If you’re a Mac user looking to enhance your graphic handling capabilities, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the Best eGPUs for Mac in 2023. Whether you own a MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac Mini, these eGPUs are compatible with a wide range of Intel Macs. Let’s dive in and explore the best options available!
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Best eGPUs for Mac
What is an eGPU?
An eGPU, also known as an External Graphics Processing Unit, is an external graphics card that significantly enhances your Mac’s ability to handle graphics-intensive tasks. By connecting an eGPU to your Mac, you can supercharge its graphic performance and take full advantage of advanced 3D graphics, virtual reality (VR) games, and graphic-intensive applications.
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Is It Worth Getting an eGPU for a Mac?
If you own a Mac with an Intel processor, investing in an eGPU is definitely worth considering. These external graphics cards can transform your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air into a powerful gaming system or a 4K video editing workstation. With an eGPU, you can unlock the full potential of your Mac and experience graphics-intensive games and applications at their highest settings.
One of the significant advantages of using an eGPU is the ability to access advanced 3D graphics platforms like NVIDIA CUDA, which surpass the capabilities of most current Macs. Additionally, an eGPU allows you to play demanding games at maximum resolution, even on older Macs. By connecting your eGPU to a Thunderbolt 3 port, you can enjoy high frame rates and a seamless gaming experience.
Furthermore, eGPUs open up a world of possibilities for Mac users interested in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. While the availability of VR games on Mac is currently limited, the growing popularity of eGPUs is likely to drive the development of more VR content for Mac users in the future.
In summary, here are the advantages of using an eGPU with your Mac:
- Acceleration of apps that utilize Metal, OpenGL, and OpenCL.
- Support for connecting additional external monitors and powerful 4K displays.
- Compatibility with virtual reality headsets, expanding your gaming and entertainment options.
- The ability to charge your MacBook Pro while using the eGPU (subject to compatibility).
- Support for playing graphics-intensive games at maximum frame rates, even on older Macs.
- A significant boost in rendering speed for graphic design software, CAD programs, and 4K video editing.
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Which Macs Support eGPUs?
To use an eGPU with your Mac, you need a Mac with an Intel processor and a Thunderbolt 3 port running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or later. The following Macs are definitely compatible with eGPUs:
- Mac Pro (T2 Chip, Late 2019)
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, T2 Chip, Late 2019)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, T2 Chip, Mid 2019)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, T2 Chip, Mid 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, T2 Chip, Mid 2019)
- iMac (5K, 27-inch, Early 2019)
- iMac (4K, 21-inch, Mid 2019)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, T2 Chip, Late 2018)
- Mac mini (T2 Chip, Late 2018)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, T2 Chip, Mid 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, T2 Chip, Mid 2018)
- iMac Pro (5K, 27-inch, T2 Chip, Late 2017)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2017)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21-inch, Mid 2017)
- iMac (21-inch, Mid 2017)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2017)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) and later
- iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) through 2015
- Mac mini (Late 2014)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) through 2015
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013) through 2015
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
Please note that the latest M1 and M2 chip Macs, such as the M1 MacBook Pro and Apple Mac Studio, do not support external graphics processors and cannot be used with eGPUs.
If you have an older Mac without a Thunderbolt 3 port, you may still be able to connect an eGPU by using a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapters. However, this method is not officially supported by Apple and is recommended only for experienced users.
It’s important to ensure that your chosen eGPU is compatible with your Mac and its operating system. The eGPUs reviewed in the article you mentioned are all compatible with a wide range of Intel Macs running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or above, including macOS Mojave, Catalina, and Big Sur.
Before purchasing an eGPU, make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications and compatibility information to ensure it will work with your specific Mac model and operating system.
By incorporating an eGPU into your setup, you can unlock the full graphics potential of your Mac and enjoy enhanced performance for gaming, graphic-intensive applications, and virtual reality experiences.
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Top 5 eGPUs For Mac
In this article, we will review five of the best eGPUs for Mac in 2023. These external graphics processing units can significantly enhance the graphic handling capabilities of your Mac, whether you’re using a MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac Mini. Please note that eGPUs are only compatible with Macs that have an Intel processor. The latest M1 and M2 chip Macs do not support external graphics processors. Let’s take a closer look at the top eGPUs for Mac:
1. Razor Core X
Easy Installation Without Tools
Pros
- Apple-like aesthetics
- Easy installation without tools
- Supports multiple 4K displays
- Includes a built-in 650W power supply
- Fast and quiet performance
Cons
- Occupies significant desk space
- Not as powerful as the Razor Core X Chroma
The Razor Core X is a highly recommended eGPU for Mac users. It features a sleek design that resembles an Apple product and requires no tools for installing the graphics card. With its built-in 650W power supply, it can easily run multiple 4K displays. The Razor Core X delivers fast and quiet performance, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your Mac’s graphics capabilities.
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2. Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
Best eGPU for Mac
Pros
- Extremely quiet operation
- Thunderbolt 3 support
- Easy plug-and-play installation of graphics cards
- Ideal for 4K video editing with Final Cut
- Provides sufficient battery charge for MacBook Pros (550W and 650W models).
Cons
- Large size, may require ample desk space
- Short Thunderbolt cable (0.5m).
- Some compatibility issues with High Sierra (improved in Mojave and Catalina)
- Does not support Boot Camp for running Windows
The Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box is another top eGPU for Mac in 2023. It offers rock-solid performance, seamless compatibility with macOS, and has even been officially endorsed by Apple. Despite its powerful performance, the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box remains exceptionally quiet, even under heavy use. It is particularly well-suited for video editing on Mac, providing a significant performance boost with software like Final Cut. Additionally, it comes with a 350W power supply and can even provide power to your Mac via Thunderbolt 3.
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3. Mantiz MZ-03 Saturn Pro
Including Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports
Pros
- Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Stylish metallic finish
- Includes SATA and Ethernet ports
- Easy graphics card installation without tools
Cons
- Short Thunderbolt cable (0.5m).
The Mantiz MZ-03 Saturn Pro stands out for its impressive features, including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. This makes it convenient for adding multiple monitors to your Mac setup. It also features a metallic finish, SATA and Ethernet ports, and requires no tools for inserting graphics cards. However, similar to other eGPUs, it comes with a short Thunderbolt cable length of 0.5m.
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4. Akitio Node
Easy Setup And Supports All Graphics Cards
Pros
- Easy setup and usage
- Supports graphics cards of all sizes
- Includes an additional power supply
- Supports running Windows through Boot Camp for gaming
Cons
- Large size
- The power supply may generate more noise compared to the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box
- Short Thunderbolt cable (0.5m).
- Limited availability
The Akitio Node is a reliable and functional eGPU option for Mac users. Akitio specializes in Thunderbolt peripherals and has gained a dedicated following. The Node offers easy setup and plug-and-play support for graphics cards. It features a PCIe (x16) slot that accommodates full-sized and double-width cards. Additionally, it includes a built-in power supply, which can help ensure sufficient power for your graphics card.
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5. Blackmagic eGPU Pro
The Best eGPU for Mac Users
Pros
- Officially endorsed by Apple
- Includes Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3 ports
- Provides 85W of power for MacBook Pro charging
- Improved pricing compared to the previous version
Cons
- The previous version had stability issues
- Limited availability, not widely sold on platforms like Amazon
The Blackmagic eGPU Pro is an officially endorsed graphics enclosure and graphics card combination for Mac. While it was previously discontinued, it has made a comeback with a revised version at a more reasonable price. It features the new Radeon Pro 580 graphics processor with 8GB of GDDR5 memory. The Blackmagic eGPU Pro includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB 3 ports, and one HDMI 2.0 port. It also delivers 85W of power to charge your MacBook Pro.
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FAQ
What is an eGPU, and why do I need one for my Mac?
An eGPU, short for external graphics processing unit, is a device that connects to your Mac to enhance its graphics performance. Macs typically have integrated GPUs that may not meet the demands of resource-intensive tasks such as gaming or professional graphics work. An eGPU allows you to augment your Mac’s graphics capabilities by connecting a more powerful GPU externally, resulting in smoother performance and improved visual quality.
Are all eGPUs compatible with Mac?
Not all eGPUs are compatible with Macs. Macs typically require Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for eGPU support. It’s crucial to check the compatibility of an eGPU with your specific Mac model before making a purchase. Additionally, Apple’s macOS may have certain compatibility requirements and limitations, so it’s recommended to review Apple’s official documentation or consult the eGPU manufacturer for compatibility information.
Can I connect multiple eGPUs to my Mac?
Yes, it is possible to connect multiple eGPUs to your Mac, depending on the availability of Thunderbolt 3 ports and the power supply capacity of your Mac. However, it’s essential to note that the performance gains from using multiple eGPUs may not scale linearly. Some applications and games may not be optimized for multi-GPU setups, so it’s advisable to research the specific software you plan to use to understand its support for multiple eGPUs.
Can I use an eGPU with my MacBook Pro?
Yes, most recent MacBook Pro models are compatible with eGPUs. MacBook Pro models with Thunderbolt 3 ports can connect to an eGPU for enhanced graphics performance. However, it’s crucial to check the compatibility requirements and limitations specific to your MacBook Pro model, as older models or those without Thunderbolt 3 ports may not support eGPUs.
Can I use an eGPU with my iMac?
Yes, many iMac models are compatible with eGPUs. iMacs with Thunderbolt 3 ports can benefit from the enhanced graphics performance provided by eGPUs. However, it’s essential to verify the compatibility requirements and limitations specific to your iMac model, as older models or those without Thunderbolt 3 ports may not support eGPUs.
Conclusion
Investing in the best eGPU for your Mac in 2023 can unlock a world of possibilities for graphics-intensive tasks. The Apple eGPU Pro, Razer Core X, and Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box are excellent choices that offer a blend of performance, compatibility, and value for money. With an eGPU, you can elevate your gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering experiences to new heights. Check the compatibility of your Mac model and operating system, choose the eGPU that suits your needs, and prepare to take your graphics performance to the next level.
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