Will Adding An eGPU Let My Old MBP Run The macOS Mojave?

[EDLIU]

I have a 17-inch, Mid 2010, MacBook Pro that will not be supported by the macOS Mojave. I'm wondering that if I change the graphic card or add a eGPU, will my MBP be able to run the macOS Mojave or even later macOS?

Besides, what are the pros and cons of changing the graphic card or adding an eGPU?

Moreover, if I change the graphic card, which graphic cards will support my old MBP? Does my MBP support eGPU?

BTW, a 2560 X 1440, 32-inch, external display is connected to my MacBook Pro using the mDP cable. If I add an eGPU to my MBP, will it work with my external display?

Razer Core X(click link)

Thanks.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

The GPU isn't the limiting factor in running a new OS, it's the RAM/CPU and physical support for the unit. If Apple don't support it, then it won't run regardless - although there may be hackier ways to make it work.

Also an eGPU on a system that old would be seriously pointless, there isn't the bandwidth to make it worthwhile.

 

[EDLIU]

So is there any way I can make my old MacBook Pro run the macOS Mojave or even later OS?

The Razer Core X needs a Thunderbolt 3 port.

Thanks.

ps. I googled the web, and some say that, "to run the macOS Mojave, it isn't the processor, it is the graphics card".

 

[DeanPSN]

There are ways to install latest macOS on unsupported MacBooks, just have a look around.

About the eGPU, like @New_Mac_Smell said, it will be completely pointless on that 2010 MacBook.
Thunderbolt 3 ports are on the latest 2016/2017 MacBooks only and those are the only ones that can take advantage of full bandwidth, if i'm not wrong.

 

[EDLIU]

The GPU isn't the limiting factor in running a new OS, it's the RAM/CPU and physical support for the unit.

I upgraded my MacBook Pro to 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, and SSD when I purchased it. Does that let my MBP able to run the macOS Mojave?

Thanks.

 

[DeanPSN]

I upgraded my MacBook Pro to 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, and SSD when I purchased it. Does that let my MBP able to run the macOS Mojave?

Thanks.

Here is the official compatibility list from Apple, so unless your MBP is 2012 or newer, it's not officially supported, but you can look around for tutorials on how to install latest macOS on unsupported macs.

MacOS Mojave Compatibility List of Supported Macs

• MacBook Pro (mid 2012 and newer)
• MacBook Air (mid 2012 and newer)
• MacBook (early 2015 and later)
• iMac (late 2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
• Mac Pro (late 2013 or newer, or mid 2010 and mid 2012 models with Metal capable GPU)
• Mac Mini (late 2012 or newer)

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

I upgraded my MacBook Pro to 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, and SSD when I purchased it. Does that let my MBP able to run the macOS Mojave?

Thanks.

As I said there are specific criteria, it isn't Windows where it just needs specific hardware. If Apple consider a device vintage, then they will not support it. So there is no official way to download the OS onto it.

It is 8 years old however, a newer system would be significantly faster and 8 years is an easy justification to upgrade.

 

[Brian Y]

I upgraded my MacBook Pro to 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, and SSD when I purchased it. Does that let my MBP able to run the macOS Mojave?

Thanks.

It probably "can" run it - however, you'll most likely need to hack the OS to get it installed/running. It won't be easy.

As for eGPU, forget it. OS X dropped support for thunderbolt 2 eGPUs.

 

[Fishrrman]

Time to be looking for a replacement...

 

[bnumerick]

As for eGPU, forget it. OS X dropped support for thunderbolt 2 eGPUs.

It is easy to patch support back in via one of the methods on https://egpu.io though.

 

[airlied]

if I change the graphic card or add a eGPU

I dont understand whay you mean by 'change the graphic card'. You have a macbook pro right? So you won't be able to swap the graphic card.

Despite your mac doesn't have a thunderbolt 3 to support the bandwidth the eGPU requires, even if you can use a eGPU, it won't do anything to your Mojave upgradability, since Apple treats eGPU as a peripheral device, not a internal hardware.

Im using Blackmagic eGPU right now and all I can tell is even if your mac support eGPU the usage will be limited on certain apps, not OS-wide.