HotelHero

The above cable COULD be used to make unplugging from the laptop easier then opening it up if you have spare room inside.

I have integrated. M.2 key m has been benchmarked higher then thunderbolt 3.

Would this setup for work those with less then a 1060?

Ok.... A bit off topic here... Lets just pretend I have NO gpu and I want a egpu using the HD Mini SAS connections like in my OP. Is there a performance or compatibility issue with it? (in terms of initial connection to end point... Not of the overall pcie x4 gen 3.

I totally get the performance thing. I have a desktop with 1080 ti etc etc etc... This is basically for anyone else who sets up a egpu solution to have plug n play capabilities.. I'm just gonna pioneer it. Just trying to make sure there won't be anything hindering performance in addition to the pcie x4

I just want to know if it's possible and what's the downside to this setup compared to a direct m.2 key m connection. "Needing" is not the issue here.

I have a desktop, this is more for fun than anything. Do you mean I would not get a performance increase beyond my 1060s capabilities? E.G.. 1080 ti?

I have a 1060 in the laptop. I've seen benchmarks of a 1080 against the TB3 vs m.2 keym and the m.2 beats TB3. (15 k to 17k firestrike) My 1060 hits 10900 firestrike.... Would this not be an upgrade? I could also dedicate PHYSX to the 1060 and use the eGPU for all other tasks for a higher boost.... No?

OKAY. So after posting this question on numerous forums I've decided to come here.(To the realm of the mastas). I've never done a eGPU setup so bare with me if I sound like a total idiot. System: Acer Predator Helios 300 - PH317-51 1060 6gb + i7 7700hq (irrelevant!) BIOs unlocked Quest: To seek the holy grail... & to add a eGPU solution to my Helios without having that ugly wire sticking out of it.. Basically make a plug n play connection point for an eGPU rig. Here's my thoughts.. M.2 Key M to HD Mini SAS card adapter in my laptop (the HD Mini SAS is pCIE x4 passthrough) to a HD Mini SAS or M.2 eGPU rig. EGPU rig: http://www.hwtools.net/adapter/PE4C V4.1.html Laptop M.2 to HD Mini SAS passthrough: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01D8F9JAK/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B018GHPU6W_pr EGPU rig conversion hardware: http://www.microsatacables.com/mini-sas-hd-sff-8643-to-pci-e-gen-3-4-lanes-slot-adapter-with-open-end-connector I've read up a lot on HD Mini SAS connections and they are 100% pin for pin pass through with pcie x4 connections. My idea would be to have the m.2 adapter in the laptop and run a male to female HD Mini SAS wire to the laptops chasis and create a "port" using the HD Mini SAS female connection. From there have another cord that connects to the HD Mini SAS to pcie gen 3 x4 which the egpu would plug into. I've read that having adapters for an egpu setup is not a good thing but for this connection type being pass through (pin for pin) the only degradation of performance from the components I can see is the length of the setup... (P.S. I plan to make cables etc shorter so travel distance is less then 1 foot total and I've seen egpu setups with more then that.) Is there something I'm not seeing? I don't see anyone else using this connector and I think it's strange since it could easily be modded to a laptop rig for plug n play. I'm hovering the purchase button to give this a go (posting pics also).... I think if it works it could be a nice solution to messy egpu DIY setups. Thoughts?? THANKS GUYS!!!