"build" a Mac Mini Intel + eGPU for SimRacing purpose

[Aurelien23]

Hello gentlemen,

As a Apple environment user for years now, I would like your advices and opinions on the following project.

My plan is to build/design a Mac Mini config that will allow me to enjoy my SimRacing games based ln my previous experiences.

I was used to play on a MacBook Pro 2018 with intel processor and the integrated Radeon 560x GPU. Unfortunately motherboard is now « dead » and I had to by something else.
Bored of laptop use for daily work and after work playing time, I recently bought a Mac Mini M2 pro coupled with an Studio Display. Which are absolutely great, but gaming possibilities are now gone due to M2 chip. (Yes, the SimRacing games I have won’t run under Parallels, Cross over or Whisky. (Rfactor2, Le Mans Ultimate, iracing)

Therefor, I am mixed feelings on what to do next to get back into my simracing rig.
Obviously I’d like to use the Apple Studio Display I have now but shall I go for :
- building a PC
- building another Mac Mini (intel chip) coupled with a GPU.

Coming from MB pro 2018, its config was to « short » to get it working on higher details but still was playable and actually allowed me to enjoy it.

In a budget for this (if I may say) I would like your opinions and advices on what would be a sweet config to make it work.
- Mac Mini
- eGPU
- Studio display used

Maybe building a PC is still the best performance/budget option, but I honestly don’t want an « ugly » PC tower/case into my man cave.
I feel like 2 Mac minis one above each others, each one for its own purpose, would not hurt my eyes compare to an intrusive PC case.
Mac lovers can understand that.

So,
1) about Mac Mini Intel powered, an i7 3.2GHz is the best I can get on aftermarket if I’m correct?

2) about RAM, 16go would be minimum. Can you confirm MacMini RAM can be replaced/upgraded? It has 2 slots ? Is it only DDR3 ?

3) about eGPU, I plan to build one by myself with an empty case and a graphic card I could assembled. But here comes my doubts for next point 4)

4) about Studio Display, I’m aware it is 5k 60hz, and maybe gaming isn’t its best capabilities, but I ‘d like to use it even with lower resolutions like 1440p or even 1080p if no choice.
Is the thunderbolt way of powering the monitor a problem ?

So, points 3) and 4) being linked and my knowledge, research ends up here. I préfère to ask you guys.

What are your thoughts, advices, suggestions to get this project ready to work nicely together?

Thanks for you help.

 

[Bigwaff]

Your questions can be answered reading this page -

Aluminum Mac mini FAQ (2010-2018, A1349/A1993): EveryMac.com

EveryMac.com's Unibody Aluminum Mac mini FAQ covers software, differences, performance, graphics, RAM upgrades, drive upgrades and more.

everymac.com

 

[Bigwaff]

And eGPU info..

Use an external graphics processor with your Mac - Apple Support

Learn how to access additional graphics performance by connecting to an external graphics processor.

support.apple.com

 

[chrfr]

First, not everyone here is a man.
Second, setting up a Mac Mini as a gaming PC is a fool’s errand. Build a desktop PC if gaming is your goal.

 

[zgagato]

Get a small PC desktop or a Steam Deck?

 

[Pakaku]

Maybe building a PC is still the best performance/budget option, but I honestly don’t want an « ugly » PC tower/case into my man cave.
I feel like 2 Mac minis one above each others, each one for its own purpose, would not hurt my eyes compare to an intrusive PC case.
Mac lovers can understand that.

Cases come in all sorts of styles, not everything is ugly or overloaded with RGB LEDs, you just have to look around.

But lets be honest, you're not going to be looking at your case while you use your computer. You'll be staring at your screen, and in your case you even have a monitor that isn't half-bad looking.

You'll probably want to prioritize a case that has good features anyways, like dust-filters and cable management.

 

[leifp]

If those games run on Windows, I would recommend buying a NUC. I have one with a RTX2060 and play on a 1440p display and it works fine. No comparison to my gaming rig (AMD 5800X, RTX 4070, 42” 4K OLED) but it runs older games well.

If you aim to use the same monitor for your M2Pro Mac mini (I have that setup at a secondary location I spend time at, same as the NUC) and your “gaming” Intel Mac mini, playing games at 1440p looks pretty good on that monitor. 1080p substantially less so (due to scaling: the Studio Display is a 2880p and thus resolution scaling is ideal for 1440p and fractional for 1080p [line doubling vs 2.666666…]

Either system should be able to output to a Studio Display, however the NUC will not be able to control/adjust settings for it (brightness, etc)

edit: this is the NUC I purchased - https://simplynuc.com/phantom-canyon/

 

[Aurelien23]

Thanks for your replies !

Obviously, an Intel MacMini built is most likely not the best way to achieve my goals as it is after all not designed for it.
I will keep digging to find the right thing to do.

And, having checked prices, here and there, it would cost even more with less performances than building a PC with properly chosen components. Just don't be afraid building a PC from scratch Aurélien

Therefore I will orientate my researches in the possibly best PC built I can offer within my budget to get the most out of the Apple studio Display I already have. That 1440p resolution deserve to be treated right !

Thanks for the NUC input I wasn't aware of, looks interesting, even tough not for a given price.

I will of course let you know what is next.
In the meantime I will appreciate even more feedback from your experiences.

 

[leifp]

Thanks for your replies !

Obviously, an Intel MacMini built is most likely not the best way to achieve my goals as it is after all not designed for it.
I will keep digging to find the right thing to do.

And, having checked prices, here and there, it would cost even more with less performances than building a PC with properly chosen components. Just don't be afraid building a PC from scratch Aurélien

Therefore I will orientate my researches in the possibly best PC built I can offer within my budget to get the most out of the Apple studio Display I already have. That 1440p resolution deserve to be treated right !

Thanks for the NUC input I wasn't aware of, looks interesting, even tough not for a given price.

I will of course let you know what is next.
In the meantime I will appreciate even more feedback from your experiences.

Since you were considering a used Mac mini, perhaps a used NUC… mine was an old model when I bought it and I’ve had it for a few years now. There ought to be some deals available.

edit: