External GPU for 2018 Mac Mini

[Sebski]

Good morning all,

I need a bit of help/advice. I'm looking to get an external GPU for my 2018 Mac Mini. I won't be using it for games. I want it for Sketchup visualization, to speed up FCP X editing (specially with some plug-ins, occasionally) and to help rendering After Effects projects (also, occasionally).
I think I've already decided to go for external enclosure Razer Core X - I don't need a fancy Chroma version. But I'm struggling to find a suitable graphics card for that. I went through the list on Apple Support website https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208544 and compared what's there. I was thinking about getting a second-hand RX 5700 (or XT) but they are still expensive.
Probably, RX 570 or 580 would still be a good option but not sure if it makes sense spending that money on 4 years old GPU (?) I'm not a professional using that software to make money. It's more for training purposes and to learn new software.

Perhaps waiting for a new macOS release would be a good idea to see if Apple adds support for Radeon RX 6600 XT (for example)?

Any forum users to recommend the best / smartest solution?

Thank you,
Seb

 

[frou]

RX 500 series cards are old tech but they should still be much much faster than the Mini's integrated GPU.

But yes it's an awful time to be shopping for GPUs in terms of value-for-money.

 

[InuNacho]

I have a RX 580 in an eGPU hooked up to my Mini. I bought my card on clearance 3 years ago and it's been great for my non-gaming needs.

Since you're not making any money yet and GPUs are such a bad buy right now, why not go an alternative route? For years I ran an eGPU out of a Thunderbolt 2 OWC Helios and WX4100 on my 2012 cMPB in my studio. Officially it was not rated for eGPU but that didn't stop me from doing it.
It was no powerhouse but it gave me the VRAM and more processing power that I desperately needed and it only came in at around $250 total.

Why not go with one of the new OWC Helios 3S and used RX560? That will be much better than the stock gpu and won't put a dent in your wallet.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC...FxKoKSfGLHNIRsAaiUHkphOVeX0k86DxoCyWQQAvD_BwE

 

[Sebski]

RX 500 series cards are old tech but they should still be much much faster than the Mini's integrated GPU.

But yes it's an awful time to be shopping for GPUs in terms of value-for-money.

I have a RX 580 in an eGPU hooked up to my Mini. I bought my card on clearance 3 years ago and it's been great for my non-gaming needs.

Since you're not making any money yet and GPUs are such a bad buy right now, why not go an alternative route? For years I ran an eGPU out of a Thunderbolt 2 OWC Helios and WX4100 on my 2012 cMPB in my studio. Officially it was not rated for eGPU but that didn't stop me from doing it.
It was no powerhouse but it gave me the VRAM and more processing power that I desperately needed and it only came in at around $250 total.

Why not go with one of the new OWC Helios 3S and used RX560? That will be much better than the stock gpu and won't put a dent in your wallet.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC...FxKoKSfGLHNIRsAaiUHkphOVeX0k86DxoCyWQQAvD_BwE


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Thank you both for your comments.

I know it's the worst possible time to look for a GPU and not sure if that will change anytime soon

I started looking on eBay and I won an auction for RX 580. It's arriving in couple of days so I'll be able to test it. It's not easy to find OWC enclosure on eBay UK so I went for Razer Core X. That was the plan but I bought Razer Core X Chroma from Amazon Warehouse, practically new for £203, so that's a great I deal I believe.

I'm looking forward to get those two gadgets connected