Mac Mini 2018 eGPU for Machine Learning

[zandorf]

I am just starting exploration of Machine Learning on my Mac mini. I am looking to get an eGPU for 3D graphics, but also one compatible for Machine Learning. Doesn't need to be optimal, but reasonably functional for experimentation.

I have gotten Tensorflow running using my i7 CPU, but no luck using the iGPU (it "runs" but generates all NaN results). I realize I may need to go AMD GPU with OpenCL/PlaidML but can't try that prior to buying the eGPU.

Anyone have eGPU recommendations or a confirmed setup that works for Machine Learning?

For reference, this works with MM18 i7 CPU:
https://adventuresinmachinelearning.com/keras-tutorial-cnn-11-lines/
It cranks up my CPU cores nicely but looking for faster GPU processing.

 

[F-Train]

If you haven't seen it, you may find this thread useful: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/

Among other things, it contains benchmark scores for several AMD GPUs, info on prices, etc.

 

[zandorf]

If you haven't seen it, you may find this thread useful: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-gpu-egpu-resources.2154653/

Among other things, it contains benchmark scores for several AMD GPUs, info on prices, etc.

I have read through that thread; great info in general. Not much mention of machine learning specifically; I thus decided to start a new thread. We can merge these if it makes sense.

 

[giffut]

For machine learning in general you should get a nvidia based card, which basically rules out any mac running mojave at the moment, as there are no drivers for nvidia available yet - ant it seems apple wants it tht way.