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How to Setup Thunderbolt eGPU on macOS
An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers setup of Thunderbolt eGPU on macOS.
Overview
On Laptops, the Mac only works with Intel HD/UHD Graphics which cannot be enough for users who are into editing, film production or users who need GPU for processing files. When talking about DGPU, it only works if the Intel GPU is factory disabled and the DGPU is compatible with macOS.
However, an eGPU can be a good idea for those users who are not willing to upgrade the system and still have the GPU use. Most of the new Laptops are being equipped with NVIDIA RTX GPU which isn't supported on macOS. So an eGPU can be an option.
Requirements
For more information on NVIDIA GPU compatibility, refer to the compatibility guide linked below.
For more information on AMD GPU compatibility, refer to the compatibility guide linked below.
Setting up Thunderbolt
Before you can connect your eGPU to your system, you'll need to setup Thunderbolt to make the eGPU working.
For more information on setting up Thunderbolt, refer to the guide linked below.
Connecting your eGPU
Once you've setup your Thunderbolt, here's how to connect your eGPU.
1. Turn on your eGPU.
2. Connect your eGPU to your system.
3. Turn on your system.
Notes:
An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers setup of Thunderbolt eGPU on macOS.
Overview
On Laptops, the Mac only works with Intel HD/UHD Graphics which cannot be enough for users who are into editing, film production or users who need GPU for processing files. When talking about DGPU, it only works if the Intel GPU is factory disabled and the DGPU is compatible with macOS.
However, an eGPU can be a good idea for those users who are not willing to upgrade the system and still have the GPU use. Most of the new Laptops are being equipped with NVIDIA RTX GPU which isn't supported on macOS. So an eGPU can be an option.
Requirements
| Thunderbolt Compatibility | Compatible Thunderbolt Chip |
| eGPU Compatibility | Compatible eGPU enclosure with a compatible GPU Card for macOS. If going for custom card, check the GPU compatibility below. |
For more information on NVIDIA GPU compatibility, refer to the compatibility guide linked below.
NVIDIA GPU Compatibility List for macOS
Reserved 200 Series Manufacturer Model Memory Size Memory Interface Memory Interface Width Metal Compatible Sierra High Sierra Mojave Catalina Big Sur NVIDA GeForce 210 GeForce GT 220 GeForce GT 240 GeForce 400 Series...
www.elitemacx86.com
For more information on AMD GPU compatibility, refer to the compatibility guide linked below.
AMD GPU Compatibility List for macOS
HD 2000 Series Manufacturer Model Memory Size Memory Interface Memory Interface Width Metal Compatible Sierra High Sierra Mojave Catalina Big Sur Radeon HD 2350 Radeon HD 2400 PRO Radeon HD 2400 XT Radeon HD 2600 PRO...
www.elitemacx86.com
Setting up Thunderbolt
Before you can connect your eGPU to your system, you'll need to setup Thunderbolt to make the eGPU working.
For more information on setting up Thunderbolt, refer to the guide linked below.
GUIDE - How to Enable ThunderBolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 on macOS
How to Enable ThunderBolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 on maOS [Clover/OpenCore] An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers implementation of Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 on macOS using Clover and OpenCore. Overview This guide covers the implementation of...
www.elitemacx86.com
Connecting your eGPU
Once you've setup your Thunderbolt, here's how to connect your eGPU.
1. Turn on your eGPU.
2. Connect your eGPU to your system.
3. Turn on your system.
Notes:
- If you want to use a display for your eGPU, connect your monitor's display to eGPU when you connect your eGPU to your system.
- Currently, Hotplug isn't working even when making Thunderbolt Hotplug, the system crashes when removing eGPU. It's still under work in progress.
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