Would an ARM Mac be compatible with an egpu?

[Cashmonee]

Right, but I don't think many devs write for ARM or x86 these days. That's all handled by the compiler.

I honestly do not know. This is above my pay grade! I have just heard others on various podcasts and in articles share that it would not really be a simple recompile to get an optimized app that would be on the same footing as the current x86 offering. I do think devs are optimizing their apps to the system it is on.

 

[Nermal]

I do think devs are optimizing their apps to the system it is on.

A few do, but a lot (probably the majority) just do the minimum work required to get something running. A typical desktop app doesn't need a lot of performance so there's little incentive to optimise.

 

[Jzvm]

Now that Apple officially announced that they are switching to ARM processors, this question becomes more relevant. Windows probably won’t run on ARM Macs, so eGPUs for ARM Macs would only work with Mac Apps. If Apple also includes a GPU in their SoC, the trade off to buy an eGPU for a Mac may not be worth it even if it would work.

 

[maflynn]

You need to have driveers for the GPU, and will apply supply ARM drivers for AMD GPUs?

We know the answer to the windows, in that windows won't work imo, with ARM based Macs, so that would close the door for that option as well.

This is the price you pay when you embrace proprietary technology.

 

[gnasher729]

I don't think I have ever saw ARM cpu paired with a desktop GPU.

Nor have I, but neither have I seen a Mac with an ARM CPU.

 

[The Man]

Thunderbolt support without Intel CPU comes with USB 4. Then probably eGPU might be possible, but probably only specific AMD cards. I suspect even with shift to own SoC, Apple will keep using AMD graphics for the high end Macs, unless Apple's own GPU would be something amazing. Is it possible? We'll see.

 

[bsbeamer]

An eGPU & NUC combo device dock might be the closest thing we'll see. Could see that becoming a base of sorts for an iPad-like MBP/Air device. And at that point, it's just turning an iPad into an MBP with detachable screen and expansion...

As one of the many that flocked to Apple when they finally embraced Intel chips, I see the writing on the wall that this transition will likely leave me on Catalina and dual-booting machines in the foreseeable future.

 

[Ploki]

Nor have I, but neither have I seen a Mac with an ARM CPU.

Apple approves first developers for Developer Transition Kit with A12Z Mac mini | AppleInsider

Apple on Tuesday began the approval process for its Developer Transition Kit, a Mac mini with specialized software that stands ready to usher in a new era of Macs powered by the tech giant's own custom-designed silicon.

appleinsider.com

here's one

 

[scottishwildcat]

Apple are not going to transition to ARM for laptops/desktops, its just silly conspiracy theories doing the rounds. I suppose its possible in terms of creating a lower spec cheaper affordable netbook style Mac, but for doing real work they'll never reach the performance of the Intel chips and too many concessions will have to be made. Also as someone correctly pointed out, Thunderbolt is an Intel technology which is why you dont see it on AMD machines at all.

This aged well.