eGPU Build I d like PadreSJ to show us how to connect a high-end desktop GPU to a MacBook Pro ...

[G+_Brian Swift]

eGPU Build

 

I’d like PadreSJ  to show us how to connect a high-end desktop GPU to a MacBook Pro (or Air) or other laptop with Thunderbolt, and run some performance tests once it’s up and running.

 

Here are a few links found when I fell down the eGPU rabbit hole.

 

Main Discussion Forum:

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/

 

Game frame-rate benchmarks on a Polish eGPU site:

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fegpu.pl%2Ftag%2Fthundertek%2F&edit-text=

 

While a number of Thunderbolt to PCIe expansion boxes exist, they tend to be pricey, and may not have enough power for a desktop GPU card without mods (but you guys like a challenge):

http://www.sonnettech.com/product/echoexpress3d.html

http://www.mlogic.com/products/mlinka

http://www.magma.com/expressbox-3t

http://www.akitio.com/accessories/thunder2-pcie-box

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Thunderbolt/PCIe_Chassis/Mercury_Helios_2

 

A more affordable (only $200) expansion box that can be hacked to provide needed power, but is only Thunderbolt 1.

http://firmtek.stores.yahoo.net/ttpx.html

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/6723-%5Bguide%5D-14-asus-g46vw-gtx780ti%4010gbps-tb1-thundertek-win8-1-a.html

 

2012 tom’s Hardware build and benchmark using the discontinued Sonnet Echo Express Pro Thunderbolt 1 enclosure:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pci-express-graphics-thunderbolt,3263.html

 

Build that includes OS X minor video driver kext plist mods to enable IOPCITunnelCompatible

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/6088-native-thunderbolt-egpu-osx-win8-1-a.html

 

Pricey Plug and Play Thunderbolt 2 using Sonnet's Echo Express III-D

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/6689-%5Bguide%5D-2013-15-macbook-pro-gtx780ti%4016gbps-tb2-sonnet-echo-express-iii-d-win8.html

 

Maybe Alex Lindsay  has an enclosure to lend the project.

 

And if you are interested in exploring the conspiracy theory that Intel prevents manufactures from creating Thunderbolt external GPUs:

http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/160351/hands-on-with-apples-new-intel-xeon-e5-dual-amd-firepro-equipped-mac-pro/80#post_2424093

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2680-th05-recall-notice.html

 

Thanks, and keep these great shows coming.