eGPU Breakaway Box
Graphics Guide for Windows 10 and 11

Sonnet Technologies, Inc.
May 20231

Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
General Information .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Software/ Firmware Check ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Setting up External Graphics (eGPU) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Manually Selecting the External Graphics Processor (eGPU) .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Known Issues ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Troubleshooting FOR WINDOWS 10 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Table of Figures ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviation
GPUeGPU
dGPU
iGPU
USB
BIOS
PC
NVM
PCIe
App

Description
Graphics Processing Unit
External Graphics Processing Unit (connected via Thunderbolt)
Discrete Graphics Processing Unit (inside laptop)
Integrated Graphics Processing unit (part of the processor)
Universal Serial Bus
Basic Input Output System
Personal Computer
Non-Volatile Memory
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
Application (computer program)

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GENERAL INFORMATION
External graphics using AMD® or NVIDIA® graphics chips is supported on Thunderbolt 4 and 3 enabled machines. Only machines runningthe latest version of 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 support external graphics. If you have an older machine and are not sure if your system cansupport external graphics then follow the guidelines in step: “Software/ Firmware Check”.
Windows PCs with an 11th generation or newer Intel-Core processor and Thunderbolt 3 PCs with a 10th, 9th, 8th or 7th generation Intel-Core
processor support external graphics, as long as they have current OS, BIOS, firmware and drivers. Systems based on a 6th generation IntelCore processor may support external graphics with usage errata, depending on whether recent BIOS and firmware are available.
Some laptops with an 11th generation Intel-Core Tiger-Lake processor have Thunderbolt 4 ports, even if there is no Intel® Thunderbolt
trademark logo next to the type C port (see Figure 1: Thunderbolt 4 laptops with an 11th Generation Intel-Core processor may be missing theThunderbolt logo.Figure 1).

Figure 1: Thunderbolt 4 laptops with an 11th Generation Intel-Core processor may be missing the Thunderbolt logo.

For older models, please make sure that your machine has a Thunderbolt 3 port and not a regular USB-C port. Thunderbolt 3 (USB-Cconnector type) ports on a Windows PC and all Thunderbolt 3 and 4 cables are marked with the Intel Thunderbolt trademark logo (see Figure2). Only a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port connected with a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable supports external graphics.

Figure 2: Thunderbolt 3 cable and port with Thunderbolt logo.

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If the port has the lightning bolt logo below (see Figure 3), it means that this is a USB-C Charging Port and not a Thunderbolt port.

Figure 3: Icon for USB-C Charging Port. A port marked with this icon is not a Thunderbolt Port.

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SOFTWARE/ FIRMWARE CHECKBackup your PC using the backup software of your choice before running any recommended updates. Take notes about current BIOS,firmware and software versions as you follow this guide. To confirm that your Thunderbolt 4 or 3 enabled Windows system is ready to fully
support external graphics please check the following:
1. Computer BIOS: Make sure your machine has the latest BIOS installed. Go to your computer manufacturer’s website and find yoursystem model under support. Check for updates. Many PCs also have support assistance software installed that allows you to checkfor software updates (such as HP Support Assistant, Dell SupportAssist or Dell Command Update, Lenovo System Update, Asus Live
Update).
Find your computers BIOS version by entering “msinfo32” in the search bar of your Windows desktop. BIOS versions which havebeen dated 2020 or later are ideal (see Figure 4).

Figure 4: Windows 10 BIOS information.

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2. Windows Version: Install all Windows updates and check which version of Windows you have.
2.1 Install Windows updates by going to Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: Windows 10 update.

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2.2 Make sure your Windows installation is at least at Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11 22H2 by entering “winver.exe” in the
search bar your Windows desktop and hitting [Enter] (see Figure 6).

Figure 6: Windows 10 version check.

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3. Thunderbolt Firmware Version: Find the Thunderbolt firmware version of your computer. Then, check for updates.

PC with Thunderbolt 4 controller integrated into the CPU.
Thunderbolt 4 controllers are integrated into the CPU of some mobile 11th generation and newer Intel CPU models.
Firmware for these models is included with CPU firmware BIOS updates provided by the laptop vendor. Firmware
versions are listed in the properties of Thunderbolt 3 Device Router in Windows Device Manager under Universal
Serial Bus controllers.
PC with Discrete Thunderbolt controller.
On Thunderbolt 3 machines prior to 2019, check your Thunderbolt firmware version by entering “Thunderbolt” in thesearch bar on your Windows 10 desktop. In the lower right-hand corner of your desktop, a Thunderbolt icon should
pop up. Right click on it and select “About” (or “Settings” and then “Details”). Check your NVM Firmware version as
well as external GPU support. For computers manufactured in 2016 or 2017, NVM version 23 or higher is best (seeFigure 7).
Note for 2016 and 2017 Windows computers.
If your system has a Thunderbolt NVM Firmware version lower than 23, it may still support external graphics even if it says
“External GPUs supported: No”. However, you may experience some limitations (e.g. when disconnecting eGPU while
system is running, computer may hang or blue screen).

84. Thunderbolt Driver Version: Check the Thunderbolt driver version on your computer.

PC with Thunderbolt 4 controller integrated into the CPU.
Microsoft Windows Update will install drivers for Thunderbolt. Microsoft Windows Update is the only source ofdrivers for this type of Thunderbolt controller. Thunderbolt Device Router drivers are listed in Windows Device
Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers.
PC with Discrete Thunderbolt controller

Go to your computer manufacturer’s website, find your system model under support and check for updates.
4.1 For Thunderbolt 3 machines prior to 2019, follow step number 3 and look for “Software package version: xx.x.xx.xxx” (seeFigure 7). Version 17.4.78.500 and above is best. Previous versions may work.

Figure 7: Thunderbolt firmware and driver version check on Thunderbolt 3 machines (before 2019).

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4.2 If you have a Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 machine from 2019 or newer, please enter “Thunderbolt Control Center” inthe search bar. In the Control Center, go to “About” and look for the “Controller driver version”, see Figure 8. Version 1.41.941.0
and above is best.

Figure 8: Thunderbolt driver version check on Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 machines (2019 and newer)

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SETTING UP EXTERNAL GRAPHICS (EGPU)
1. Check the Graphics Card Compatibility Chart to confirm whether a GPU is compatible with your model of Sonnet Technologies eGPU
enclosure.
2. While installing a graphics card in a Breakaway Box, be sure to plug the auxiliary power connector(s) into the card.
3. Connect the Breakaway Box to your computer with the included Thunderbolt cable. The blue light on the Breakaway Box will turn on
only when a computer is powered on.
3.1 If prompted, click on the message indicating that a new Thunderbolt device has been attached. Allow the app to make changes.
You should get a message asking whether you want to connect this Thunderbolt device. Select “always connect” and click “OK”
(see Figure 9). Thunderbolt 4 PCs do not display an approval prompt.
3.2 Thunderbolt 4 PCs should automatically approve a connected Thunderbolt device.

Figure 9: Approving connected Thunderbolt device on Thunderbolt 3 PC.

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4Check if your Thunderbolt device is being detected by the Thunderbolt software. Intel Thunderbolt Control Center software will only detect
discrete Thunderbolt controllers. Thunderbolt status software for Thunderbolt 4 controllers integrated in the CPU is not currently availablefrom Intel.
4.1 If you have a Thunderbolt 3 PC prior to 2019, double click on the Thunderbolt icon in the lower right-hand corner of your desktop,
you should now see the eGPU device in the window “Attached Thunderbolt Devices” (see Figure 10). Thunderbolt 4 PCs will nothave this indicator.

Figure 10: Attached Thunderbolt devices on Thunderbolt 3 PC (before 2019).

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4.2 If you have a Thunderbolt 4 PC or a Thunderbolt 3 PC from 2019 and newer, open the Thunderbolt Control Center app, you
should see your Thunderbolt device under “Attached Thunderbolt Devices”, see Figure 11.

Figure 11: Attached Thunderbolt devices on Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 PC (2019 and newer).

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5Go to the AMD or NVIDIA website to find the right driver for your eGPU. Download and install the desktop driver. Follow the instructionsof the installation assistant.
Note: If your laptop has a built-in discrete Nvidia Professional series GPU and connect an external Geforce series GPU, you can use
only the Geforce driver. Uninstall the Quadro driver and then install the GeForce driver.

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Check that your eGPU is being detected by your computer. Enter “Device Manager” in the search bar of your Windows desktop. Openthe tab “Display adapters”. Your eGPU should appear without any caution signs (see Figure 12).

Figure 12: Device Manager with external AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100.

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One more thing, and you're ready to go!
Please note: When you disconnect your external graphics processor, use the safe eject feature (Icons: AMD, NVIDIA), see
Figure 13 and Figure 14. With NVIDIA, when you reconnect the eGPU, you have to click “Connect GPU” to reactivate your externalgraphics card (see Figure 15).

Figure 13: AMD eject external graphics.
Figure 14: Nvidia disconnect GPU.

Figure 15: Nvidia connect GPU.

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MANUALLY SELECTING THE EXTERNAL GRAPHICS PROCESSOR (EGPU)
1. In order to manually assign the external Graphics Processor to an application, navigate to your computer desktop screen. Rightclick and select “Display settings”. Then select “Graphics settings” (see Figure 16).

Figure 16: Right click to open "Display settings" and "Graphics settings".

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2. Click the “Browse” button to search for an application. Applications are generally located in the “Program Files” or “Program Files(x86)” folder. Once the application has been added, click the “Options” button to select the graphics preferences (see Figure 17).

Figure 17: Browse for an application and select “Options” for the graphics preferences.

173. In the “Graphics specifications” window there are two GPUs listed. The power savings GPU is generally the integrated GPU andthe high-performance GPU is generally the external GPU. The application can be forced to use either the integrated or theexternal GPU by setting the graphics preferences to either “Power saving” or “High performance” (see Figure 18). Select thedesired GPU, save the selection and exit.

Figure 18: Switch between the integrated and the external GPU.

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KNOWN ISSUESThis section lists known issues related to external graphics on Windows.
•Device Manager Code 12 – PCIe Resource Allocation Problem: Microsoft continues to optimize the software mechanism which dynamicallyallocates PCIe resources. Previously, this process was been handled by the computer BIOS. With Windows version 1909 and 2004 this dynamicmechanism may fail to assign enough resources to externally attached graphics processors (especially AMD based GPUs). Update Windows 10to version 22H2 or newer to resolve this issue.

•Windows Boot Camp Support for Intel based Mac Computers: External GPUs are not supported on Intel based Mac systems running BootCamp Windows. Attempting to run an eGPU with Boot Camp Windows will usually result in a Device Manager error. Neither Apple nor Sonnet,
nor NVIDIA, nor AMD support external graphics with Boot Camp.

•eGPU Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5500 XT & 5700: The Radeon RX 5500 XT and 5700 Puck is not officially Thunderbolt certified for use withWindows 10 systems. The following problems can occur when using an eGPU Puck on Windows:
o With host computers based on Intel Ice Lake (10th generation) or Tiger Lake (11th generation) processors, the system may hang when it
enters a sleep power state.
o The LG UltraFine 4K Thunderbolt 3 display may not work with either Puck on Windows.
o When connecting an LG UltraFine 5K Thunderbolt 3 display to either Puck, a Windows message may appear indicating that a USB
device is not recognized. The display typically continues to work, but an unknown USB device remains in the Device Manager.

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TROUBLESHOOTING FOR WINDOWS 10
If your external graphics card isn’t working correctly, please check the following:•Make sure the Thunderbolt interface of your eGPU product is being detected. See “Setting up External Graphics (eGPU)” (Step 4,Figure 10 or Figure 11).
If you don't see your Sonnet product under “Attached Thunderbolt devices”, check the following:••◦

Does your computer have a Thunderbolt port? (see Figure 3)◦Is the power cable connected, the power switch on (not all eGFX Breakaway Boxes have a switch), the Thunderbolt 3 cableconnected and the computer on? If not all of the above, the eGPU device will not turn on.

◦Are you using a Thunderbolt cable? Check for the Thunderbolt logo on the connectors (see Figure 2).

◦Could the cable be defective? Try a different Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable.

◦Do other Thunderbolt devices (not USB devices) work with your PC? If not, your Thunderbolt port may be defective or yourThunderbolt driver may be corrupted. Contact your computer manufacturer to get assistance.

◦If only the Sonnet eGPU product doesn’t work, please reach out to the Sonnet tech support.

If your Sonnet eGPU product appears under “Attached Thunderbolt devices” (see step above), try to find your external GPU in theDevice Manager under “Display adapters”. See “Setting up External Graphics (eGPU)” (Step 6, Figure 12).
◦If you don't find your eGPU under “Display adapters” but you see a “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter”, install the correct graphicsdriver.

◦If you have a Breakaway Box and neither your eGPU nor a “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter” appear under “Display adapters”,
make sure your eGPU is correctly seated in the PCIe slot. Also, make sure that the auxiliary power cable is fully seated andconnected to your eGPU. It is also possible that your card is defective.

◦If you have a Breakaway Puck and your eGPU does not appear under “Display Adapters” reach out to the Sonnet tech support.

If you are a professional user, make sure that your application has detected the external GPU. You may have to select the externalgraphics card in the system preferences of your application.
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Thunderbolt 4 laptops with an 11th Generation Intel-Core processor may be missing the Thunderbolt logo......................................................... 3
Figure 2: Thunderbolt 3 cable and port with Thunderbolt logo................................................................................................................................................ 3Figure 3: Icon for USB-C Charging Port. A port marked with this icon is not a Thunderbolt Port. ........................................................................................... 4Figure 4: Windows 10 BIOS information. .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 5: Windows 10 update. .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 6: Windows 10 version check. ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 7: Thunderbolt firmware and driver version check on Thunderbolt 3 machines (before 2019). .................................................................................. 9Figure 8: Thunderbolt driver version check on Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 machines (2019 and newer) .................................................................. 10Figure 9: Approving connected Thunderbolt device on Thunderbolt 3 PC. ............................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 10: Attached Thunderbolt devices on Thunderbolt 3 PC (before 2019). ..................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 11: Attached Thunderbolt devices on Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 PC (2019 and newer). .................................................................................. 13
Figure 12: Device Manager with external AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100. .................................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 13: AMD eject external graphics. ................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 14: Nvidia disconnect GPU. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 15: Nvidia connect GPU. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 16: Right click to open "Display settings" and "Graphics settings". ............................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 17: Browse for an application and select “Options” for the graphics preferences...................................................................................................... 17
Figure 18: Switch between the integrated and the external GPU. ......................................................................................................................................... 18©2018-2023 Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SONNETTECH is a trademark of Sonnet Technologies, Inc.

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