What To Know
- So, if you want to use an external GPU with an Apple Silicon Mac, you’ll need to use a Thunderbolt 3 enclosure that is specifically designed for this purpose and is compatible with Apple Silicon Macs.
- External GPUs can be used with a wide range of Apple devices, including MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Pros, providing a consistent and compatible graphics solution for all of your Apple devices.
- External GPUs are often more affordable than purchasing a dedicated gaming computer or investing in a high-end graphics card, making them a more budget-friendly option for those wanting to improve their graphics performance without spending a lot of money.
Apple Silicon Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports can indeed support external GPUs. However, it’s important to note that not all Thunderbolt 3 enclosures will work with Apple Silicon Macs. In addition, some older Thunderbolt 3 enclosures may not work at all, or may not work with the latest macOS release.
In addition, Apple only supports Thunderbolt 3 external GPU enclosures from specific manufacturers, and these enclosures must be equipped with specific AMD Radeon graphics cards. So, if you want to use an external GPU with an Apple Silicon Mac, you’ll need to use a Thunderbolt 3 enclosure that is specifically designed for this purpose and is compatible with Apple Silicon Macs.
Does Apple Silicon Support External Gpu?
Apple Silicon, also known as Apple M1, is a family of proprietary ARM-based processors designed by Apple Inc. for use in their Mac computers. External GPUs are not supported by Apple Silicon.
External GPUs are useful for Mac users who want to increase the performance of their computer, especially for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing. However, Apple Silicon’s powerful integrated graphics processor (GPU), which shares resources with the CPU, eliminates the need for an external GPU.
Apple Silicon’s integrated GPU is capable of handling most graphics-intensive tasks without the need for a separate graphics card. In fact, Apple’s M1 chip, the first chip in the Apple Silicon family, outperforms many discrete GPUs in benchmark tests.
However, if you need additional graphics processing power, Apple does offer professional-grade Mac computers with discrete GPUs. The Mac Pro, for example, can be configured with up to two Radeon Pro GPUs, providing significant graphics performance for the most demanding applications.
It’s worth noting that while Apple Silicon does not support external GPUs, it is possible to use an eGPU with a Mac running an Intel processor. However, Apple has indicated that they plan to transition all of their Macs to Apple Silicon chips, so support for external GPUs may eventually disappear.
What Are The Benefits Of Using An External Gpu With Apple Silicon?
- 1. Enhanced graphics performance: Using an external GPU with Apple Silicon can significantly boost the graphics performance of your Mac, allowing you to run resource-intensive games and graphics-intensive applications with ease.
- 2. Expandability: External GPUs provide additional graphics processing capabilities that can be upgraded or swapped out as needed, giving you more flexibility and options in terms of graphics performance.
- 3. Compatibility: External GPUs can be used with a wide range of Apple devices, including MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Pros, providing a consistent and compatible graphics solution for all of your Apple devices.
- 4. Portability: External GPUs offer the convenience and ease of portability, allowing you to bring your graphics processing power with you wherever you go, without the need for a bulky desktop computer or large gaming laptop.
- 5. Cost-effectiveness: External GPUs are often more affordable than purchasing a dedicated gaming computer or investing in a high-end graphics card, making them a more budget-friendly option for those wanting to improve their graphics performance without spending a lot of money.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using An External Gpu With Apple Silicon?
Yes, there are some drawbacks to using an external GPU (eGPU) with Apple Silicon.
First and foremost, eGPUs are not officially supported by Apple on Apple Silicon devices. This means that if there are any issues or compatibility problems, you may not be able to get support from Apple.
Secondly, eGPUs require a separate power source, which can be a bit inconvenient. You would need to make sure you have enough outlets available, or you would need to use a USB hub or power strip.
Thirdly, eGPUs can be expensive. While you can find some affordable options, they are often not as powerful or as feature-packed as the more expensive models.
Finally, eGPUs can add bulk to your setup. If you have limited space, or if you travel frequently, the added size and weight of an eGPU may not be worth it.
In conclusion, there are some drawbacks to using an external GPU with Apple Silicon. However, if you are willing to put up with these drawbacks, an eGPU can be a great way to boost your graphics performance on your Apple Silicon device.
Which External Gpus Are Compatible With Apple Silicon?
Answer:
As of 2022, the only external GPUs that are officially compatible with Apple Silicon are the Blackmagic eGPU, the Razer Core X Chroma, and the PowerColor Gaming Station. These devices connect directly to your Mac using a Thunderbolt 3 cable, and they provide a significant increase in graphics processing power. Other external GPUs may be compatible, but they may require additional software or drivers to work properly. It’s important to check the compatibility of any external GPU before purchasing it for use with an Apple Silicon-based Mac.
How Does The Performance Of An External Gpu Compare To The Built-in Graphics On Apple Silicon?
External GPUs offer a significant performance boost compared to built-in graphics on Apple Silicon. The graphics processing capabilities of an external GPU are far superior to those built into the Apple Silicon processors, allowing for smoother gameplay and higher graphics settings in games and applications. This is especially beneficial for users who need more graphics processing power for demanding tasks such as video editing or photo rendering. Additionally, external GPUs can be easily upgraded or replaced, providing more flexibility and upgradability compared to built-in graphics.
Are There Any Specific Software Or Games That Benefit From Using An External Gpu With Apple Silicon?
Yes, there are specific software and games that benefit from using an external GPU with Apple Silicon. External GPUs, also known as eGPUs, are external graphics processing units that connect to a computer and provide an additional graphics boost to the system. Apple Silicon is the name given to Apple’s ARM-based processors used in their line of Mac computers, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.
For software and games, especially those that are highly graphics-intensive, an external GPU can provide a significant performance boost. This is because an external GPU has its own dedicated graphics processing unit, which can handle the graphics processing tasks for the computer, freeing up the internal GPU to handle other tasks.
Additionally, eGPUs can provide other benefits such as the ability to run multiple GPUs in parallel, allowing for improved performance in multi-GPU configurations, and the ability to easily upgrade the graphics card without having to replace the entire computer.
However, it’s worth noting that the use of eGPUs with Apple Silicon is limited to certain software and games. Not all software and games are compatible with the use of eGPUs, so it’s important to check the compatibility of the software you want to use before investing in an eGPU. Additionally, eGPUs require an external power supply, so you’ll need to make sure you have access to a power outlet in order to use it.
The Bottom Line
