DIY External GPU
Background
When I started my college, I had two laptops: MSI GS70 (Windows), and MacBook Pro (MacOS). I kept my windows laptop pluged in with external monitors and used it just like a PC. Windows is crucial for enigneering work such as solidworks and Quartus, and of course, gaming. I carry the less capable but lighter MacBook Pro to classes.
My Windows laptop had slowly become outdated. But I can't justify buying a new laptop/PC yet because there's nothing wrong with this laptop other than the outdated GPU. So before I buy a new system, it makes more sence to fix the bottleneck -- the GPU.
At the time of this project (2017), external GPU or eGPU was a thing. However, all of the modules required Thunderbolt connection, which is not widely populated back in 2014. This means my GS70 did not have a Thunderbolt and I would not be able to an off-the-shelf eGPU modules. Fortunately, 2017 is when cryto mining became populate. As people try to connect as many GPUs to a PC as possble, mini PCIe to PCIe adaptor was borned as a bi-product.
PCIe slots in a PC motherboard
mini PCIe in a Laptop motherboard
As its name suggests, Mini-PCIe is just like PCIe in a PC but in a smaller form factor that can be fit into a laptop. Most laptops have at least two mini PCIes for both storage and WIFI adaptor. Since I'm using my laptop like a PC with ethernet connection, my plan is to replace my WIFI module with a desktop GPU. And if I ever want to travel with my laptop, I can alway unplug the adapter and put the WIFI module back.
Parts and design
So the plan is to remove the Wifi module and connect the PCIe GPU to mini PCIe with an adapter. My laptop is obvisouly not able to power a fullsize GPU. The missing component is a PC power supply. This completes the part list:
GPU --> GTX1060 (not the best GPU at the time, but the best value in 2017)
mini PCIe to PCIe adapter
PC power supply
I picked up a used PC power supply for $50, PCIe adaptor for $20, and GTX1060 for $325. If everything worked out, this would be a $400 upgrade that should last me at least two more years. If I didn't like it, or I decide to go with a different approach, I will still be able to sell the power supply and GPU to recoup some of the cost. I think this makes sence for me and I go ahead ordered the parts.
I tested the setup for about a week and it worked as it should. Not only I'm getting full desktop GPU power, but I'm also ablt to drive more monitors than the laptop can do before. I'm very happy with the setup and I'd like to make it a bit more permanent. I decided to go extra miles, building an enclosure making it one complete unit.
The enclosure is made out of 3/8" laser cut acrylic sheets for ease of fabrication. The enclosure design can be found here if you want to make your own.
Rear view of the eGPU module
Front view of the eGPU module
Top view of the module. A 240mm fan is used to facilitate airflow.
The module is designed to stand up like this, minimizing the footprint required on a desk.
The module is designed to be hinged open, provide easy access for maintenance
Actual front view of the module. All ports are facing the same direction
Actual top view of the module.
Result and verdict
I would say this project is a success. I'm also able to power the HTC vive VR headset with this laptop. And because the onboard GPU is not running, my laptop is way quieter. This upgarde is very cost effective and I'm really happy.
UPDATES:
Did I squized two more years of out of the laptop? The short answer is no. But it is not beacuse something wrong with the setup. It's because of life changes (I had an internship and I made money!) and the PC industry is taking a different trend.
So what happened?
I completed a software engineer internship, and can afford it now
ITX and micro ATX size motherboard is becoming more and more popular
A new smaller power supply form factor became available (SFX)
More and more manufacture is producing smaller form factor towers.
SFX power supply (left) and ATX power supply(right)
Micro ATX PC case, as small as two rolls of paper towel
PC motherboard size comparison
I always wanted a PC, but the size and cost are keeping me away from doing so. However, with all thsi combined, building myself a smaller PC starts to make sense. Thus I build a PC that can run Hackintosh
In conclusion, if you have an old laptop that you want to upgrade and get more juice out of it, connecting desktop GPU to the old laptop through mini PCIe is definitely a viable and effective upgrade. After all, PC power supply and GPU is relatively liquidy, meaning you can always sell it to recoup the cost. This makes DIY external GPU a really good option if you're in the circumstance.
