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eGPU on Mac Book

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  • 13-12-2018 7:54pm
    #1
    jimmy5694
    Registered Users Posts: 79 ✭✭


    Hi guys,

    I'm doing a wee bit of research, thinking about using an eGPU for my Mac Book pro retina mid 2014 running on OS High Sierra for light gaming. Don't have the money to purchase or build a proper machine. My main concern is I only have a 2.6GHz dual-core i5 processor, even with a good eGPU will it handle gaming?
    I have been reading on other sites and its do-able but is it worth it?
    Has anyone here done it before?
    Tagged:


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    #2
    K.O.Kiki
    Registered Users Posts: 18,706 ✭✭✭✭K.O.Kiki


    It's not worth it.

    Not only do you need USB Type-C / Thunderbolt to ensure you're not limiting the GPU (or even have it work), but the enclosures tend to cost nearly as much as a full system.
    In addition, you'll be absolutely hamstrung by the 2core/4thread CPU.

    Better idea: save up, sell the Macbook (they hold their price well) and build a gaming PC.

    E.g. the cheapest eGPU enclosures are £240-290

    For the same price you can build this
    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

    CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1 GHz Quad-Core Processor (£70.50 @ Amazon UK)
    Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard (£65.55 @ Amazon UK)
    Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£60.01 @ Amazon UK)
    Case: RAIJINTEK - ARCADIA ATX Mid Tower Case (£29.99 @ Amazon UK)
    Power Supply: Corsair - CXM (2015) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£47.99 @ Amazon UK)
    Total: £274.04
    Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
    Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-13 19:05 GMT+0000

    That's nearly a full PC, just missing GPU & SSD.


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    #3
    TerrorFirmer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29,930 ✭✭✭✭TerrorFirmer


    Even if you could get an eGPU running 100%, a dual core i5 is pretty useless for the latest games.

    For stuff like Fortnite/COD/Overwatch you'll do OK though, just depends on what you want to play.


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    #4
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,986 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    jimmy5694 wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    I'm doing a wee bit of research, thinking about using an eGPU for my Mac Book pro retina mid 2014 running on OS High Sierra for light gaming. Don't have the money to purchase or build a proper machine. My main concern is I only have a 2.6GHz dual-core i5 processor, even with a good eGPU will it handle gaming?
    I have been reading on other sites and its do-able but is it worth it?
    Has anyone here done it before?

    Apple:eGPUs are supported by any Thunderbolt 3-equipped Mac1 running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or later.

    Mid 2014 macbook pro:
    Two Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps)
    Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)


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    #5
    jimmy5694
    Registered Users Posts: 79 ✭✭jimmy5694


    Cheers guys! Will save up for a gaming pc!


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