Advice on dual monitor setup for 2014 15" rMBP

[_keith_]

Hi guys,

I am a developer and my main machine for programming is a Mid 2014 15" MacBook Pro. I have the
Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB graphics card only and am running High Sierra (10.13.3). For the last few months I've had the following dual monitor setup:

• 1 x 27" 4K LG monitor
• 1 x 24" 1080p LG monitor

I then use my MacBook as a third screen. I usually run a lot of programs on a daily basis and also run a Windows 10 VM through Parallels. Everything runs smoothly when I use just my laptop or when I run the laptop with only 1 external monitor, but when I connect the two monitors I can hear the CPU working very hard a few times a day and it will start to lag.

I was thinking of getting an eGPU to run the monitors to take some pressure of the laptop. Most of the stuff I have read on this have either been people with newer MacBooks or people who do a lot of video editing or want it for gaming. I just need something that will be able to power the external monitors (and possibly run 2 x 4K monitors if I replace the 24" 1080p LG I current have). I know that this one is recommended by Apple but it seems way too powerful for what I need. I'd appreciate it if someone with knowledge in this area was able to advise. Can I simply buy the same breakaway box and use a less powerful graphics card? If anyone has done something similar with the same model MacBook I'd love to hear how you got on. Thanks guys