Thunderbolt 3 peripheral compatibility nMacPro

[beccas]

Hi,

I know that the nMP has thunderbolt 2 I/O but I have read that it can use Thunderbolt 3 eGPU using a T2-T3 adapter. Does anyone know if the nMP can use Thunderbolt 3 docks too like the CalDigit TS3 Plus? What about other Thunderbolt 3 devices?

Thanks!

 

[saulinpa]

Good question. The T2-T3 adapter passes the thunderbolt protocols, not DP video or USB.

 

[beccas]

Good question. The T2-T3 adapter passes the thunderbolt protocols, not DP video or USB.

 

[chabig]

You can use the CalDigit TS3 Plus just fine for peripherals. I doubt that an eGPU would work, though.

 

[beccas]

You can use the CalDigit TS3 Plus just fine for peripherals. I doubt that an eGPU would work, though.

Really? This site says that all thunderbolt devices can, including Mac Pro 2013.

https://egpu.io/setup-guide-external-graphics-card-mac/#tb-macs

 

[chabig]

Really? This site says that all thunderbolt devices can...

Can what? Work? That's what I told you too. Regarding eGPUs, it says, "Apple has no current eGPU certified Mac systems." If you want to try it, go ahead. I simply said that I doubt it will work. But why not ask CalDigit first?

 

[beccas]

The link I sent states that eGPU works fine. That is what I was referring to.

 

[chabig]

The link I sent states that eGPU works fine. That is what I was referring to.

Oh sorry. I see that now. Go for it!

I was confused because you asked about the CalDigit TS3 Plus. You didn’t ask about eGPUs. The TS3 will work too, to give you more ports.

 

[saulinpa]

Found this from https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-thunderbolt-dock/

If you have an older computer with Thunderbolt 2, but you plan to eventually upgrade your computer, you should be able to use any Thunderbolt 3 dock with Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. Performance will be limited to Thunderbolt 2 speeds (and you won’t be able to charge a laptop or use DisplayPort displays through the adapter), but you won’t have to upgrade your dock when you upgrade the computer.

 

[beccas]

Found this from https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-thunderbolt-dock/

Thanks. I realized that I don't really have a need for a dock. What I am interested in is a T3 eGPU enclosure and T3 external storage drive. I am thinking it is better to get T3 devices so that I am future proofed for some time.

For eGPU, I was considering Mantiz Venus MZ-02 eGPU
For external drive, Akitio Thunder3 Quad X

If anyone has experience with either of these with the nMP, please share your experience. I am still deciding on the purchases.

 

[FilthyMcNasty]

Struggled to find what I want locally.

Stumbled into this gamer orientated Thunderbolt 3 dock with NVMe storage at a good price used through a major retail outlet warehouse, so I've ordered one.

It seems like a way to add USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 4K 60hz, with internal memory close to trashcan speeds so boot off it with little performance difference vs internal drive?

I'm keen to find out!

https://www.westerndigital.com/en-gb/products/external-drives/wd-black-d50-game-dock-nvme-thunderbolt-3-ssd