How is the switching between dGPU and eGPU preformed? Automatically once the eGPU is detected? I have been wondering if the Razer Core, which naively utilizes Thunderbolt 3, would just work within bootcamp.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Late 2016 MacBook Pro 13" + Thunderbolt 3 eGPU
- Thread starter theitsage
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
My understanding of a Mac with multiple GPUs in Mac OS environment is as followed:
- OpenCL apps (such as FCPX, Luxmark, Handbrake,..) are able to detect and make use of all GPUs.
- OpenGL apps (such as AutoCAD, Adobe CC, video games,...) run on the monitor through which the GPU is connected.
On a headless Mac like the Mac Pro, it's very simple to visualize how this GPU selection process works. Mac laptops with both iGPU and dGPU rely on Automatic Graphics Switching. I'm not smart enough to give a definitive explanation on how this works with an eGPU. I know using an external monitor is one sure way to take advantage of an eGPU for OpenGL/Metal tasks.
- OpenCL apps (such as FCPX, Luxmark, Handbrake,..) are able to detect and make use of all GPUs.
- OpenGL apps (such as AutoCAD, Adobe CC, video games,...) run on the monitor through which the GPU is connected.
On a headless Mac like the Mac Pro, it's very simple to visualize how this GPU selection process works. Mac laptops with both iGPU and dGPU rely on Automatic Graphics Switching. I'm not smart enough to give a definitive explanation on how this works with an eGPU. I know using an external monitor is one sure way to take advantage of an eGPU for OpenGL/Metal tasks.
Last edited:
I learned something new about ThunderBolt 3 bandwidth and how Apple might have crippled these 2016 MacBook Pros - https://thunderbolttechnology.net/sites/default/files/Thunderbolt3_TechBrief_FINAL.pdf
Apple talked about Thunderbolt 3 capable of 40 Gbps but due to the single Thunderbolt chip in the base MBP, each USB-C port can only run at 20 Gbps max. This is the same max bandwidth as Thunderbolt 2.
I would guess the 13" touchbar MacBook Pro is the same way - two Thunderbolt 3 chips handling 4 ports.
Apple talked about Thunderbolt 3 capable of 40 Gbps but due to the single Thunderbolt chip in the base MBP, each USB-C port can only run at 20 Gbps max. This is the same max bandwidth as Thunderbolt 2.
I would guess the 13" touchbar MacBook Pro is the same way - two Thunderbolt 3 chips handling 4 ports.
Last edited:
The information from apple says that the base-no touchbar provides full performance to both TB3 ports, while on the 13-touch bar, only the two left hand TB3 ports operate at full speed, while the right two are limited, the 15in has full performance on all ports.
From apple
"
Thunderbolt 3 data speeds per MacBook Pro port
Late-2016 MacBook Pro models vary slightly in the data speeds they provide to each Thunderbolt 3 port.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on all four ports.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) supports Thunderbolt 3 at full performance using the two left-hand ports. The two right-hand ports deliver Thunderbolt 3 functionality, but have reduced PCI Express bandwidth.
Always plug higher-performance devices into the left-hand ports on MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) for maximum data throughput.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on both ports.
About USB speed
For USB devices, all late-2016 MacBook Pro models deliver USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) performance on all Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Use a USB-C to USB adapter to connect a USB-A device or cable to a Thunderbolt 3 port on your MacBook Pro. Use a USB 3.1 (USB-C to USB-C) cable to connect a USB-C device."
That would be absolutely amazing if true..... Also false advertising on Apple's part. Maybe this could just be an oversight in the hardware browser and the TB3 ports do indeed run at 40gb/s but its just reporting 20? Maybe? I would want to believe that over apple crippling the base model further but who knows anymore....
Someone has tried a Razor Core using a TB3 cable and see the same result. - http://imgur.com/hTrMsKY
eGPUs working makes or breaks the MBP purchase for me, thanks for looking into this guys
Apple has gone to a new low with these MacBook's but false advertising is something else entirely.... There must be another answer.... I hope there is another answer.
[doublepost=1477965932][/doublepost]
eGPUs seem to work but now the question seems to be whether or not they will run at TB3 40gb/s or the older TB2 standard of 20gb/s which is what the hardware is reporting....
[doublepost=1477966695][/doublepost]I started a thread here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/calling-all-2016-rmbp-owners.2011425/
I want to see if we can get more owners to report in on what their hardware browser says and if we can get anyone to test with actual TB3 accessories.
Could you tell exactly what cable are you using? AFAIR only optical cable which is not capable of transferring energy can achieve 40 Gbps. All others can only achieve 20 Gbps. Need to dive into Thunderbolt 3 specs though, I'm not sure.
Also waiting on this from a thread on reddit. Might take some time though until the Bootcamp drivers are fixed/released.
2016 13" MacBook Pro --> Apple TB3 to TB2 Adapter --> Apple Thunderbolt 2 cable --> AKiTiO Thunder2 eGPU
I checked Thunderbolt in System Information on a mid 2015 15" MBP and a late 2015 27" iMac 5K.
Looks like the new Akitio node supports the new MacBook pro 13in. Hopefully it will also support the 15. Will most likely get it once released. The link shows that they tested it.
https://www.akitio.com/blog/articles/akitio-thunderbolt3-devices-macbook-pro
https://www.akitio.com/blog/articles/akitio-thunderbolt3-devices-macbook-pro