External GPU/New GPU option for iMac mid 2009 i7?

[DanielDEV]

I would like to know if it is possible to use an external device for GPU, to use gtx 980 ti. Else, a normal GPU inside it (if possible)

Thanks.

 

[Sirmausalot]

No. Get a new computer. (PS I'd suggest you google the answer to eGPUs on iMacs) It's not pretty.

 

[redheeler]

No, it's not possible. Your 2009 iMac would need Thunderbolt to make an external GPU a possibility, and the internal GPU is not a standard one.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I would like to know if it is possible to use an external device for GPU, to use gtx 980 ti. Else, a normal GPU inside it (if possible)

Thanks.

No the 2009 has no thunderbolt so it can't use a an eGPU, iMacs also use mobile graphics cards and it is very difficult to replace them and rarely worth the effort anything hat will fit will be not much better than what you have already.

Finally either of these options are more expensive than buying a second hand Windows gaming rig and using your iMac in target display mode....

 

[JimmyPainter]

No the 2009 has no thunderbolt so it can't use a an eGPU, iMacs also use mobile graphics cards and it is very difficult to replace them and rarely worth the effort anything hat will fit will be not much better than what you have already.

Finally either of these options are more expensive than buying a second hand Windows gaming rig and using your iMac in target display mode....

Some questions first ...
What size is your screen? ... if 27" one route ... anything else another route.
What are you trying to do ... Gaming ... or Graphics work?

If you have a nice quad core 27" iMac ... Get you a Mac Pro 3,1 or faster and upgrade it's graphics and use your iMac in Target Display Mode for Games or Graphics Work. If Windows gaming only ... Do as Samuel said and get a Dirt cheap AMD Gaming box and upgrade graphics to what ever level you need aand use iMac as above. Consider though ... what ever money you spend ... you might be better off selling what you have and put that with your money and pay down on a BRAND NEW 5k iMac, Upgraded Mac Pro Classic, or ....
Keep your iMac and get a Playstaion 4 to game on.

Please keep us updated on what you decide to do.

 

[DanielDEV]

I think I'll sell it. I need for graphics work and gaming. Or maybe I'll get the pro desktop and use the current iMac as a monitor.
I'll update soon.

 

[h9826790]

For your info, the old Mac Pro (version 2012 and before) can use the 980Ti (internally). IMO, the 2009 model (which has identical spec to the 2012 model after the firmware upgrade) is has the best balance between performance and cost now. It's just around $400, another $150-200 can buy a 3.46 (turbo 3.73)GHz Hex core XEON. So around $600, you can have a pretty fast Hex core (12 thread) Mac that can drive the 980Ti internally. Which is good for both graphic works and gaming.

Any TB equipped Mac may use the 980Ti externally. HOWEVER, there will be a noticeable performance penalty (because the bandwidth is limiting on TB). And eGPU is developing at this moment. It's not something that work OOTB. You can expect lots of issue, not recommended for normal user at this moment.