Mac Mini + Blackmagic eGPU + LG Ultrafine 5K

[Hessel89]

I'm thinking about getting a Blackmagic eGPU which I can get quite cheap right now..
Are there any people here that have this setup? or at least a Mac mini with an eGPU of any sorts, with a high resolution screen? And if so, how is your experience?
Also, will MacOS UI and animations be accelerated with an eGPU? Or will it strictly improve the graphics of certain software that is written to make use of eGPU acceleration?

 

[caskibum]

I have a 2018 Mac Mini with a Radeon Pro wx5100 in a Node Lite enclosure (with the stock power supply). Works great, connected to 2 x 4k displays. Wakes quickly, not flaky, I like it. The external GPU takes over graphics functions so it's a complete replacement for the Intel graphics. I already had the graphics card or it would have been a decision between the Blackmagic and the Aorus gaming box.

 

[F-Train]

The external GPU takes over graphics functions so it's a complete replacement for the Intel graphics.

In some cases, the internal and external video cards may work in tandem. See this post: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/page-13#post-26910573

 

[caskibum]

In some cases, the internal and external video cards may work in tandem. See this post: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/page-13#post-26910573

Thanks, that referenced thread is excellent from first look.

 

[Hessel89]

I have a 2018 Mac Mini with a Radeon Pro wx5100 in a Node Lite enclosure (with the stock power supply). Works great, connected to 2 x 4k displays. Wakes quickly, not flaky, I like it. The external GPU takes over graphics functions so it's a complete replacement for the Intel graphics. I already had the graphics card or it would have been a decision between the Blackmagic and the Aorus gaming box.

But are your MacOS UI animations smoother with the eGPU?

 

[caskibum]

But are your MacOS UI animations smoother with the eGPU?

I haven't run the machine without the eGPU so I can't say on the Mini whether they are or not. Compared to my 2012 rMBP (lol, not so fair), the Mac Mini is a bit smoother for sure. That's running the Macbook on the "balanced" graphics setting so the OS making decisions between discreet and not. Having said that, it's not noticeable unless I focus on it and I wouldn't buy an eGPU solely for the purpose of slightly improving UI animations. I'm running the eGPU to improve Photoshop / Lightroom / very occasional FCP performance.

 

[F-Train]

This is a lot cheaper than purchasing an external GPU (from OSX Daily today): http://osxdaily.com/2018/12/17/how-...mail&utm_campaign=Feed:+osxdaily+(OS+X+Daily)

 

[m_LA]

instead of returning my mini after poor performance with the LG 5k i thought i'd try the BM EGPU. So far it does work very well with the LG 5k, all animations smooth, playing 4k video, multiple youtube videos etc.

This is not my workstation so I can't tell you about performance of any pro apps.

but im not thrilled with the price. was hoping the mini would be good for a second machine but 2000$+ for mini plus gpu just to drive this monitor is a bit much

where can you get one cheap? just ebay/used market?

if this thing was around 400-500$ i'd say its a nice add-on for the mini. the new "pro" version will be $1100!!!

 

[F-Train]

instead of returning my mini after poor performance with the LG 5k i thought i'd try the BM EGPU. So far it does work very well with the LG 5k, all animations smooth, playing 4k video, multiple youtube videos etc.

This is not my workstation so I can't tell you about performance of any pro apps.

but im not thrilled with the price. was hoping the mini would be good for a second machine but 2000$+ for mini plus gpu just to drive this monitor is a bit much

where can you get one cheap? just ebay/used market?

if this thing was around 400-500$ i'd say its a nice add-on for the mini. the new "pro" version will be $1100!!!

Before you fork over US$700 for the basic Blackmagic, let alone $1200 for the Blackmagic Pro (yes, it's $1200, not $1100), maybe have a look at this thread. It might save you a lot of money: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/

 

[m_LA]

Before you fork over US$700 for the basic Blackmagic, let alone $1200 for the Blackmagic Pro (yes, it's $1200, not $1100), maybe have a look at this thread. It might save you a lot of money: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/

appreciate the link, but afaik the blackmagic is the only one that can run the LG 5k

Wether or not to keep the LG, is a whole nother thread

 

[F-Train]

afaik the blackmagic is the only one that can run the LG 5k

True. Sorry, I wasn't paying enough attention.

 

[Hessel89]

Before you fork over US$700 for the basic Blackmagic, let alone $1200 for the Blackmagic Pro (yes, it's $1200, not $1100), maybe have a look at this thread. It might save you a lot of money: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/

Well you have to count in 4 at least things:
1) eGPU housing: Sonnet eGPU €199,-
2) GPU: RX580 €235,-
3) Alpine Ridge card (For thunderbolt 3) €112,-
4) enclosure for Alpine Ridge: another €150

Sure you can get a bigger enclosure that has two PCI lanes, but that will cost a lot more, plus you will have to swap out the PSU as the one provided with the enclosure probably doesn't have have an extra power cord for the Alpine Ridge.

I can get the Blackmagic eGPU for €450,- now so I'd say that's pretty good value.

 

[ot73nl]

I can get the Blackmagic eGPU for €450,- now so I'd say that's pretty good value.

May I ask where you can get it for €450? I would like one too))