i saw that in some searching I did. It is a good size, but rather pricey for what it is, and not to my taste...
Put it in an old 2011 mac mini case and now we are talking!
i saw that in some searching I did. It is a good size, but rather pricey for what it is, and not to my taste...
RX560 as an eGPU isn't officially supported, you need this for full compatibility with macOS: https://www.sonnetstore.com/products/egfx-breakaway-puck-570
I dragged my Mini into the living room and connected it to my 2017 OLED:
View attachment 804138
That's great, thank you!
So it does do 30-bit on the hdmi too. Is your TV 4K? What model may I ask?
RX560 as an eGPU isn't officially supported, you need this for full compatibility with macOS: https://www.sonnetstore.com/products/egfx-breakaway-puck-570
That would be hot! Unfortunately it would make whole setup so expensive I'd not consider it. If only CPU with Iris Plus 640 and higher tier with i5 with Vega M (Intel has such SKUs). That's what I hoped for but I guess in the world with eGPUs Apple feels like they can put anything and play eGPU card if asked. Too bad price doesn't reflect the fact that computer comes de facto without GPU.
EDIT: I miss times when Apple could really boast their computer's performance. Today this would turn into farce.
My understanding is that it is the trade off for choosing desktop CPU’s: As Intel assumes that the vast majority will add a dedicated GPU anyway in a desktop, they only put the bare necessity of iGPU in. And this is perfectly okay imho, as it seems to be capable to drive multiple high-res monitors at the same time for basic activities.
Users with demanding workflows will add a dedicated GPU anyway, so Iris Plus would be wasted in the desktop. Now Apple put this in a housing that solely allows for external dedicated GPU’s, which is more expensive, so users are unhappy. But if Apple chose to take a mobile CPU to get Iris Plus, people would have complained about the “lesser” CPU and would probably still be unhappy with even Iris Plus for demanding applications.
Plus, Apple has been burned multiple times with putting a dGPU in their anorexic housings, so this time they decided differently (and rightfully so, imho).
Was it impossible for Apple to put inside the Mac Mini a mobile AMD or nVidia GPU? Something mid-range. It doesn’t have to have GTX 1080 performance, but at least a minimum. Even if that makes the Mac Mini case to be 1cm bigger.
A discrete GPU was not consistent with Apple's vision for Mac Mini. Macbook Pro and iMac are mobile and desktop all-in-one computers respectively - so you have some options of buying more expensive GPU all-in-one configurations for more performance.
But MM is the ENTRY level desktop "modular" computer. So MM has whatever basic GPU comes "free" with the CPU option you buy. You choose better GPU for your application needs using an eGPU (Apple's definition of modular GPU). I expect very similar GPU situation for new 2019/20 Mac Pro. Probably one very modest built-in (two choices at most) discrete GPU (because Mac Pro is high-end modular desktop), and then eGPU for everyone else's specific needs. TB is Apple's idea of "modular".
Agree. But ‘requiring adding another ‘box’ to the desktop to get the minimum GPU performance required by all pro and most non-pro users’ ...
I'd like to see a lower priced, lower spec eGPU than the black magic. Something with same form factor as the mini, for around £300 would be ideal.
Agree. But ‘requiring adding another ‘box’ to the desktop to get the minimum GPU performance required by all pro and most non-pro users’ is ‘very unApple’ when Apple is all about clean-ness, minimum space, etc...
Probably can’t have both. Either diy with e.g. an Akitio Node and a GPU of your choice or matching form factor with pre-installed GPU, but probably more than your limit.I'd like to see a lower priced, lower spec eGPU than the black magic. Something with same form factor as the mini, for around £300 would be ideal.
What's your definition of "pro"?GPU performance required by all pro
I have managed to pick up Gigabyte RX 580 Gaming Box 8GB for £250 on Amazon recently. It's brand new, it was just last unit and they lowered the price. Right now it retails for about £450.I think Sonnet priced the 570 version to make the 560 look like good value... (shakes head)
Seriously...these should be 299 and 399 USD products.
Also, can anyone predict expected performance if I go from my MP 5,2 (3.2 quad, 16GB, Radeon HD 5770) to
an i7, 16GB, 512GB with external HDD data via USB3? I run legacy PS, LR and FCPX (mostly 1080p).
Thanks!
What's your definition of "pro"?
I was looking at that as well. I have a Razer Core X new in box waiting to be hooked up and am just trying to decide on the graphics card. I don't have any particular pro use in mind, just having fun speccing out my Mini setup. Waste of money? Some would say yes, but it is my hobby and sole remaining vice...I have managed to pick up Gigabyte RX 580 Gaming Box 8GB for £250 on Amazon recently. It's brand new, it was just last unit and they lowered the price. Right now it retails for about £450.
That is a very good price ($549) considering they sell the enclosure for $300 and the card for $400.Is this offering from OWC a viable option?
I feel the same way. It is a little expensive but it is about hobby and passion. It is my remaining vice tooI was looking at that as well. I have a Razer Core X new in box waiting to be hooked up and am just trying to decide on the graphics card. I don't have any particular pro use in mind, just having fun speccing out my Mini setup. Waste of money? Some would say yes, but it is my hobby and sole remaining vice...
I cant help thinking once you have spec'd up a Mac Mini to something decent, and add the eGPU option, as well as Keyboard/Mouse and a good monitor, you are in base iMac Pro territory anyways?
Obviously depends upon your end usage, but since I only have my MacBook at the moment and am looking for a desktop solution (I have no peripherals (other then external drives) to 're-use') the iMac Pro seams the 'neater' and more powerful solution - just don't know if I want an all-in-one and whether to spend so much!