Can't afford the new Mac Pro. Going Mini, need help with egpu

[RonaldSwanson]

Mac Mini users,

TL;DR I need ideas on which egpu setup I should go with. I already own an RX580. I was looking at OWC's Helios FX (not the 650 watt version). I've always used OWC equipment and trust them. I was hoping to future proof it wattage wise for when I get a new card a few years from now (maybe the Vega II?).

Context:

I'm a professional photographer who also edits videos (mostly mini-docs, no heavy GFX work). I am a heavy Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop user. I also use Premiere to edit. I own a cheesegrater (too slow to be useful) and a 2015 MBP (I use the laptop for on-location photo tethering) and want a computer that stays at home for raw photo editing, occasional video editing, surfing, daily tasks, etc. I'd prefer not getting an imac because you can't adjust the screen height and I hate the glossy screen (plus I mostly use a projector).

Sorry for the intro above, but thought it may be relevant. From my research, it sounds like a 6 core mini with 32GB of ram and an EGPU would for me for the next 5 or so years. I already own a Pulse RX580 for my old Mac Pro, so I thought I'd put that in an EGPU.

I really appreciate the help.

-Ronald

 

[casperes1996]

I'd personally go with the Razer Core X.
I think it hits a really nice point of price and feature set. Although I'm typically not fond of "gaming" aesthetics, it also looks fairly alright.

 

[golfpan]

Ditto on the Razer Core X. It will fit pretty much any card, and if you take it apart, you can even swap out the power supply for another small form factor power supply, which I did (although I had to just leave it in there not connected to the original bracket). For now mine has a Vega 56 in it (nVidia cards don't play well with MacOS at the moment).

For me, it's been a great value, and I love the flexibility of the box on top of its upgradability. I'll probably use it until Thunderbolt or its successor change to a different connector type.

 

[RonaldSwanson]

Thanks guys. Are there any quality issues I should worry about, or is Razer a reputable company?

 

[marcuzt]

Thanks guys. Are there any quality issues I should worry about, or is Razer a reputable company?

They seem to be a hit or miss really. The core has now had some iterations and seems to be of good quality now. The first iteration had some bandwidth issues. So usually first iteration form them are more of a prototype and proof of concept.

My only tip for you would be to check it when you get it to make sure the build is good.

 

[casperes1996]

I think Razer is sort of considered "The Apple of PC gaming".

Thanks guys. Are there any quality issues I should worry about, or is Razer a reputable company?

 

[evilmurries]

The scuttlebutt I always see about razer is that their build quality is hit or miss, and that their warranty coverage is often deficient / a pita. This is anecdotal, but some products do not have a standard two year warranty so something to keep in mind.

 

[Ursadorable]

My biggest issue with Razor started when they demand I create an account on their website to download a driver for their keyboard, which should have been included in the damn box. What does a peripheral company need with all my contact info?! I refused to touch Razor anything after that experience.