Apple Offers External GPU Enclosure to Developers As Valve Opens Door to VR Mac Gaming

[LeeTBTS]

I tried out the Vive last Fall and was quite impressed with its capabilities. There is NO way any of the current Macs could handle it, let alone iMac Pro or better. I almost was going to order a new PC and the Vive because I do digital 2D digital art and traditional, and the digital brush in a VR environment is catching on. I know because some creative professionals are jumping into this technology as a tool to create visual imagery and 3D illustration. A recent ImagineFX magazine had an article on that, I believe, from last month. Fascinating.
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My understanding is that, it's supposed to work with the new iMacs or laptops powering the machine itself, not the other way around. Think of it as an add-on. Kind of like what SEGA did with the Genesis buy adding a 32X on top of it, creating 32-bit capabilities over a 16-bit machine.

Oh, and great nickname. I have a studio named just that except it's 'inner' . But it's cool to see another studio similarly named like mine. Although I do visual arts.

I have some news for you,
I have an iMac retina late 2014, I have an oculus rift. Everything works great, from quill and medium to robonrecall and super hot to elite dangerous and Assetto corsa.

I'm planning on making a video later today to show this, as it's a complete misconception that today's newer macs can't handle it.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Right after Adobe announced CC, I went out and bought a retail box version os CS6 Design standard (all I really use is Photoshop and InDesign) to upgrade from CS3. I'm still using CS6 today.

Makes no sense to not have Mercury Engine and lots of new features and bug fixes.
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Thought's that was wh


Subscription is bad, it's not a sad argument.

Payment is payment. Your argument is invalid.

15-20 years ago I used to pay £1200 for a copy of Photoshop and then average £600 for each yearly upgrade. 10 years ago the price wasn't that different. Students couldn't afford it at all.

Today I pay £9 a month for Photoshop and Lightroom and I can stop or pause payments whenever I want. Students only need to drink two less beers a month to be able to use Photoshop.

 

[RDStrong]

I'm sorry but their limitations on egfx are ridiculous. Window's implementation of egfx work perfectly in bootcamp using the thunderbolt 3 ports on Macbook Pro 2016 machines. Showing that it is entirely a software limitation.

A software limitation that could be lifted now if they wanted to. In fact there are software hacks that exist to get around it on OSX but they're not ideal.

And Spring 2018 before it's fully ready? GTFO.

 

[macs4nw]

This is a game changer (pun intended). I think Apple is finally getting serious about gaming.

I think it's the highly lucrative upcoming VR explosion that convinced Apple they must finally get serious with graphics if they hope to capitalize on that future growth segment.

 

[shadowmatt]

Awwww noooooo. That is a HUGE shame it not working in Bootcamp. This was an instant buy but now just a distant dream. There are no games on the native Mac OS that need this! (I am coming from a gaming point of view, not a hardcore application point of view).

It will work in b

At Frontier Development forums (Elite Dangerous) someone already has this working under TB2 with Windows/Boot Camp.

I had Elite Dangerous on TB1 / 660 / Mac Mini running just fine at 720. That was the sweet spot for TB1. TB2 I would think would handle 2K ok.

4K on my gaming PC, its hard to keep 60fps with everything maxed out on a 1080Ti or 2x980Ti so TB3 wont fair any better. Plus the heat, burned through one 980 Ti.

 

[TheFluffyDuck]

Finally! Apple taking graphics seriously. This was the best news to come out of WWDC. Couldn't be more thrilled. IF they also include Vulcan I might just have fainted.

 

[Piggie]

So, we can buy an i7 iMac and a separate box for a GTX1080Ti.
Run Windows on the iMac, and it will run the same speed as a PC with the same CPU and Graphics Card ?

 

[Zarniwoop]

$5000 for an imac Pro! What do you think the pricing will be on the new Mac Pro if that is the starting point.

iMac 2017 with similar config: 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, best processor and GPU = $3699. With iMac Pro you get 8-core vs 4-core, Vega vs Polaris, ECC DDR4 vs DDR4, a lot faster SSD, more IO and better display, cooling and audio + pro keyboard with numpad. Apple is charging $1300 for those extra.

I don't think that Apple is that greed with iMac Pro. 8-core Xeon CPU + mobo are $500 more than Kaby Lake i7 + regular mobo. ECC memory is maybe $100 more. Faster SSD can be $300 more, better display at least $200 and Vega GPU's can be quite expensive vs RX / Pro 580.

 

[Tech198]

...and this isn't the Best ....... Weather this set up will run under Bootcamp will be the on everyone's mind.

 

[Pilgrim1099]

I have some news for you,
I have an iMac retina late 2014, I have an oculus rift. Everything works great, from quill and medium to robonrecall and super hot to elite dangerous and Assetto corsa.

I'm planning on making a video later today to show this, as it's a complete misconception that today's newer macs can't handle it.

It would be interesting to see the video, but I suspect that the 2014 iMac's graphics card works well for anything that was released around that time frame or according to the specifications. I'm not surprised about Elite : Dangerous as it's one of the greatest games I've owned when it came out for the Commodore 64/128 ( yes, I remember it well ). However, the newer VR models, I believe, do require a more powerful graphics card to handle the advanced aspects of VR.

Quill was one of the apps I was referring to in the creative industry for VR which came out earlier on. Tilt Brush for HTC Vive is a bit more recent and new.

This is Tilt Brush by Google: https://www.tiltbrush.com/

I was stunned by it and as an artist myself, it's extremely tempting to jump into this new medium. If only I had the money to afford ( I kind of do but don't want to abuse my credit cad ).

NOTE: I just noticed that it's also for Oculus as well.

 

[JWatt68]

Stick with the HTC Vive for Tilt Brush, Oculus Touch is ok, but you will need 3 sensors for full room scale and there will be cables everywhere, and you will still experience drop outs .... its only days out of Beta. The Vive sensors are simple and work very well, everytime

 

[wigby]

Not sure where you're getting your information, but Adobe CC 2017 is working great for MANY Mac video users, even those on older 4,1 and 5,1 MacPro's that have been tweaked and upgraded. A lot comes down to the end user setting up their machines the right way and managing a project correctly from the start. Just tossing stuff around and hoping Dynamic Link can fix your problems is one way to get fed up quickly.

As far as PSD and AI, I can say first hand that they are buggy and problematic. I don't use Premiere or AE but have heard from multiple sources about problems. Of course Adobe's apps are working fine for the majority of users but when you're one of the users that they aren't working for, you want to warn others even if they most likely won't be affected.

 

[dimensional]

I damn near got misty eyed with joy when I read about this.

 

[bsbeamer]

As far as PSD and AI, I can say first hand that they are buggy and problematic. I don't use Premiere or AE but have heard from multiple sources about problems. Of course Adobe's apps are working fine for the majority of users but when you're one of the users that they aren't working for, you want to warn others even if they most likely won't be affected.

Have you tried reaching out to Adobe directly for support? You'd be shocked how much they actually do try to resolve any issues users are experiencing.
[doublepost=1496848852][/doublepost]Latest update about eGPU support is that this is not slated until SPRING 2018 for release. Would have to assume the MacPro 2018 would be released around this same time if they are planning for this specifically.

For those purchasing products now, make sure they are based on TI83 chips to ensure compatibility. Some of those models in addition to the Sonnet Breakaway Boxes (two models) include OWC Mercury Helios 3, AKiTiO Node, and Mantiz Venus.

 

[0924487]

Holy **** this is the best news to come out of wwdc. Now all I need is a refreshed mini and I can finally upgrade my 2010 iMac. I've since built a gaming PC instead .

why don't you just get a mac pro or iMac 27 inch with all the good specs? Mac mini is on it's way out because it doesn't generate any revenue for Apple. If you don't need the desktop class hardware, macbook pros are the way to go.

 

[LeeTBTS]

It would be interesting to see the video, but I suspect that the 2014 iMac's graphics card works well for anything that was released around that time frame or according to the specifications. I'm not surprised about Elite : Dangerous as it's one of the greatest games I've owned when it came out for the Commodore 64/128 ( yes, I remember it well ). However, the newer VR models, I believe, do require a more powerful graphics card to handle the advanced aspects of VR.

Quill was one of the apps I was referring to in the creative industry for VR which came out earlier on. Tilt Brush for HTC Vive is a bit more recent and new.

This is Tilt Brush by Google: https://www.tiltbrush.com/

I was stunned by it and as an artist myself, it's extremely tempting to jump into this new medium. If only I had the money to afford ( I kind of do but don't want to abuse my credit cad ).

NOTE: I just noticed that it's also for Oculus as well.

 

[DevNull0]

Makes no sense to not have Mercury Engine and lots of new features and bug fixes.

Oh, I'm not saying their haven't been worthwhile improvements. Just that I refuse to rent the software. At any price. Considering what I paid for CS6, I'd still have been ahead if I'd been paying $10/month for PS all this time, though that option wasn't available at the beginning when I went out to buy CS6. If they lowered the PS price to $1/month I'd stick with my copy of CS6. It's not the money, it's the idea of not having enough control over my workflow.

But add to that, I use PS about 80% of the time and ID about 20% and no other adobe apps. So do I pay $30/month to get both apps? Or maybe stick with CS6 for ID and use CC for PS? Does that cause compatibility problems? CS at least had different editions, CC is basically forcing you to rent the master collection.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Oh, I'm not saying their haven't been worthwhile improvements. Just that I refuse to rent the software. At any price. Considering what I paid for CS6, I'd still have been ahead if I'd been paying $10/month for PS all this time, though that option wasn't available at the beginning when I went out to buy CS6. If they lowered the PS price to $1/month I'd stick with my copy of CS6. It's not the money, it's the idea of not having enough control over my workflow.

Whether you pay monthly or 'full cost' is irrelevant in the digital distribution age. You aren't owning anything physical.

It's especially irrational to believe Adobe is controlling you or your workflow just because payment structure is different.

I feel like I'm trying to rationalise with a conspiracy theorist who has a hoard of gold and soup cans in his basement because he thinks someone out there is plotting to control him.

Every time this discussion comes up it's the same paranoid and selfish libertarian ideas of ownership that comes up. You are entering the sharing and services age but you're stuck in the past.

Owning and accumulating "stuff" isn't as great as people make out. It's the cause of so much greed and conflict, expense and poverty.

 

[rawweb]

A review of the case says it is $299 USD: https://egpu.io/sonnet-breakaway-box-review-cool-quiet/

The GPU is $259 on Newegg, so when considering what the rest of the bundle includes, the total price seems okay.

Actually, this particular GPU (8gb) is incredibly difficult to find (thanks to miners). I've been trying to snag one for some time. Usually out of stock or over priced...I see them averaging closer to $300-400. With that in mind, you're right the apple bundle is in fact a great deal!

Alternatively, the RX 480 uses the same chip and can be snagged in the same price range.

 

[forbegos34]

This is a game changer (pun intended). I think Apple is finally getting serious about gaming.

Question is, will it support bootcamp? Games are on Windows, not Mac OS.

 

[ocrane]

Mine just showed up today!

 

[DevNull0]

Whether you pay monthly or 'full cost' is irrelevant in the digital distribution age. You aren't owning anything physical.

As long as I have my copy of CS6, and a computer I can install it on, I can use CS6. I'm aware that I'm dependant on Adobe's license servers, but so far they've never left a customer unable to install their software. They patched CS2 to work without the license server for example. Cutting off everyone who bought a "full cost" license would open them up to lawsuits and it sure wouldn't push many of those people onto a subscription, so I don't see Adobe doing it.

It's especially irrational to believe Adobe is controlling you or your workflow just because payment structure is different.

It's not just a different payment structure. For someone who knows so much about this I don't know if you're being difficult for the sake of it.

Do you believe leasing a car or buying it is the same except for the payment structure?

I feel like I'm trying to rationalise with a conspiracy theorist who has a hoard of gold and soup cans in his basement because he thinks someone out there is plotting to control him.

Nice ad hominem attack. Let's try to keep things in perspective, we're talking about graphics design software, nothing life altering here.

Every time this discussion comes up it's the same paranoid and selfish libertarian ideas of ownership that comes up. You are entering the sharing and services age but you're stuck in the past.

Software running on my hardware is not a service, it's a product. My car is not a service it's a product. My home is not a service it's a product. Your logic leads down the road of why allow anyone to own anything, just hand all property to the government and let them dole it out.

Owning and accumulating "stuff" isn't as great as people make out. It's the cause of so much greed and conflict, expense and poverty.

And here it is. You don't seem to have perspective that we're talking about a software licensing model, not a way of life. Now you're holding onto an antiquated idea that was tried to death (literally) last century and failed causing spectacular misery for billions of people.

Hilariously ignorant that you think property ownership leads to poverty for others.

This is where I'd tell you where to move if you want to live like that, but pretty every country that has tried it has collapsed miserably. Maybe North Korea would suit your tastes?

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Saying what I observe time and time again for 5 years. Once you see it too often it's hard for me not to point it out. It's not an ad hominem attacks of from the horse's mouth itself you hear their position. Either I see someone who is using pirate software and doesn't want to use CC. Or I see someone who is shooting vinegar spray at imaginary chemtrails.

 

[lysingur]

Question is, will it support bootcamp? Games are on Windows, not Mac OS.

It's not unimaginable that we see Mac-PC parity for most major game titles within 4 to 5 years if this trend continues. As Apple's ARM chip becomes more and more powerful, game developers will be incentivised to write their games natively for macOS and iOS to take full advantage of what Metal/Metal 2 has to offer. The only real hurdles in the past to porting games to macOS has been Apple's half-hearted support for OpenGL and lack thereof for state-of-the-art graphics cards, either as an onboard or external option. With the advent of Metal/Metal 2 and OS-level support for external GPU, these hurdles have been removed. Now the onus is on the developers.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

No is the simple answer. Thats still not even a 1:1 conversion of $ - £.

I can get the Sonnet box for £300 elsewhere and the 580 is a £220-240 card. That doesn't come anywhere near £800.

£520 to buy 2 parts or £800 from apple...

So buy them elsewhere. Sheesh!