Everyone else is asking what GPU to get for their laptop to create an eGPU system, but I'm in the market for a new computer, and I was wondering if there are certain laptops that have worked really well for people in the past who have created such systems. I know Razer and others have created laptops specifically for this, but they're way too expensive, and everything about their eGPUs is proprietary. (They're really nice, though)
For reference, I am considering selling my Toshiba Satellite S55t-A5161.
For non-gaming purposes, my current 8GB of RAM and i7 4700MQ work well enough to run the coding programs and 3D modeling programs I frequently use. However, the 1366x768 resolution is sub-par for any use, and the Nvidia 740M struggles to cut the mustard in gaming applications.
The idea in my head is to get a mainstream laptop with a good processor and display that is optimal for the creation of an external GPU system.
Referencing the questions given in the "Buying a new laptop?" thread, I am considering the following, with the goal of being cheaper than a dedicated gaming laptop, i.e. three figures:
-15.6" screen or so, 1920 x 1080 display
-Battery life is not a priority, a couple of hours is enough
-Games would ideally only be used through the eGPU
-HDD is fine, with 1 TB preferred (SSD would likely be budget-prohibitive)
-This would definitely be a laptop to last me for a while to come
-8GB RAM is fine, ability to expand later to 16GB would be incredible
-Nothing incredible on the eGPU front; there are a lot more resources out there for me to reference with respect to that.
-It sounds like a Thunderbolt connection is a good way to connect the eGPU, especially if I want to use the laptop monitor to game (I do).
-I live in the U.S.; easy access to service
The first and foremost question is whether or not what I want is possible at all. On the off-chance it is, what laptop would be recommended for creation of an eGPU system?
Edit: Thunderport 3s are super expensive. Forget that bit.
For reference, I am considering selling my Toshiba Satellite S55t-A5161.
For non-gaming purposes, my current 8GB of RAM and i7 4700MQ work well enough to run the coding programs and 3D modeling programs I frequently use. However, the 1366x768 resolution is sub-par for any use, and the Nvidia 740M struggles to cut the mustard in gaming applications.
The idea in my head is to get a mainstream laptop with a good processor and display that is optimal for the creation of an external GPU system.
Referencing the questions given in the "Buying a new laptop?" thread, I am considering the following, with the goal of being cheaper than a dedicated gaming laptop, i.e. three figures:
-15.6" screen or so, 1920 x 1080 display
-Battery life is not a priority, a couple of hours is enough
-Games would ideally only be used through the eGPU
-HDD is fine, with 1 TB preferred (SSD would likely be budget-prohibitive)
-This would definitely be a laptop to last me for a while to come
-8GB RAM is fine, ability to expand later to 16GB would be incredible
-Nothing incredible on the eGPU front; there are a lot more resources out there for me to reference with respect to that.
-It sounds like a Thunderbolt connection is a good way to connect the eGPU, especially if I want to use the laptop monitor to game (I do).
-I live in the U.S.; easy access to service
The first and foremost question is whether or not what I want is possible at all. On the off-chance it is, what laptop would be recommended for creation of an eGPU system?
Edit: Thunderport 3s are super expensive. Forget that bit.