User s Guide. for egfx Breakaway Box and egfx Breakaway Box 550 Thunderbolt 3 to egpu PCIe Card Expansion Systems. For Windows

Transcription

1 User s Guide for egfx Breakaway Box and egfx Breakaway Box 550 Thunderbolt 3 to egpu PCIe Card Expansion Systems For Windows

2 Contents 1 Introduction, Compatibility Information, and Setup Overview 1 Introduction Mac Compatibility Windows Compatibility GPU Card Compatibility Setup Overview Mac Users Setup Overview Windows Users 2 egfx Breakaway Box Description 3 Exterior Inner Assembly Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable 3 Computer Update and Card Installation Steps 5 Computer Update Steps Mac Users Computer Update Steps Windows Users Install PCIe Card 4 Complete Setup and Configuration 9 Setup and Configuration Steps Mac Users Setup and Configuration Steps Windows Users 5 General Information and Known Issues 11 6 Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information 12 Safety Precautions FCC Compliance Contacting Customer Service Visit Our Website

3 Chapter 1 Introduction, Compatibility Information, and Setup Overview 8" " " 340 Introduction Congratulations on your purchase! The egfx Breakaway Box is a Thunderbolt 3 to PCI Express card expansion system for desktop GPU or other PCIe cards. This user s guide applies to the egfx Breakaway Box (part number GPU-350W-TB3Z), and egfx Breakaway Box 550 (part number GPU-550W-TB3) For information on supported cards and egpu support, visit sonnettech.com/product/egfx-breakaway-box.html for the latest information. Mac Compatibility Mac with Thunderbolt 3 Ports Mac with Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports and Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter macos Support Note: This document was up to date at the time of printing. However, changes to the hardware or software may have occurred since then. Please check the Sonnet website for the latest documentation. 1. Go to 2. Click the Thunderbolt Product link. 3. Click the egfx Breakaway Box link, and then click the Documentation link. 4. Click the egfx Breakaway Box User s Guide [English] link and then check the Document Version information. If the version listed on the last page of this manual is later than this document (revision A), click the Download Now button for the latest version. Windows Compatibility PC with a Thunderbolt 3 port 64-bit editions of Windows 10, Version 1703 OS Build (Creator s Update) or newer GPU Card Compatibility Visit the egfx Breakaway Box product page on the Sonnet web site at sonnettech.com/product/egfx-breakaway-box.html for a list of supported graphics cards. 1

4 Chapter 1 Introduction, Compatibility Information, and Setup Overview SETUP OVERVIEW MAC USERS To enable the egfx Breakaway Box plus the installed PCIe card to work with your system, you will do the following (as described in more detail on the following pages): 1. Update your computer to the latest version of macos. 2. Install your PCIe card into the Breakaway Box. 3. Connect the Breakaway Box to your computer, and then power on the computer. 4. Confirm the Breakaway Box and installed card are recognized by your computer. 5. Download and install the latest drivers for the card you installed. 6. Configure the card, and any other settings for your setup. SETUP OVERVIEW WINDOWS USERS To enable the egfx Breakaway Box plus the installed PCIe card to work with your computer, you will do the following (as described in more detail on the following pages): 1. Update your computer s BIOS to the latest version. 2. Update your computer s Thunderbolt firmware (NVM) and software to the latest versions. 3. Update your computer to the latest version of Windows Install your GPU or other PCIe card into the Breakaway Box. 5. Connect the Breakaway Box to your computer, power on the box and then the computer, and approve the device (always connect). 6. Download and install the latest drivers for the card you installed. 7. If you installed a GPU card, connect any displays to the card. 8. Reboot your computer, and then configure the displays and/ or any other settings for your setup. 2

5 Chapter 2 egfx Breakaway Box Description Exterior 1 Power Indicator LED This indicator lights when the egfx Breakaway Box is connected to a power source and the power switch turned on, the Thunderbolt cable between the chassis and your computer is plugged in securely, and the computer powered on. 2 PCIe Card Bracket Locking Plate This secures the installed card and port access cover in place. 3 Port Access Cover This covers the open space when you install a single-width card. 4 Power Switch 5 Power Input Socket Connect the included AC power cable here. 6 Thunderbolt 3 Port Connect the included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable between this port and your computer s Thunderbolt 3 port. 3

6 Chapter 2 egfx Breakaway Box Description Breakaway Box PCIe 6+2 Pin PCIe 6-Pin Breakaway Box 550 PCIe 6+2 Pin PCIe 6+2 Pin Inner Assembly 1 Main Fan This temperature-controlled fan provides cooling for the installed card and the chassis supporting circuitry. It operates at a whisper when the card is running cool, and automatically speeds up in steps as the temperature rises. Do not block the fan or the vent holes on the chassis to prevent overheating. 2 Power Supply This provides power for the installed card and all supporting circuitry inside the box. The power supply has its own fan that operates independently from the main fan. Do not block the fan or the vent holes on the chassis to prevent overheating. 3 PCIe Slot This is an x16 mechanical (x4 electrical*) PCIe 3.0 slot. 4 Auxiliary Power Connectors Should the card you install require auxiliary power, plug in the necessary connectors to provide the required power. egfx Breakaway Box includes one 8-pin (6+2 pin) connector, plus one 6-pin connector. egfx Breakaway Box 550 includes two 8-pin (6+2 pin) connectors. Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable Connect this cable between the Breakaway Box and your computer. * Thunderbolt 3 specification 4

7 Chapter 3 Computer Update and Card Installation Steps COMPUTER UPDATE STEPS MAC USERS Mac Users Support Note: Sonnet recommends using the latest version of macos, but you should confirm that any critical applications you use support it before you update. Use of the egfx Breakaway Box with any Mac requires the computer be running macos or later. If you need to update the OS, download the latest software from the Apple website, and then install it before proceeding to the next page. COMPUTER UPDATE STEPS WINDOWS USERS Windows Users Support Note: Computer manufacturers often have systems in place to automatically detect your hardware when you visit their website support pages, and will direct you to a page with the latest drivers for your system. We recommend you try this method first before resorting to performing the steps in sections A and B below. A Confirm Computer is Running, or Update to, the Latest BIOS 1. Open a Command Prompt window (press the Windows key + R), type cmd in the Run dialog, and then press Enter. 2. Type msinfo32; your computer s BIOS version and date will be displayed. 4. Restart your computer. Windows Users Support Note: To ensure support for your Thunderbolt-compatible card, you must update your computer s operating system software to the latest available version. For those installing a GPU card, it is especially important that you install the latest version of Windows 10; early versions did not offer external GPU card support. C Confirm Computer is Running, or Update to, the Latest Version of Windows Sonnet strongly recommends Windows 10, 64-bit Version 1703 OS Build (Creator s Update) or newer. 1. From the Windows Start menu, select the Windows Settings (gear) icon; the Windows Settings window will appear. 2. Click Update & security, and then click Windows Update. Click the Check for updates button. If there are updates listed, install them. Otherwise, go to the next step. 3. After confirming your Windows software is up-to date, or installing updates, shut down the computer, and then go to the next page. 3. Confirm your computer s BIOS is the latest available: Go to the manufacturer s website and locate the downloads or support page for your specific model of motherboard. Compare the latest available BIOS info to that of your computer s. If it is up-to-date, skip to section B. Otherwise, download the latest file and install it following the manufacturer s instructions. 4. Restart your computer. B Confirm Computer is Running, or Update to, the Latest Thunderbolt Firmware (NVM) and Software 1. If you have not yet connected a Thunderbolt device to the computer, click Start, type Thunderbolt, and then click on the search result. Otherwise, go to the next step. 2. In the system tray, right-click the Thunderbolt icon, and then click Settings > Details; the Thunderbolt Settings window appears (if you have not disabled User Account Control (UAC), a UAC window will appear first; click yes). 3. Confirm your computer s Thunderbolt firmware and software (must be or greater) is up-to-date: Go to the computer manufacturer s website and locate the downloads or support page for your specific model. Compare the latest available software package, NVM firmware, PD firmware, and drivers info to that of your computer s. If they are up-to-date, skip to section C. Otherwise, download the latest files and install them following the manufacturer s instructions. 5

8 Chapter 3 Computer Update and Card Installation Steps D Install PCIe Card 1. Remove the egfx Breakaway Box (referred to as the box from this point forward in this section) from its packaging, and then set it on a flat, level surface. 2. Remove and set aside the three thumbscrews securing the top cover to the inner assembly (Figure 1). Figure 1 3. Grasping the raised sections on the back edge, slide the top cover toward you until it stops (Figure 2). 4. Lift the top cover up until it stops, pull the sides apart slightly, and then remove and set aside the cover (Figure 2). Figure 2 Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working inside the egfx Breakaway Box. 5. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the PCIe card bracket locking plate to the inner assembly (Figure 3). 6. Remove and set aside the thumbscrew securing the PCIe card bracket locking plate, and then remove the port access cover (Figure 3). Figure 3 6

9 Chapter 3 Computer Update and Card Installation Steps WARNING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent components from being damaged by static electricity; avoid working in carpeted areas. Handle PCIe cards only by their edges and avoid touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid touching the box s circuit boards and any of its components. 7. Remove the PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges and without touching any components or gold connector pins. 8. Insert the PCIe card into the inner assembly through the top or side, depending on the size of the card (Figure 4). Figure 4 9. Line up the card s connector with the PCIe slot, and then gently but firmly press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the card s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the card again (Figure 5). 10. If necessary, connect the auxiliary power connectors to the card. Figure 5 7

10 Chapter 3 Computer Update and Card Installation Steps 11. Secure the card using the previously-removed PCIe card bracket locking plate, screws, and thumbscrew (Figure 6). Figure Pulling its sides apart slightly, lower the top cover over the inner assembly s top brackets as shown, and then push the sides toward each other so that the guides on the cover and assembly engage each other (Figure 7). 13. Slide the top cover all the way forward until it stops (Figure 7). Figure Secure the top cover to the inner assembly with the three thumbscrews you removed previously (Figure 8). 15. Connect the included Thunderbolt cable between the Thunderbolt 3 port on the box and a Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer. 16. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or power strip and the box s power socket, and then flip the power switch to the on position. Note that the power indicator on the box will not light until the computer is powered on, but LEDs inside the box (visible through the grills) will light whenever the box is powered. Figure 8 8

11 Chapter 4 Complete Setup and Configuration SETUP AND CONFIGURATION STEPS MAC USERS This page instructs Mac users how to verify the egfx Breakaway Box and installed card are recognized by the computer; Windows users should skip to the next page. Support Note: While the egfx Breakaway Box requires no drivers of its own, the installed card requires Thunderbolt-compatible drivers to enable its use. A Install Card Drivers 1. With the Breakaway Box connected to a power source and to the computer, turn on the Breakaway Box, and then the computer. 2. Launch a web browser, and then go to your card manufacturer s website. Download and install the latest drivers according to the manufacturer s directions. 3. Restart your computer. B Confirm the egfx Breakaway Box is Recognized 1. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac; the About This Mac window will open. Figure 9 2. In the About This Mac window click System Report; a full report window will open. 3. In the System Information window, click Thunderbolt under the Hardware header in the left column (Figure 9). 4. In the top right column under the Thunderbolt Device Tree header, you will see the computer, followed by Thunderbolt Bus, and then egfx Breakaway Box (Figure 9). Support Note: If you do not see egfx Breakaway Box listed, disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable between the computer and Breakaway Box. Note that it is not necessary to shut down the computer before disconnecting and reconnecting the cable, so long as the installed card is Thunderbolt-compatible. C Confirm the Installed Card is Recognized 1. In the System Information window click PCI under the Hardware header in the left column (Figure 10). 2. At the top of the right column, the installed card is listed. You should see Yes next to Driver Installed and Tunnel Compatible, otherwise the card or driver may not be Thunderbolt-compatible (Figure 10). your egfx Breakaway Box is ready to use! Figure 10 9

12 Chapter 4 Complete Setup and Configuration Support Note: If you installed a GPU card, you must confirm the Breakaway Box is recognized by the computer, and then download and install the necessary GPU card drivers before you connect any monitors to the GPU card; otherwise they will not display anything. If you installed another type of PCIe card, you should still confirm the Breakaway Box and installed card are recognized by the computer. SETUP AND CONFIGURATION STEPS WINDOWS USERS A Confirm the Breakaway Box and Installed Card Are Recognized 1. With the Breakaway Box connected to a power source and to the computer, turn on the Breakaway Box, and then the computer. 2. When the computer boots for the first time after you connected the Breakaway Box, an Approve New Thunderbolt Devices window appears. From the drop-down menu select Always Connect, and then click OK. 3. Right-click the Windows Start button, and then select Manage; the Computer Management window appears. 4. In the Computer Management window, click the category for the card type you installed to expand the listing; a generic adapter listing will appear. After its drivers are installed, the listing will change to display the name of the installed card. 5. Restart your computer. B Install Card Drivers 1. Launch a web browser, and then go to your card manufacturer s website. Download and install the latest drivers according to the manufacturer s directions. If you installed a GPU card, go to or to locate and download the latest drivers for your card. 2. Restart your computer; your egfx Breakaway Box is ready to use! C If Necessary, Configure the Card and Attached Monitor(s) 1. Connect the monitor(s) to powered outlets and to the GPU card installed in the Box, and then power on your computer. 2. Right-click the desktop, and select Display settings. Make any necessary settings changes. Should you need to make additional changes to display settings, launch and use the GPU card s software to control additional settings and configurations. You re all set; your egfx Breakaway Box is ready to use! 10

13 Chapter 5 General Information and Known Issues Keeping the Installed Card Cool With its optimized airflow design and temperature-controlled main fan providing cooling at all times, egfx Breakaway Box provides adequate cooling for the installed card. Do not block any of the vents! Otherwise, the card and Breakaway Box s components may overheat. Fans Operation The Breakaway Box s main fan does not operate when the computer to which the box is connected is sleeping or turned off. The Breakaway Box s power supply fan runs whenever the box is powered and switched on, even when disconnected from a computer, or connected to a computer that is off or sleeping. Power Indicator LED Operation The Breakaway Box power indicator LED only turns on when the computer to which it is connected is on, and turns off when the computer is sleeping or powered off. egfx Breakaway Box Has Only One Thunderbolt 3 Port As a requirement for Thunderbolt certification as an external GPU-ready enclosure, the egfx Breakaway Box was designed with a single Thunderbolt 3 port. Connecting additional devices, especially a Thunderbolt display, could rob critical PCIe bandwidth from a GPU card. Not All Computers Thunderbolt 3 Performance is Equal While the egfx Breakaway box features a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface, some computers equipped with Thunderbolt 3 use an x2 PCIe (2-lane) implementation of Thunderbolt 3 technology that limits PCIe performance to 20Gbps. Find more computer information, visit thunderbolt3-hosts/ Not All GPU Cards Have Thunderbolt-Compatible Drivers Visit the egfx Breakaway Box product page on the Sonnet site at sonnettech.com/product/egfx-breakaway-box.html for more information. Not All Thunderbolt-Compatible GPU Cards Are Supported by egfx Breakaway Box Some GPU cards require more than the 300 watts of power the Breakaway Box can provide. Visit the egfx Breakaway Box product page on the Sonnet site at sonnettech.com/product/egfxbreakaway-box.html for a list of known compatible cards. Replacing a Card After Initial Installation If you decide to swap the card after the initial setup, shut down the computer, and then disconnect the power cord and Thunderbolt cable from the Breakaway Box before replacing the card. PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE! Never install a PCIe card into Breakaway Box while it is connected to a computer or power outlet! If you do, you risk injury, and damage to the card, chassis, and computer. Most GPU Cards Will Not Perform at 100% egfx Breakaway Box performance is defined by the host system, graphics card, and Thunderbolt bandwidth. While you are not likely to achieve full desktop performance, you will see a significant graphics performance boost compared to integrated graphics-only platforms. egfx Breakaway Box Provides Upstream Power The egfx Breakaway Box is designed to provide 15 watts of upstream power, while the egfx Breakaway Box 550 provides up to 87 watts of upstream power, useful for charging your notebook. Using the egfx Breakaway Box to Charge Your Notebook or Laptop Computer Apple MacBook Pro computers and some PC laptops with Thunderbolt 3 may be charged via the egfx Breakaway Box s Thunderbolt 3 port, but some PC laptops will not accept charging from a Thunderbolt peripheral; see com/technology/thunderbolt/thunderbolt3-hosts/ for more information. Hot Plugging the Breakaway Box Expansion Chassis When a certified Thunderbolt-compatible card (used with Thunderbolt-compatible and -certified drivers) is installed, you may connect and disconnect the egfx Breakaway Box while the computer is on. How to Identify Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cables Look for the Thunderbolt icon ( ) AND the number 3 on the connector housings to identify these cables. Cables with USB-C connectors that only have the Thunderbolt icon without the number 3 support 20Gbps speeds, and are not recommended for GPU and other PCIe cards with high bandwidth requirements. Not All Thunderbolt 3 Cables Deliver Full Performance or Power Delivery Capabilities Full performance and power delivery capabilities from the egfx Breakaway Box require the use of the included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable (which also supports up to 100W power delivery), or a comparable Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable. When shopping for a Thunderbolt 3 cable, please be aware that some cables only support lower data transfer speeds (20Gbps) and/or power delivery capabilities (60W). Operating System (OS) Updates May Break Compatibility Specific device drivers that work under one OS version may not work under a later version. Before updating your computer to the latest OS, we recommend that you contact your PCIe card s manufacturer to verify that the existing drivers work. Note that other software updates for the computer may also break compatibility. External GPU Card Use with Mac Computers? Please refer to for the latest information. 11

14 Chapter 6 Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device, thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help you to minimize the risk of damaging the device. Warnings Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to: Do not attempt to modify the enclosure. If this device appears to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor. Do not drop the chassis; dropping or mishandling chassis may result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable. Do not insert your fingers or foreign objects inside the slot(s). Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in damp or wet conditions. If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if liquids enter it, unplug it from the electrical outlet immediately. Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in this User s Guide. FCC Compliance egfx Breakaway Box complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, AND this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Contacting Customer Service The Sonnet Web site located at has the most current support information and technical updates. Before you call Customer Service, please check our Web site for the latest updates and online support files, and check this User s Guide for helpful information. When you call Customer Service, have the following information available so the customer service staff can better assist you: Product name Serial number of that product Date and place of purchase Computer model GPU or other PCIe card model Operating system version you re using Software/firmware versions USA Customers If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer Service at: Tel: (Monday Friday, 7 a.m. 4 p.m. Pacific Time) support@sonnettech.com For Customers Outside the USA For support on this product, contact your reseller or local distributor. Visit Our Web Site For the most current product information and online support files, visit the Sonnet Web site at Register your product online at to be informed of future upgrades and product releases Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonnet, the Sonnet logotype, Simply Fast, the Simply Fast logotype, and Breakaway are trademarks of Sonnet Technologies, Inc. Thunderbolt 3 and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice. UG-GPU--XXXW-TB3-E-A