Since macOS High Sierra version 10.13.4, released a few hours ago, we have support for graphics cards to our Mac connected through Thunderbold 3. Apple has published a support document, listing the eGPUs that Apple recommends for use with macOS High Sierra. The performance of applications for professional tasks, 3D games and virtual reality content creation is substantially improved when using external eGPUs.
This listing means that Apple has verified the use of these external graphics. Other graphics could work perfectly, but Apple has not tested these models so far.
All the advantages that we find with the contribution of external eGPUs, are the following:
- Acceleration of applications that use Metal, OpenGL and OpenCL.
- Improves fluidity and overall work, when working with external screens and monitors.
- We can directly use the MacBook Pro, even with the screen closed, thanks to the external eGPU.
- Improved use of virtual reality glasses and headsets connected to the eGPU.
- Now it is not necessary to restart when we want to connect an eGPU to the Mac. Disconnecting the eGPU is as simple as activating the eGPU in the menu bar.
- It is possible to connect more than one eGPU, using multiple Thunderbold 3 (USB-C).
- It is possible to judge the performance of the internal and external eGPU differently from the activity monitor.
These are some of the supported settings in macOS High Sierra.
AMD Radeon RX 570, RX 580 and Radeon Pro WX 7100 Graphics:
Based on AMD Polaris architecture. Versions of the Sapphire Pulse series and AMD WX series. Among them, the following:
- OWC Mercury Helios FX3
- Power Color Devil Box
- Sapphire Gear Box
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 350W
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550W3
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650W3
AMD Radeon RX Vega 56:
Based on AMD Vega 56 architecture. Versions of the Sapphire Vega 56 and XFX Vega 56 Series. Among them, the following:
- OWC Mercury Helios FX3
- Power Color Devil Box
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 550W3
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650W3
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64, Vega Frontier Edition Air, Radeon Pro WX 9100
Based on AMD Vega 64 architecture. Versions of the Sapphire Vega 64 series, XFX Vega 64, air-cooled AMD Frontier Edition and AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100. Among them, the following:
- Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box 650W3
Thunderbolt 3 all-in-one eGPU.
All-in-one product. They contain a powerful built-in GPU and contains enough power to charge your Mac. Among them, the following:
- Sonnet Radeon RX 570 eGFX Breakaway Puck.
