

[FunkyMike]

interesting, thanks.

 

Just out curiosity, for a non-heavy gamer, is an eGPU setup a good idea or should I go to the console route?

 

Hard question in all honesty. It is like apples and oranges really.

 

Personally I do not consider myself a heavy gamer so I would only play a few demanding games. 

 

Like Star Citizen. Maybe a bit of DayZ which doesn't need too much power.

 

So a console for me .. which mind you has the power of a laptop (APU), is a bit unnecessary.

 

I haven't tried going down the eGPU road. From what I understand there is a maximum bandwidth you can achieve on certain devices.

 

Nvidia cards having the best compression in "dynamic/optimus" switching mode. Which gives you more FPS over AMD cards.

 

Your laptop looks like you could fit a port into it without too much hassle.

 

Personal laptop experience ATI 6850m / Intel HD 3000 tells me that you will be better off connecting an Nvidia eGPU from a technology point of view.

 

Did you find that chart by any chance indicating which laptops have been modded before and are confirmed working?

[xrobwx71]

www.gpuboss.com Is an excellent site and easy to use. Makes quick work out of choosing a GPU. It gives cost as well.

[ultimate99]

Hard question in all honesty. It is like apples and oranges really.

 

Personally I do not consider myself a heavy gamer so I would only play a few demanding games. 

 

Like Star Citizen. Maybe a bit of DayZ which doesn't need too much power.

 

So a console for me .. which mind you has the power of a laptop (APU), is a bit unnecessary.

 

I haven't tried going down the eGPU road. From what I understand there is a maximum bandwidth you can achieve on certain devices.

 

Nvidia cards having the best compression in "dynamic/optimus" switching mode. Which gives you more FPS over AMD cards.

 

Your laptop looks like you could fit a port into it without too much hassle.

 

Personal laptop experience ATI 6850m / Intel HD 3000 tells me that you will be better off connecting an Nvidia eGPU from a technology point of view.

 

Did you find that chart by any chance indicating which laptops have been modded before and are confirmed working?

The T420 has been confirmed, there is a youtube video showing games work as well, however, they're old.

[PUC_Snakeman]

I do my GPU comparing with:

http://www.hwcompare.com/

[FunkyMike]

The T420 has been confirmed, there is a youtube video showing games work as well, however, they're old.

 

I just watched the youtube video. The amount of tinkering this requires could be a lot of fun.

 

Depending on if you want to get into this you might as well get a new laptop which has a dedicated eGPU port ;)

[ultimate99]

After doing some research, the setup will cost me around $500, however I could get a ps4 for $400-500 on Boxing Day. Now I don't know which is worth the money....

[+Eternal Tempest MVC]

Think of it this way, 1st what is your budget for the video card?

 

Then look up ATi / Nvidia and see the cards in your price range, then choose the best one that gives the best price / performance ratio.

 

 

[ultimate99]

Here a potential setup:

board + shipping: http://www.hwtools.net/Adapter/PE4L%20V2.1.html $93

card + shipping: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487024 $185 + tax = $209

power supply + shipping: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&cm_re=corsair_psu-_-17-139-026-_-Product $67

 

total= $369

 

[ultimate99]

After considering a PS4 and this mod, I'm now looking into the pros and cons of building a desktop with a small case (not those massive gaming towers eek!). Since most of the time I'm on my desk, connect my laptop to monitor, keyboard and mouse. Thought I could build a small box instead of the $370 mod (above)?
 

Thoughts?

[FunkyMike]

I cannot believe that a PSU that large is needed.

 

There must be a more elegant solution to this : /

 

http://liliputing.com/2014/08/gigabyte-essence-mini-itx-diy-pc-builders.html

 

^^ something like this.

 

 

Also fairly sexy but probably a pipe dream 

[ultimate99]

Interesting stuff.

But let me go back to my original concern: gfx card. I went to those comparison sites, but I they all seem nice to me. So many options.

 

I'm looking for a card + suitable PSU. For example: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487024 It says it needs min 300 watts, so the Corsair might the one. But again, does the brand matter?

[Hum]

I do my GPU comparing with:

http://www.hwcompare.com/

Thanks -- that looks helpful.

[+kpo6969 Subscriber¹]

another psu to look at:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139058&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL122514&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL122514&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL122514-_-EMC-122514-Index-_-PowerSupplies-_-17139058-S0I

[ultimate99]

Thank you guys, but I scrapped the entire eGPU idea for a new build.

[FunkyMike]

Let us know what you have come up with and good luck!

[ultimate99]

Let us know what you have come up with and good luck!

Thanks. That's what I ended up with: https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1241180-new-build-what-do-you-guys-think/?p=596697824

[xrobwx71]

I do my GPU comparing with:

http://www.hwcompare.com/

or www.gpuboss.com