Old TP-Link Router Turned Into Gaming Machine with External GPU
By [Author]
When you think of your home router, gaming probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But one tech enthusiast took on the challenge of transforming a 2013-era TP-Link TL-WDR4900 router into a gaming powerhouse using an external GPU.
The process involved connecting an external AMD Radeon HD 7470 GPU to the router, which was running OpenWRT. To access the GPU driver, the user installed the full Debian Linux operating system. The TP-Link router, known for its powerful hardware and features, is popular among OpenWRT users.
In order to connect the GPU, a custom miniPCIe PCB was used to tap into the PCIe traces, after disconnecting the Atheros WiFi chipset. The Debian distribution also had a special PowerPCSPE port that supported the e500v2 CPU core in the router’s SoC. However, complications arose with the amdgpu driver on 32-bit platforms, which led to the use of the legacy Radeon driver instead.
The gaming enthusiast also experienced challenges when running the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City due to the CPU’s big endian nature. Extensive code patching was required to overcome these issues. After updates, the game eventually ran smoothly, though it initially had some graphical glitches.
This innovative project highlights the potential to repurpose old routers as gaming consoles with the help of external GPUs. It offers a creative solution to minimize electronic waste. With advancements in technology, individuals can find new and unexpected uses for old hardware, proving that sustainability and gaming can go hand in hand.
Analyst comment
Positive news: This news highlights the potential to repurpose old routers as gaming consoles with the help of external GPUs, providing a creative and sustainable solution to minimize electronic waste. Market prediction: The market for external GPUs and repurposing old hardware for gaming may experience an increase in demand as gamers and tech enthusiasts explore new possibilities.
