- So let’s take a look at what you need to add an external GPU to your Mac or MacBook and which ones you should buy. What You’ll Need. First, you’ll need a Thunderbolt 3-capable Mac or MacBook model. Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector, and appears on the following models: MacBook Pro, late 2016 and newer; iMac, mid 2017 and newer.
- However, current Mac models don't have any expansion slots inside them that would allow you to install the GPU into the Mac itself, so you have to install the GPU into an external box - often.
- To enable your Mac to handle the demands of Virtual Reality (VR) games or Augmented Reality (AR) and work with a VR Headset on your Mac, an External Graphics Processing Unit (eGPU) is essential. Even if you’re not interested in VR gaming or apps, an eGPU is a modest investment that makes a massive improvement to the performance of your Mac.
- External GPU is a possibility for all Macs with Thunderbolt connectivity. We tried it with the least powerful modern Mac there is, a Mid 2011 Mac mini.
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If you've got a Mac with Thunderbolt 3 that is running High Sierra or the latest Mojave version of the macOS, then you can now connect your Mac to an eGPU - or 'external GPU' - that allows you to. External GPUs: Supercharging gaming and video production All Macs have a CPU, which provides the primary processing power for your computer. But in addition, they have a GPU — a graphics processing unit — designed to drive your computer's screen, external displays, and visuals.
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External Gpu For Macbook Pro
macOS includes support for external graphics processors (eGPUs) connected using Thunderbolt 3. External graphics processors can bring additional performance to your professional apps, 3D games, VR content creation pipelines, and more. Use Metal, OpenGL and OpenCL to integrate full support for eGPU into your app.
![External External](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126388164/768172148.jpg)
Sample Code and Documentation
See how to add full support for eGPUs and take advantage of the increased performance that external graphics processors can bring.
Videos
Metal 2 provides powerful and specialized support for Virtual Reality (VR) rendering and external GPUs. Get details about adopting these emerging technologies within your Metal 2-based apps and games on macOS High Sierra.
Development Support
Ask questions and discuss with other developers and Apple engineers on the Apple Developer Forums or provide feedback in Feedback Assistant.