No video output/ Green screen after playing games with eGPU

[russell_314]

I just got a Razer Core X and XFX RX 5700 XT Triple Dissipation 8GB card for my 2018 Mac mini. Everything works fine on macOS but when I try to launch a game under Windows 10 in Parallels I get a green screen in a few seconds. It acts like it restarts after because I can hear the chime but the monitor just goes black. I have to hold the power button to get it to restart. It's on Steam Half Life 2 and I tried Warframe.


Edit: I at first thought it only happened in Windows but I was playing WoW on macOS and it did the same green screen. It's definitely something to do with the eGPU because playing WoW on macOS without the eGPU has no issues except lower graphics.





This is the error message I get after restart


panic(cpu 2 caller 0xffffff7f99ba1ad5): userspace watchdog timeout: no successful checkins from com.apple.WindowServer in 120 seconds

service: com.apple.logd, total successful checkins since load (85631 seconds ago): 8564, last successful checkin: 0 seconds ago

service: com.apple.WindowServer, total successful checkins since load (85601 seconds ago): 8548, last successful checkin: 120 seconds ago



Backtrace (CPU 2), Frame : Return Address

0xffffffa400cbb720 : 0xffffff801911f5cd

0xffffffa400cbb770 : 0xffffff8019258b05

0xffffffa400cbb7b0 : 0xffffff801924a68e

0xffffffa400cbb800 : 0xffffff80190c5a40

0xffffffa400cbb820 : 0xffffff801911ec97

0xffffffa400cbb920 : 0xffffff801911f087

0xffffffa400cbb970 : 0xffffff80198c2838

0xffffffa400cbb9e0 : 0xffffff7f99ba1ad5

0xffffffa400cbb9f0 : 0xffffff7f99ba17fa

0xffffffa400cbba10 : 0xffffff8019854a8e

0xffffffa400cbba60 : 0xffffff7f99ba0cfe

0xffffffa400cbbb60 : 0xffffff801985dcb3

0xffffffa400cbbca0 : 0xffffff80192082b2

0xffffffa400cbbdb0 : 0xffffff8019125328

0xffffffa400cbbe10 : 0xffffff80190fbcc5

0xffffffa400cbbe70 : 0xffffff8019112aa2

0xffffffa400cbbf00 : 0xffffff8019230d05

0xffffffa400cbbfa0 : 0xffffff80190c6226

Kernel Extensions in backtrace:

com.apple.driver.watchdog(1.0)[B435C72B-B311-3C67-8AA1-1D5CE0FAD429]@0xffffff7f99ba0000->0xffffff7f99ba8fff



BSD process name corresponding to current thread: watchdogd

Boot args: chunklist-security-epoch=0 -chunklist-no-rev2-dev



Mac OS version:

19F101



Kernel version:

Darwin Kernel Version 19.5.0: Tue May 26 20:41:44 PDT 2020; root:xnu-6153.121.2~2/RELEASE_X86_64

Kernel UUID: 54F1A78D-6F41-32BD-BFED-4381F9F6E2EF

Kernel slide: 0x0000000018e00000

Kernel text base: 0xffffff8019000000

__HIB text base: 0xffffff8018f00000

System model name: Macmini8,1 (Mac-7BA5B2DFE22DDD8C)

System shutdown begun: NO



System uptime in nanoseconds: 85636985602341

last loaded kext at 41980014283074: com.parallels.kext.netbridge 15.1.4 47270 (addr 0xffffff7fa0810000, size 90112)

last unloaded kext at 85557567777670: >usb.!UHostPacketFilter 1.0 (addr 0xffffff7f9b9e5000, size 24576)

loaded kexts:

com.parallels.kext.netbridge 15.1.4 47270

com.parallels.kext.hypervisor 15.1.4 47270

com.parallels.kext.vnic 15.1.4 47270

com.Cycling74.driver.Soundflower 2

com.AmbrosiaSW.AudioSupport 4.2

at.obdev.nke.LittleSnitch 5474

com.valvesoftware.SteamInput 4357.73.42

@kext.AMDRadeonX6000 3.0.9

@kext.AMDRadeonServiceManager 3.0.9

>!AGraphicsDevicePolicy 5.2.4

@fileutil 20.036.15

@AGDCPluginDisplayMetrics 5.2.4

>!AHV 1

|IOUserEthernet 1.0.1

|IO!BSerialManager 7.0.5f6

>!AUpstreamUserClient 3.6.8

>pmtelemetry 1

>!APlatformEnabler 2.7.0d0

>AGPM 111.4.4

>X86PlatformShim 1.0.0

>!AMCCSControl 1.14

>AudioAUUC 1.70

@Dont_Steal_Mac_OS_X 7.0.0

>!A!IKBLGraphics 14.0.6

>BridgeAudioCommunication 6.70.7

>!AThunderboltIP 3.1.4

>!A!ICFLGraphicsFramebuffer 14.0.6

>!AAVEBridge 6.1

>!ABridgeAudio!C 6.70.7

>!AGFXHDA 100.1.428

>!A!ISlowAdaptiveClocking 4.0.0

>!A!IPCHPMC 2.0.1

@filesystems.autofs 3.0

>BCMWLANFirmware4355.Hashstore 1

>BCMWLANFirmware4364.Hashstore 1

>BCMWLANFirmware4377.Hashstore 1

@filesystems.hfs.kext 522.100.5

@BootCache 40

@!AFSCompression.!AFSCompressionTypeDataless 1.0.0d1

@!AFSCompression.!AFSCompressionTypeZlib 1.0.0

>!ABCMWLANBusInterfacePCIe 1

|!ABCM5701Ethernet 10.3.5

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@filesystems.apfs 1412.120.2

@private.KextAudit 1.0

>!AACPIButtons 6.1

>!ASMBIOS 2.1

>!AACPIEC 6.1

>!AAPIC 1.7

$!AImage4 1

@nke.applicationfirewall 303

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|EndpointSecurity 1

>IO!BHIDDriver 7.0.5f6

@kext.AMDRadeonX6000HWLibs 1.0

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>!AGraphicsControl 5.2.4

|IOAVB!F 850.1

>!ASSE 1.0

>!ASMBus!C 1.0.18d1

@kext.AMDRadeonX6000Framebuffer 3.0.9

@!AGPUWrangler 5.2.4

>!UAudio 323.1

|IOAccelerator!F2 438.5.4

|IONDRVSupport 576.1

|IO!BHost!CUARTTransport 7.0.5f6

|IO!BHost!CTransport 7.0.5f6

>!A!ILpssUARTv1 3.0.60

>!A!ILpssUARTCommon 3.0.60

>!AOnboardSerial 1.0

@kext.AMDSupport 3.0.9

@!AGraphicsDeviceControl 5.2.4

|IOGraphics!F 576.1

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>X86PlatformPlugin 1.0.0

>IOPlatformPlugin!F 6.0.0d8

@plugin.IOgPTPPlugin 840.3

@kext.triggers 1.0

>!AThunderboltPCIUpAdapter 2.5.4

>usb.cdc.ncm 5.0.0

>usb.cdc 5.0.0

>usb.networking 5.0.0

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@filesystems.hfs.encodings.kext 1

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@vecLib.kext 1.2.0

|IOSerial!F 11

>!AThunderboltPCIDownAdapter 2.5.4

>!AThunderboltDPInAdapter 6.2.6

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>!A!ILpssDmac 3.0.60

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$quarantine 4

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@kec.pthread 1

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@kec.Libm 1

 

[russell_314]

So I was playing WoW on macOS and after about five minutes got a green screen. Perhaps it's a defective card? I guess that's what I get for buying a cheap one.

The one I got

XFX RX 5700 XT Triple Dissipation 8GB GDDR6 3xDP HDMI Graphics Card RX-57XT83LD8

Introducing the new XFX Triple Dissipation 5700 XT. Built with style and dynamic cooling power in mind to yield lower temperatures and heightened performance that adapt to the intensity of the moment.

www.amazon.com

 

[tyc0746]

Have you told Parallels to use the eGPU instead of the built-in GPU?

KB Parallels: Use external graphics (eGPU) with Parallels Desktop for Mac

I have an external graphics processor (eGPU) device, such as , and I would like to use it in a Parallels virtual machine (VM).

kb.parallels.com

 

[russell_314]

Have you told Parallels to use the eGPU instead of the built-in GPU?

KB Parallels: Use external graphics (eGPU) with Parallels Desktop for Mac

I have an external graphics processor (eGPU) device, such as , and I would like to use it in a Parallels virtual machine (VM).

kb.parallels.com

I did this but I don't even think it's a Parallels or even Windows issue because I got a green screen playing a game in macOS. I sent the card back to Amazon and once that goes through I'll probably end up spending about $50 extra for a better brand of card.

 

[russell_314]

Okay it's only getting worse. I returned the XFX 5700XT and bought a Gigabyte 5700XT. All seemed well at first. I played HL2 and C&C on Windows then started playing WoW on macOS with max settings. Everything was working great and I was getting 60+ FPS on WoW running it on macOS. I was flying around just to test the graphics when after about five minutes it was like someone unplugged my computer. It just shut off, no error message or green screen. I switched the GPU off and on then hit the power button on the back of my mini. The mini started because I could hear the startup chime and fans ramping up way too much for startup but no display output. I had to connect it to the HDMI out of the mini to see anything on my screen. It's working fine directly connected to the monitor because I'm typing this on it.

So here's what I've tried.

1. Restarted the mini
2. Tried the original short TB3 cable that came with the Razer Core X
3. Reseated the graphics card twice.
4. Used a different HDMI cable (Both work when connected directly to the mini)
5. Tried all four TB3 ports for the eGPU
6. Tested the TB3/USB C ports on the back of my mini with my iPhone. They work but I don't have another TB3 device to test that.


Right now when I connect the eGPU the mini starts but the fan ramps way up and really hot air comes out the back like it's doing something significant. The monitor never comes out of standby. The fans on the card run low but never turn off like they normally do when not playing a game. The fan on the Core X comes on. I don't have a desktop PC to test out the new card but I hope the Core X didn't somehow fry it.

The new card I bought

Gigabyte Gv-R57XTGAMING OC-8GD Radeon Rx 5700 Xt Gaming OC 8G Graphics Card, PCIe 4.0, 8GB 256-Bit GDDR6, Video Card

Powered by 7nm Radeon rDNA architecture accelerated game fidelity with Radeon image sharpening and fidelity immersive gaming experience with free Sync and free Sync 2 HDR technology Wind Force 3x with alternate spinning fans and 5 direct touch copper heat pipes intuitive controls with a or us eng...

www.amazon.com

 

[SpaceGrayAlways]

2. Tried the original short TB3 cable that came with the Razer Core X

Just to be clear, the issues you were having, were they with a longer USB-C Cable? If so, that's your issue there... TB3 requires that short cable. This setup would not work without a TB3 cable (Needs to have the Lightning Bolt and a 3 on it).

Can you clarify the full setup?

 

[russell_314]

Just to be clear, the issues you were having, were they with a longer USB-C Cable? If so, that's your issue there... TB3 requires that short cable. This setup would not work without a TB3 cable (Needs to have the Lightning Bolt and a 3 on it).

Can you clarify the full setup?

That’s why I said I tried the short cable that came with the set up. Neither cable makes a difference. The long cable is an active cable and should work. It did work till it decided to shut down LOL.
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I just turned on the mini connected to the eGPU and I can hear the fan fully ramped up. I figured maybe I’ll wait a minute to see if anything changes but I don’t expect it to. I wonder why the CPU is working so hard with the GPU connected but not displaying anything on the screen. Edit: The fan ramps up when I start the mini without any display connected so perhaps this means my Mac just isn't seeing any display or GPU when I have it plugged in.
[automerge]1593395122[/automerge]
The only difference between this card and the last card I had is one of the connections is 6 pin instead of 8 pin so that's the loose part of the plug you see

 

[Meatsuit]

This may be a long shot. Try hooking a second monitor or TV directly to your Mini, Keep the eGPU hooked up however it worked last. Set the monitor plugged into the Mini set as primary. Restart everything like you running two monitors. Could be the Mini does not want to give you Login Screen through the eGPU. If that works...and you get a login screen on the new monitor and a desktop your existing monitor from eGPU. Join the club. This is how I get a Login Screen with my Mini and eGPU sometimes. It's random. It took a bunch of restarts before I figured it out. There are other options like an HDMI Headless Display Emulator and the "Cable Swap" method. But I found just hooking up a second screen (Nearby TV-monitor) worked best for me. Good Luck.

 

[russell_314]

This may be a long shot. Try hooking a second monitor or TV directly to your Mini, Keep the eGPU hooked up however it worked last. Set the monitor plugged into the Mini set as primary. Restart everything like you running two monitors. Could be the Mini does not want to give you Login Screen through the eGPU. If that works...and you get a login screen on the new monitor and a desktop your existing monitor from eGPU. Join the club. This is how I get a Login Screen with my Mini and eGPU sometimes. It's random. It took a bunch of restarts before I figured it out. There are other options like an HDMI Headless Display Emulator and the "Cable Swap" method. But I found just hooking up a second screen (Nearby TV-monitor) worked best for me. Good Luck.

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it but no luck. The TV just says "No signal" like there is no HDMI plugged in at all. My suspicion is the Razer Core X has a bad power supply that was causing the green screens on the first card and killed the new card I put in. I guess my next step is to order a power supply tester from Amazon.

 

[russell_314]

So I tried the graphics card in a friend's computer and it had no video output. So I guess the card is somehow bad. Is my luck so bad that I got two terrible cards from different brands or is the Core X somehow killing them?

 

[russell_314]

Okay just to update this topic. On July 1st I put in a ticket with Razer. It's August 21st and I'm still waiting for a replacement unit. I'm going to add a timeline just so people know what to expect when you need support from Razer.

July

1st: Put a detailed support ticked on the website saying almost everything in my OP here

4th: Received automated email with case number and saying someone will contact me

9th: Received email saying my case was forwarded to the team that handles "this type of case"

12th: Received email from team that handles "this type of case" saying they're sorry I had an issue with fan noise... Did they even read my ticket? I polity replied that was not my issue and detailed the actual issue again

15th: Received email asking for proof of purchase and my information. Okay this is a little late but okay I'll play. Sent them receipt from Amazon and all the details they asked for.

17th: Received email asking for information. Most of it was already asked for in the last email. Okay I'm a little annoyed because obviously they don't know what they're doing but I was my eGPU fixed so I reply with the info


18th: Received email saying they "would like to know more as to what happened" and asking for photos. Basically they asked a bunch of questions on how I damaged the device. Did I use excessive force putting the card in, Did I spill liquid on it. At this point I wanted to be really colorful in my reply but again I wanted them to actually fix their product. Obviously they were either trying to tire me out so I get tired of dealing with it and give up or say I might have did something to cause it to fail. I sent them what they asked for

20th: Received email we can't open the pictures you sent because we can only open JPEG... You're tech support but can't open pictures... Riiigh. Again I wanted to say something but just converted and sent them.

23rd: Received email it seems your device could be defective and may require repair. We'll have to check your warranty. Please fill out the info below... The same info I already filled out before. Again I sent it

26th: Received email it seems your warranty is within the one year. Here's a long list of terms you have to agree to if you want warranty service. Naturally I reply I agree because I don't have a choice.

28th: Received email please wait for RMA details to be sent



August

4th: Received email with return label. I send it back on the 6th and wait.

12th: Received automated email saying they have it. They've had it for a few days but they're busy so it's okay.

13th: Received email saying they have it and they'll send me a new one in three days.

14th: Received email saying they're out of stock and will let me know when they get any in.

21st: Received email saying they can send me a refurbished model. I reply yes send it... I've been waiting almost two months!

 

[russell_314]

Okay here's the final update,

On the 1st of September (Yesterday) I received a package. It was a retail box with a Razer logo on it. No email saying it would be shipped or anything just left on the porch while I wasn't home. Luckily it wasn't stolen. I'm thinking well finally they replaced it with the "Razer Core X REFB" that the guy mentioned in the email where I emailed him back saying if he means refurbished then yes I'll take it because I've been waiting almost two months.

Well today I open the box and start thinking this is a bit smaller than I remember it. I slide it open and it has a thinner 500w proprietary power supply on the side. At this point I realize they sent me the wrong model but I'm thinking 500 watts is enough power for my 5700XT and if it fits I'm just going to use it. That card barely fit. I think at some point it touched the side when I closed it. Booted it up and no video....

I figured out they sent me an older Razer Core (not Core X) that's not completely compatible with a Mac. I went to an excellent website on eGPUs (not sure if I can say the name here) and they had a outstanding step by step guide to making it work. Disabled SIP, secure boot, and then some command line entries that installed a system patch and it's working great.

I like the smaller footprint but not too excited about having to disable some of the security and modifying system files. Also this might be an issue if I ever want to update to Big Sur. I know this is a lot to read but I'm hoping to help the next person that runs into trouble with their Razer Core X


TLDR: Razer sent me a older model eGPU enclosure that works with some issues.