- Joined
- Jul 22, 2018
- Messages
- 8,477
- Motherboard
- Supermicro X11SPA-T
- CPU
- Intel Xeon W-3275 28 Core
- Graphics
- 2xAMD RX 580 8GB
- OS X/macOS
- 13.x
- Bootloader
- OpenCore (UEFI)
- Mac
- Mac mini
- MacBook Pro
- Mobile Phone
- Android
- iOS
How to Setup Thunderbolt eGPU on macOS
An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers the 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.
www.elitemacx86.com
For more information on AMD GPU compatibility, refer to the compatibility guide linked below.
www.elitemacx86.com
STEP 1: Setting up Thunderbolt
Before you can connect your eGPU to your system, you'll need to set up Thunderbolt to make the eGPU work.
For more information on setting up Thunderbolt, refer to the guide linked below.
elitemacx86.com
STEP 2: Connecting your eGPU
Once you've set up 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.
An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers the 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 a 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
NVIDIA GPU Compatibility List for macOS 100 Series (Tesla) Model Metal 10.6.x 10.7.x 10.8.x 10.9.x 10.10.x 10.11.x 10.12.x 10.13.x 10.14.x 10.15.x 11.x 12.x 13.x GeForce G 100 Yes Yes Yes (With patch No No No No GeForce GT 120 Yes Yes No No No No No GeForce...

For more information on AMD GPU compatibility, refer to the compatibility guide linked below.

AMD GPU Compatibility List for macOS
AMD GPU Compatibility List for macOS AMD APU Compatibility https://elitemacx86.com/threads/amd-apu-compatibility-list-for-macos.1157/ 1. Desktop Series II. Radeon X500 Series Supported Since: 10.3 Max Native Support: 10.7.5 Max Patched Support: Metal: Not Supported H.264: H.265: Not...

STEP 1: Setting up Thunderbolt
Before you can connect your eGPU to your system, you'll need to set up Thunderbolt to make the eGPU work.
For more information on setting up Thunderbolt, refer to the guide linked below.

GUIDE - How to Enable ThunderBolt 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...

STEP 2: Connecting your eGPU
Once you've set up 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:
|
Last edited: