External gpu?

Hi all,

 

Hope you’re all doing well!

 

I run P3D on my iMac with boot camp (yes I know 😞 but I can’t change it)

 

My GPU is the thing that’s affecting my performance the worst as the processor and memory are still within range at by current settings

 

i am thinking of getting an external GPU, which sold have a Radeon RX Vega 56 with 8gb of HBM2 memory which is compatible with Mac and is double the gpu memory of what I currently have

 

my question is would I see any performance improvement with this external gpu?

 

My Specs are

 

3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz

 

RAM: 8GB

 

Radeon Pro 570X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory

 

 1TB Fusion Drive

What exactly is an external GPU? Are you referring to a dedicated GPU over your GPU that's in the CPU? Also called integrated graphics? If so, then a dedicated GPU should help I guess. Not sure since I don't run P3D. I know in FSX or FS2004, a GPU is largely null and void when it comes to performance since both of those Sims are CPU orientated. But in P3D I guess a GPU can be more utilized due to their upgraded code.

What exactly is an external GPU? Are you referring to a dedicated GPU over your GPU that's in the CPU? Also called integrated graphics? If so, then a dedicated GPU should help I guess. Not sure since I don't run P3D. I know in FSX or FS2004, a GPU is largely null and void when it comes to performance since both of those Sims are CPU orientated. But in P3D I guess a GPU can be more utilized due to their upgraded code.

 

He's talking about external GPUs that connect over Thunderbolt 3. They're external to the iMac itself. Provided they are compatible with Windows running in Boot Camp, they should provide better performance than the internal GPUs.

i am thinking of getting an external GPU, which sold have a Radeon RX Vega 56 with 8gb of HBM2 memory which is compatible with Mac and is double the gpu memory of what I currently have

 

In case you haven't come across this, the egpu.io site has some good information.

 

https://egpu.io/bootcamp-setup-guide-tb3-macbook-pro/

He's talking about external GPUs that connect over Thunderbolt 3. They're external to the iMac itself. Provided they are compatible with Windows running in Boot Camp, they should provide better performance than the internal GPUs.

 

Well, goes to show you how much I know about Macs.

Well, goes to show you how much I know about Macs.

 

It isn't exclusive to Macs. A number of Windows laptops also use Thunderbolt ports to allow for more powerful GPUs when at home or in the office.

 

https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-core-x

I just ordered online an ungraded ram to install so hoping this will help out my performance but still need to consider the eGPU

It isn't exclusive to Macs. A number of Windows laptops also use Thunderbolt ports to allow for more powerful GPUs when at home or in the office.

 

https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-core-x

 

Well how be. Kinda like an ASIC.

Well how be. Kinda like an ASIC.

 

Thunderbolt ports are essentially an external PCIe interface. You can get external PCIe enclosures for expansion cards in general too.

Very interesting. Just found out my gaming desktop motherboard has a Thunderbolt add-in card connector. Not too sure what that is. I'm assuming that's the Thunderbolt connector right there that I can utilize?

 

Edit-

 

Looks like there is Thunderbolt 2 and 3. Are they backwards compatible?

Edited August 1, 2019 by CRJ_simpilot

Yes, they are backwards compatible, however, and adapter is needed. Thunderbolt 2 typically uses a port that is physically identical to Mini DisplayPort (which usually did carry both video and data). Thunderbolt 3 uses the same port as USB-C. Here's a good overview.

 

https://www.windowscentral.com/whats-difference-between-usb-c-and-thunderbolt-3

 

The add-in card would give you the actual ports. Not sure what the connector would be for. Possibly power or USB-C connections.

Thanks.