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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published January 10, 2021
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What is an eGPU? What is the advantage of an eGPU? Do the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models support one? Which is best for me?
An eGPU -- or external Graphics Processing Unit -- essentially is a graphics card in a box connected to a computer.
In the past, it was common for a Mac user to buy a tower Mac and install a faster or additional graphics card in an internal expansion slot to improve performance. When this Q&A was first written, the last Mac with support for third-party video cards was the tower Mac Pro last updated back in 2012. Thankfully, with the new 2019 Mac Pro, it is again possible to upgrade the video card in a desktop Mac.
For those who like the idea of upgradable notebook Macs, the Thunderbolt 3 port also provides a faint glimmer of hope. Thunderbolt 3 is fast enough to connect external devices at speeds that once were limited to internal upgrades and opens more options. Thunderbolt 3 still can be slower than internal connections, though.
Advantages & Disadvantages of eGPUs
An eGPU, or effectively any external upgrade, has two main advantages over internal ones -- they are simpler to connect and setup and can be easily re-deployed, even temporarily. In an office, for example, an eGPU could be used on one computer for video editing and popped over to another one to finish a rendering project.
Internal upgrades have the general advantages of being smaller, cheaper, and not contributing to clutter on a desk. They do require at least marginally more effort for installation, although Apple historically has had some great case designs that made upgrades easy.
From the single thumbscrew Macintosh II in 1987 to the "fold down door" Power Mac G3 (Blue & White) in 1999 and the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro models in 2008, Apple has released plenty of easy-to-upgrade Macs. There is no particular need for internal upgrades to be difficult if a computer is well designed and the return to a better design as reflected by the 2019 Mac Pro is wonderful.
Apple's Preferred eGPU
Apple's preferred eGPU for the Touch Bar MacBook Pro -- or any Intel-based Mac that has Thunderbolt 3 ports and is running macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) or newer -- is the Blackmagic Design eGPU series. Note that Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models currently do not support an eGPU.
Photo Credit: Blackmagic Design (Touch Bar MBP - Left, eGPU - Right)
The original Blackmagic eGPU has an internal Radeon Pro 580 graphics processor and the higher-end Blackmagic eGPU Pro has a faster internal Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics processor.
Codesigned by Apple and Blackmagic, the Blackmagic eGPU series is arguably attractive and less arguably quiet (18 db). Both models includes a rear-mounted integrated hub with four USB 3.0 (USB-A) ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and an HDMI port, but the Pro version adds a DisplayPort for 5K support.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade the internal graphics processor with a faster or alternate option now or down the road, which you might find to defeat the purpose of upgrades entirely. It is essentially a non-upgradable upgrade.
The always excellent ArsTechnica has an in-depth review of the original Blackmagic Design eGPU that you may wish to read, as well.
Third-Party eGPU Options
There are a number of third-party eGPU options. None of these report specific noise volume, so it is best to assume that they are louder, but they cost less.
Plug-and-Play Non-Upgradeble eGPUs
Two popular compact eGPUs intended to fit easily in a bag or backpack and setup quickly to accelerate gaming on a notebook while on the go include the Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5500 XT and Radeon RX 5700 (no longer available).
Photo Credit: Sonnet Technologies (eGPU Breakaway Puck)
Although teardowns indicate that the graphics processor in these "pucks" is an MMX module, so an upgrade to a faster MMX module might be possible down the road, they are not intended to be upgraded.
Upgradeable eGPU Boxes
If you would prefer an eGPU that supports standard video cards and that can be upgraded simply and easily -- as EveryMac.com also prefers -- two good options include the AKiTiO Node Titan from site sponsor OWC and the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box, from site sponsor Adorama. These boxes are physically larger than "puck" solutions and are more suitable for use at a fixed location, but are more versatile.
Photo Credit: OWC (Left); Sonnet (Right)
Make sure that the eGPU box you want to purchase provides sufficient power to drive your desired video card in addition to charging your Mac at the same time.
The AKiTiO and the OWC solutions support 650W and the Sonnet is available in 350W, 550W and 650W variants.
Supported Video Cards
Although there may be other cards that diligent hackers have been able to get up-and-running, Apple provides a helpful list of video cards that are formally supported with the macOS and an eGPU box.
These video cards require an eGPU that provides 350W or more of power:
- AMD Radeon RX 470
- AMD Radeon RX 480
- AMD Radeon RX 570
- AMD Radeon RX 580
- AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100
These require at least 550W of power:
- AMD Radeon RX Vega 56
- Sapphire Vega 56
- XFX Vega 56
These require at least 650W of power:
- AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
- AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100
- AMD Radeon RX 5700*
- AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT*
- AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 50th Anniversary*
- Vega Frontier Edition Air
* Note that these graphics cards also require a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or newer. All of these other graphics cards only require a Mac running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or newer.
By evaluating the eGPU box options and the supported video cards, you can find the best option for you.
In the US, site sponsor OWC sells the AKiTiO Node Titan ready for you to install a video card of your choice or with various video cards pre-installed. Site sponsor Adorama sells the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box.
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