eGPU installation on Lenovo Yoga C930
I started my little project to build a gaming setup for causal gaming at home, without worrying about graphics quality, but keeping my mobility with my laptop, where I do not need graphics performance outside.
I ordered my first setup, a Razer Core X Chroma and a Gigabyte RTX 2070 Super Windforce.
After preparing the eGPU and connecting it to my laptop, I immediately entered a frustrating period that I did not know existed: 32 hours divided into 5 days of research, analysis, several re-installations, reconfigurations and re-orders.
Hardware (final):
- Lenovo Yoga C930
- Razer Core X
- Asus ROG Strix RTX 2070S Advanced
- Samsung C34J79 QLED
Drivers:
- Thunderbolt FW Version 34.0
- Nvidia Ver. 436.48
- Thunderbolt Control Driver 1.41.648.5 (Windows App Store)
Others:
- Windows 10 1903
- DDU
- 2m Thunderbolt aktive 40Gbps cable
The first problem I noticed after connecting the eGPU to my notebook for the first time was that it did not recognise the external eGPU. However, after consulting some articles on the web, I found that I needed to manually launch the Thunderbolt 3 controller application. And to sign the eGPU case for permanent connection when plugged in.
Having solved the first problem, I was pleased to see that the system recognised the new hardware. After installing the latest Nvidia driver (at the time it was 436.30 Desktop Standard), the system was set up and ready to go.
After a while, however, the system began to randomly freeze while surfing the web. The system was stuck, nothing worked, only holding the power switch to shut down the laptop worked. The system crashed every time between 10 and 30 minutes, under average load. It even crashed when I was away. Strangely, playing games on this system was stable. But from then on my odyssey began to find out what the problem was and how to fix it.
The first thing I did was check the system error logs, but there was nothing suspicious in the log files.
The next step was to switch the TB3 ports back and forth on the notebook, reinstall the Nvidia drivers and try all sorts of driver versions from DCH, standard, desktop, notebook, old drivers etc. Fortunately, the DDU tool was a great help to uninstall the drivers from the system (must thank the developers and please donate some money if you use it).
I did a stress test to check my CPU and RAM with MemTest86 and I also reinstalled Windows 10, but nothing.
I tried combinations of disabling and enabling various hardware settings in Device Manager and ended up replacing the Gigabyte RTX2070Super GPU with an ASUS RTX2080. The first 10 minutes looked good, but then the system froze as before. I changed the TB3 cable from passive to active, but that did not help either. I read some forums but nothing really helped me. So I changed the whole setup and downgraded the hardware to a Razer Core X and ASUS RTX 2060S, installed the latest NVidia driver released at the time (436.48 desktop standard) and installed the TB3 controller from the Windows App Store. The system ran stable. I did some tests, but it only crashed when using VirtualBox. So I decided to disable Intel Virtualisation Technologies in the BIOS settings and at the same time disabled the USB-C connector on the GPU in the Device Manager as it was showing a conflict for the first time.
The system was stable and I didn't notice any crashes after that. I did not change any settings and kept them for a week.
Actually, the RTX 2060S is not a bad GPU, but in my mind I wanted to try it again with an RTX 2070S GPU. After ordering one, the system did not recognise the new GPU. I reinstalled the Nvidia driver and tested the new card and the system failed as before with the same problems - the system freezing.
Firstly, before rebooting to Windows, I enabled Intel Virtualisation Technologies in the BIOS settings and used VirtualBox for testing and got a crash after 3-4 hours of use. So I decided to disable the USB-C connector on the GPU. The USB-C connector showed no conflicts as before, but no crashes to date.
To be sure, I did a test the next day and enabled the USB-C connector on the GPU and the system crashed after an hour. After disabling it, it worked fine again.
Finally, I found the right solution for me to disable the USB-C connector on the GPU in the Windows Device Manager to get a stable system and a great gaming experience at the same time. I think the solution would also work with the previous hardware, a Razer Core X Chroma and the Gigabyte RTX 2070S Windforce. But I decided to go with the Razer Core X because I did not need the LED lighting and the extra USB hubs. I was also lucky enough to find an ASUS RTX 2070S for the same price as the Gigabyte version.
While researching the forums on the internet, I found some users complaining about the same issue with different hardware settings, and I hope I could help with my article.