AMD 7040 series with eGPU as primary display

[Jamin_Collins]

Is it possible to use an eGPU as the primary display on an AMD 7040 system? By this, I mean to be able to see the BIOS and initial boot output prior to the OS level display drivers taking over?

I see another similar question, but no firm answer:

External Display not working for BIOS/Grub2

Maybe I’m doing something odd and if so I’ll just live with it. However since setting up my 16 and using a Dock to connect it to all my peripherals (including an external display) I get no Bios output or Grub2 video from the machine during boot. The internal panel of course works perfectly with both but if I leave the lid closed the external display doesn’t work until the prompt for encryption password during a normal boot sequence. I have checked to see if there is a preferred display output…

I also see indication of a beta BIOS for Intel systems that seem to potentially support this:

12th Gen 3.08 BIOS Enabled Pre-boot External Display Output

Wanted to share this since I’ve seen this feature being requested a few times over the years. Previously (IIRC), the internal eDP display needs to be disconnected for BIOS and other pre-OS interfaces to be displayed via external displays. This seems to be no longer the case. After installing 3.08 Beta, I noticed the Framework Logo, BIOS settings page, Pre-boot decryption and similar interfaces are now being shown onto connected external display! This should be beneficial for folks that use the…

[James3]

Hi,

The last message in this thread appears to confirm that the answer is no, re bios screens on eGPU display.

[SOLVED] AMD 7040 mainboard in printed case, red/blue flashing leds

TL;DR: I’ve managed to get the mainboard working the printed case. First off, the red/blue flashing LEDs are (IMO) overly alarming for what they appear to be indicating. From what I have gathered from posts here, and the eventual change in behavior of the unit, is this LED pattern simply indicates that power has been connected while the main cover is off (or that there is no battery). So, as odd as it sounds, ignore the flashing LEDs and connect your display and press the power button. Once…

[Jamin_Collins]

That’s another of my posts, I’m hoping someone (other than me) might have some insights that I’m not aware of.

[Clayton_Burns]

On my Framework 13, 7840U and an eGPU (Sonnet 750ex with 6800 XT), I do not get any output with the eGPU on boot. In fact, running Windows 11, I consistently get sent to Bitlocker recovery if it is plugged in while booting, with output only on internal display. I doubt that disconnecting the internal display would help, but if you would like, I can test it.

[Jamin_Collins]

No need to test it, it won’t help. The eGPU displays do not work until after the OS has started and loaded drivers for them.