Testing eGPU on FW12

Framework Laptop 12
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I tried an eGPU on the fw12, I have an i3,32Gb Ram, 1Tb AddLink NVMe. I did not run any benchmarks, the results are mostly subjective.
For the eGPU I used an m.2 2230 to PCIe x16 slot(Chenyang Oculink SFF-8612 £35 ~$50), with an oculink cable inbetween
GPU: 1080ti
PSU: 350W BeQuiet!
Storage: 256Gb Expansion Card
OS: Bazzite
Monitor: 3440x1440 (21:9)

I tested 3 games:
Star Wars BattleFront 2 - Graphics were able to run much better, but the CPU just not seem to be able to handle the game, it suffers from cumulating input lag until it fully locks up
Just Cause 4 - Big improvement in graphics, 40-50fps 1920x800, however I would get random hangs where the game would just lock up.
Supreme Commander 2 - Runs well I at 1920x800 no issues with it

During the tests powerstat reported CPU power usage 50W

The nice thing was it just worked, albeit with the top cover off.

3 Likes
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Hello, i’m interested in your test because apparently eGPU should not work on FW12.

But i’m curious about what you have to say more on it. Because i want to use it too and i don’t know if i should buy it for the fw12.

We have discuss it à bit on my post here

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That is using the ssd slot, not really practical for regular use.

2 Likes
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Do you have any photos you can share?

I do wonder if it’s possible to run a cable internally to the rear middle, cutting a hole between the fan openings to create a permanent Oculink port. Of course it would only work while the screen is folded back, but it could be a nice permanent solution.

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I can also confirm this works! Keyboard needs to stay off, need to find a way to route the cable where I can screw the keyboard back in.

I also noticed the internal screen doesn’t work when the eGPU is attached.

But still, good that it works!