MP 7,1 External MPX Modules?

[twentyonekoalas]

Is there anyway to use my extra MPX Module in an EGPU for my Macbook?

 

[Stephen.R]

No.

 

[juantrix]

Yes, you can. But no output yet. But can use as compute.
You only need to attach a DIY power connector in the Botton. (I use a Razor core X)
+info: link

 

[mattspace]

No.

I'd be curious what happens if you try plugging an MPX card into a standard PCI slot using a PCI extension ribbon. I'd assume power would be insufficient given that goes over the MPX slot

 

[juantrix]

I used a 8pin female (pcie) to a Side A/Side B connector to power de card. I tried a W5500x.

 

[Stephen.R]

I'd be curious what happens if you try plugging an MPX card into a standard PCI slot using a PCI extension ribbon. I'd assume power would be insufficient given that goes over the MPX slot

Sorry, I should have said, short answer: no. Long answer: it depends, but it's certainly not simple, and you're probably as likely to short something on the card as you are to make it work.

 

[joevt]

This has been discussed a few times. I don't think it was successful.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/can-i-run-2-mpx-modules-in-my-macpro7-1.2290143/post-29737527
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gpu-compatibility-list-for-cmp.2174600/post-29123682
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gop-boot-screens-part-ii-clover.2154908/post-28483305
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-pro-w5500x-for-mac-pro.2243994/post-28644576

I used a 8pin female (pcie) to a Side A/Side B connector to power de card. I tried a W5500x.
View attachment 1766212

Did it work?

 

[juantrix]

Yes it "worked". Inspired by @tsercitpo build a power connector for the MPX Module (instead of solder it), so installed it in a egpu case. Connected to thunderbolt to my Hack it was detected, funcional but not optimal (4x vs 16x) & no output. Only for compute purposes.
Finished return it.

 

[joevt]

Yes it "worked". Inspired by @tsercitpo build a power connector for the MPX Module (instead of solder it), so installed it in a egpu case. Connected to thunderbolt to my Hack it was detected, funcional but not optimal (4x vs 16x) & no output. Only for compute purposes.
Finished return it.

Strange that it works for Compute but not for Video Output. Maybe this is a problem that WhateverGreen and Lilu can solve (may require new patch). I guess first question to ask is: can it work connected this way in a Mac Pro 2019 non-MPX slot? Or even an MPX slot without the MPX part?

 

[juantrix]

I think the MPX Part, add video connection (output) to thunderbolts port in MP2019. If the video card has TB3 output (include JHL7xxx) it need additional PCIe lanes too.
Pcie 16x is standart.... only need to add power.

 

[joevt]

I think the MPX Part, add video connection (output) to thunderbolts port in MP2019. If the video card has TB3 output (include JHL7xxx) it need additional PCIe lanes too.
Pcie 16x is standart.... only need to add power.

Yes, the MPX part can have up to four 4-lane DisplayPort 1.4 connections and two PCIe 3.0 x4 connections.
Each Thunderbolt port (up to four) also requires a USB 2.0 connection (need to verify that by connecting a USB 2.0 device and checking what controller it is connected to).

 

[edgerider]

I used a 8pin female (pcie) to a Side A/Side B connector to power de card. I tried a W5500x.
View attachment 1766212

can you tell us more about this connector?

 

[juantrix]

I used a edge card connector (6pin in my case) extracted from a MAC G5 Board (AGP GPU Power). Cutted the sides to insert the card. You can find this or better edge card connector from diferente sides.

My Razer eGPU uses a 8pin to power the GPU, so I buyed and modified an extensor. All 12v fires to one side and Ground to the other.

And the extensor for the PCIe 16x.

At the moment, you can use/buy a better/more power card from PC with video output & unnecessary mod.

 

[goMac]

One thing to remember is MPX cards are not designed to be properly cooled by themselves. Their cooling is connected to the fan system of the Mac Pro. Even if you can get them running separately, you’d want to attach some active fans to the heat sink to move air through properly. Running them with no active cooling is inadvisable.