External GPU for iMac

[langl3y]

Hi Guys,

Have been looking around for a few days now at the idea of having an external GPU in a Thunderbolt enclosure as I feel the internal Graphics chip is not good enough to run modern games anymore.

I understand that this subject has probably been discussed plenty of times, but just wondered if anyone had actually succeeded in getting one to work, it won't be cheap i know, but I'm looking in terms of the rest of the iMac runs perfect, but the graphics lets it down when trying to game as I'm getting freezing when in games and lagging.

Appreciate your thoughts and opinions

Thanks
Lloyd

 

[russofris]

Technically, it can be done, but there are a number of obstacles preventing its widespread adoption. A single TB lane does not have sufficient bandwidth to get full performance, enclosures are expensive, no support with stock drivers (need to bootcamp windows), etc. Currently it has a place as a tech demonstration and to add some GLSL oomph, but does not appear to yield a good cost/benefit for gaming.

For the same money, you're better off building a headless steam box and frame-casting.

Hopefully the situation will improve as TB bandwidth increases, drivers improve, and enclosures fall in price.

 

[Hellhammer]

It's possible, see this thread for instructions and advice.