euqlaog

Hi all!

I just updated my instructions, and also updated my SSD and HDD (Samsung 840 Pro 256GB + ST1000LM024 1TB). The reason for previous installation problems was the secondary hard drive. Now it is completely plug and play.

Hello @goalque,

Really nice build !

I follow your instructions with my macbook pro (mid-2012 this one have a dGPU Nvidia 650M) but I'm a bit confuse, you didn't use the dy Setup 1.x ?

You didn't get some deadly Windows "Code 12" or some other pci allocation issues ?

Thanks! I cannot promise if it will work with older than late 2013 models, and I haven't seen any results yet, so maybe you could be the first one to tell My setup doesn't need any extra software. It is a standard Win8.1 boot camp installation, no error codes. You may need to format the created boot camp partition to NTFS during the installation process to enable the next button.

Interesting. What is the max resolution of your External Monitor? have you tried changing your rMBP's resolution and lower it down a bit?

Remember my MBP 13 i5, I was able to make it work on eGPU except that when I play videos it shows pixelated output. Also the resolution on my MBP doesn't fill the whole screen, but on the external it does. And this MBP is laggy.

It is 1080p. Tried almost everything, I try to play more with SwitchResX, and will tell if I find a solution.

@goalque are you using an HDMI cable? Does it work with Windows but not in OS X? Can you check if your HDMI is bi-directional, otherwise switch how you connect the cables. Try also using DVI cables.

I had this issue too last time, my screen was blank, little did I know my HDMI cable is NOT bi-directional (it has arrow on the HDMI), so I had to switch the connection orientation.

Thanks! I have a DVI-only monitor, and have tested with Apple's HDMI cable + HDMI-to-DVI-converter, and DVI alone, but no luck. I guess the reason is different resolution, quad core CPU or the Iris Pro. In Windows, external monitor works every time. Let's hope that OSX Yosemite will be eGPU friendly

I've been a lurker now for quite some time. Due to the fact I probably have the worst rMBP (Late 2012, 15" 650M) model, I've pretty much read and concluded that eGPUs are not in favor (in terms of using internal LCD, which is all I'm actually interested in).

However, another thing I'm only interested in is using OSX for gaming (I play a lack many games) and enjoy using OSX doing so, just wish/want a more powerful card. That being said, is it possible to use this same setup for a Late 2012 15" rMBP w/ 650M with internal LCD (gsxstatusswitcher/optimus/etc)? I'd rather NOT deal with windows seeing I already have to do that for a living already...

Man what I wouldn't do just to have a OSX eGPU w/ internal display. Might as well start curing cancer... ::sigh::

Welcome to the forum! My setup is only compatible with late 2013 or mid 2014 MBPr models with Iris or Iris Pro only graphics. Unfortunately I cannot say anything about late 2012 models or those that have dedicated graphics card. What I have seen here before, Optimus (internal screen support) is possible only with the models having integrated graphics.

Regarding OSX gaming, and if I could choose, I would never install Windows on my Mac, but OSX platform does not have such a large collection of the games compared to Windows and Optimus does not exist in OSX, so it is impossible to get benefit of the eGPU into the internal retina screen. GPU switching is automatic and designed by Apple, and that gfxCardStatus doesn't help in eGPU implementations. Would be a nice hack, who figures out how to switch eGPU into the internal screen.

However, entzoe has proved that Steam gaming is really possible with a Mac mini. I had chance to test those kext modifications to 13" MacBook Pro (late 2013), and it did work on the external screen, but for some reason I cannot get the same result in my mid 2014 MBPr 15" with Iris Pro. External screen stays black, but the card is recognised under system report:

I would appreciate if someone has an idea why?

THank's for the thread!

Did you try BF4 for a long run? Like a multiplayer game during 1-2hours? The performances are stable?

(I assume that my 2013 late MBP retina with IRIS (non pro) must be 100% compatible?)

Yes, and I haven't seen even a single crash due to eGPU failure yet, only a few times some freezes in the game itself but I think they are general driver issues and bugs in BF4. In 64 player Team DM, I prefer to use the retina screen at 1680 x 1050 resolution with HIGH setting (> 70FPS) and VSYNC enabled, which gives very smooth gaming experience.

Your late 2013 MBPr 13" should be fully compatible with my setup, but if you plan to play BF4, you won't get the same retina experience, because BF4 is CPU sensitive and quad core is recommended. Though most of the games should be playable when using external screen.

AKiTiO box must be disconnected when installing Boot Camp partition on MBPr. After a restart and box connected, you should able to install Nvidia drivers. If your GPU is not visible under device manager/display adapters, try uninstalling Boot Camp support software by Microsoft FixIt and then reinstall it. Confirm that you have the correct Boot Camp support software version.

Yeah it's the MacBook without dedicated graphics. And the vendor is galaxy

It worked fine with windows 8.1 with the nvidia drivers installed on a USB enclosure

Great I remember you talked about ordering Galaxy earlier and you had the 13" MBPr. Does the internal retina display work? If it is black, you could try the instructions explained in my guide to enable Optimus. Sorry, I didn't understand what you mean by USB enclosure.

Hey Everyone,

I'm using a gtx 770

molex riser

450w psu

thunder box

I installed windows 8.1 via bootcamp yet cannot seem to get it to show on my external monitor it stays completely black''

however when I used an external enclosure with windows 8.1 and nvidia driver installed on it it worked like gravy. How do I install the nvidia driver without having the card actually installed? Might there be another problem?

The eGPU should be attached to your computer, when you begin installing Nvidia drivers. Do you have MBPr without 750M dedicated graphics? The vendor of your GTX 770 is Galaxy, right?

Hey goalque,

how did you install the drivers with no card plugged in? Thanks

I updated my instructions. eGPU should be plugged in when installing Nvidia drivers.

Hello guys,

I recently found out about eGPU and it really resonates with my lifestyle and setup.

I have 4 questions - about feasibility, enclosure for eGPU, expandability and Thunderbolt booting.

1) I have rMBP 2014 (GT 750M) 16GB RAM etc. I know Iris is recommended, but I can't see myself downgrading any time soon. Will 750M cause much troubles for Win 8.1 eGPU?

2) I plan to use AkiTio but all the builds I see have wires and internals exposed. I would rather have everything in one box (hopefully with a handle haha). I am not up to date with current PC industry (last one i built was in 1999-2000) Would it be possible to get some small HTPC -type enclosure that will both provide 75Watt to GPU and house the modded AkiTio Thunder 2?

3) Is it safe to say that I would be always able to upgrade my GPU in this setup? Extra bonus to anyone who can recommended a good GPU for about $500.

4) I am booting Win 8.1 off external Thunderbolt enclosure and it works nicely. I wonder if that would have to change with eGPU? I have 2 Thunderbolt ports, so it seems I can actually use both of them - one for eGPU another for Win 8.1

Thank you very much for reading this. Excited to hear your advice.

1) Most likely you don't have Optimus internal display support:

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/6918-updated-2013-13-15-macbook-pro-thunderbolt-2-egpu-plug-play-optimus.html

This concerns Sonnet enclosures, but I guess it's the same with AKiTiO.

2) If you are looking for HTPC style enclosure, I recommend this one:

SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd.- ML07

But you have to modify it somehow, because it is designed for Mini-ITX motherboards.

3) There are some successful implementations with EVGA models, but it is very hard to say in advance what GPUs are supported in the future.

4) Yes, it should be possible to use AKiTiO as eGPU and use the second TB port for bootable HDD or SSD. AKiTiO also has two TB ports, and you can daisy-chain up to 6 devices, so your external bootable TB hard drive can be attached to AKiTiO's second TB port. This may disable the Optimus internal display (if having Iris only model).

I might what to update your guide with the following without having to create a winclone. Credit goes to you on un-installing boot camp!

Note : this guide is only for mac mini that already have windows 8.1

Thanks for sharing your benchmark results. What method did you use to install Win 8.1 on your Mac mini? Is it a standard Boot Camp installation? I tried it and also diskpart commands, but no success when installing on the secondary 500GB drive. The secondary drive might be a reason. I haven't tested installing Win8.1 on the 64GB SSD drive (OSX works well on it).

EDIT: I noticed that your internal graphics is not visible in the device manager / display adapters. I have both the Intel HD Graphics 3000 and GTX 780 listed there.

When you are doing the winclone under mac, did you have your eGPU enabled on you MBPr?

No. eGPU should be disconnected when doing a clone.

This step-by-step guide has the same components as in my MacBook Pro 15” setup. The only different part is the Mac mini.

CONFIGURATION

• Mac mini (Mid 2011) 2.3Ghz dual-core Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD / 1TB HDD
  
• AKiTiO Thunder2 PCIe Box
  
• Silverstone Strider ST45SF-G 450W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply (v. 2.0)
  
• Self made connector to power up PSU (“paperclip trick”)
  
• EVGA GeForce GTX 780 6GB SC w/ EVGA ACX Cooler
  
• Apple 2m Thunderbolt Cable
  

I followed these instructions to install SSD + HDD combination:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+Mac+Mini+Mid+2011+Dual+Hard+Drive+Kit/6634

INSTALLING WINDOWS

If you are planning to install Win8.1 on the secondary HDD/SSD, you need this:

Winclone 4 (Winclone)

I was able to install without Winclone by using diskpart commands, but the screen went black during the Boot Camp Support software's Intel HD graphics driver installation and again after every reboot. Winclone was an easy and quick solution.

1. Install a normal Win8.1 Boot Camp partition on Mac Mini's primary hard drive.

2. If you want to boot from the secondary hard drive, use Winclone to transfer the partition (I divided partitions 50/50). Otherwise you can skip this step.

Winclone Create a Boot Camp Partition

3. Boot into Windows partition all the eGPU stuff disconnected.

4. Install Boot Camp Support Software 5.1.5621 (Boot Camp Support Software 5.1.5621)

5. Shut down your Mac mini.

6. Power on the PSU and eGPU (choose one of the 3 power options described here).

7. Boot into Windows with the following display cabling:

Mac mini -> HDMI -> monitor

Mac mini -> TB -> eGPU

8. eGPU should be visible under the device manager / display adapters. If you can see only internal graphics, the Nvidia driver cannot be installed. Reboot and try again. When eGPU shows up on device manager, Install Nvidia driver 340.52.

9. After successful Nvidia driver install, shut down Mac mini, and restart.

10. After logged in, remove the HDMI plug from Mac mini to eGPU (be very careful so that not harm the GPU). You should have now this cabling:

Mac mini -> TB -> eGPU -> HDMI/DVI -> monitor

11. Disable Intel HD Graphics 3000 from the device manager/display adapters (right mouse click).

WARNING: If you do a straight reboot, you are forced to power off Mac mini from its power button, because login screen will never appear.

Always shut down the Mac mini first, and then restart with TB cable plugged in. In that way, the cable configuration described in step 10 should work every time. With a Samsung 840 Pro (256GB), Windows login screen showed up in 27 seconds via TB. OSX login screen appeared 7 seconds faster (entzoe has made a guide for OSX, which can be found here). Alt/option key cannot be used when HDMI is connected from eGPU to the monitor. If you need to select different than a default booting partition, switch HDMI back to the Mac mini's port.

PERFORMANCE

3DMark11 (graphics) 11438 (This is actually very close the graphics score 11832 @16Gbps with 15" MBPr). TB1 is not a big bottleneck here.

If it's extremely slow/halting it's could very likely be a hardware problem. I had this symptom when connecting a mSATA SSD (turned out to be broken), my system took ~10min to boot, when removed it booted normally ~1min.

It is not extremely slow after Boot Camp drivers installation and when you are logged in. I am so used to my new MacBook Pro speed so every HDD seems to be slow In booting stage, there is a delay via TB before black screen changes to login screen.

On behalf of Mac Mini owners, could you please consider making a guide for how to get an eGPU + Windows 8.1 going on this system? Our very first guide for a Mac Mini release only days ago is for OSX only: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/7598-%5Bguide%5D-akitio-thunder2-mac-mini-2012-os-x-10-9-4-evga-geforce-gtx-760-4gb.html#post104243

Ok. Installing Win8.1 on Mac mini requires patience and time, but finally I got it working by trial and error method. I will collect the steps to a guide, as far as I can remember what I did. I cannot promise that the same would work with a single HDD, but Mac mini is configurable to two hard drives:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+Mac+Mini+Mid+2011+Dual+Hard+Drive+Kit/6634

You can switch the HDMI cable on the fly between Mac mini/GTX780 HDMI ports. I have not much more to say at the moment, because have done booting to Windows only couple of times and it is slow (maybe because of the HDD), but seems to work.

My Mac mini now has a dual booting to Windows 8.1 (500GB HDD) and OSX 10.9.4 (64GB SSD) via TB cable to GTX 780 & AKiTiO. 3DMark11 graphics score 11393 very close to MacBook Pro 15" setup:

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 video card benchmark result - Intel Core i5-2415M Processor,Apple Inc. Mac-8ED6AF5B48C039E1

Its a ThinkPad W540 and a Gainward 780Ti Phantom. Maybe its a driver problem since i cant install my dGPU drivers or my eGPU shows no display.

Ok thanks, one reason could be a dGPU. It may be a vendor specific too. We have seen success with the computers that have integrated graphics only.

R9 290X was too slow for WoW (maybe driver issue, dont know), but i tried many thinks to get it working with the 780Ti and it was unstable all the time.

Sometimes it worked for about 15minutes and when i changed a zone in WoW and get a loading screen it crashed with a BSOD.

Would you tell your platform and the vendor of 780Ti?

Here's my Ultra/Extreme Benchmark. So it's really on the GPU right?

Looks so. I have a GTX 780 with 6GB, and that VRAM probably gives some extra boost. Not much behind the Heaven benchmark result of MacBook Pro 15". I cannot say anything yet about stability but so far looks good. This will go under my TV, making it a perfect gaming machine and HTPC. I am close to have Win8.1 on it, but when starting to install Boot Camp drivers the screen went black and goes now black every time I reboot to Windows. I have a self modified version (64GB SSD + the original 500GB inside connected with a Mac mini server cable).

@entzoe: i also own a mac mini 2012. can you please tell me about your setup? i also like to do an egpu-setup for it, but i don´t like the way over the expresscard-adapter. do you also have windows-drivers?

Thread here

http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/7205-us%24225-akitio-thunder2-pcie-box-21.html#post104207

is better place to discuss about this. My Mac mini just became Mac BIG, and thanks goes to entzoe.

I had my old Mac mini (Mid 2011) laying around and was going to sell it very soon, but changed my mind after this:

Those pictures tell it all, I am wordless... the same installation method doesn't work yet with the new 15" MacBook Pro.

Guys, my AkiTio arrived today. I'm still trying to work it with Mac Mini Windows 8 but still no luck (I will try again later)

However, I was able to run it against Mac OS using my Macbook Pro 13inch. Please see the screen shot. (but with issues, viewing youtube videos just shows pixels.

I will upload some updates later.

Welcome to the group of AKiTiO owners I am just a step behind you, because my GTX 780 is detected under system report on OSX 10.9.4, but the external screen stays completely black (Optimus support doesn't exist on OSX, so we cannot expect to have performance increase in internal screen). Did you make some kext modifications?

I will take a look at your suggestions, thanks! Those tests were done by using Windows default "high performance" power plan.

EDIT:

@Tech Inferno Fan: I tried your 2nd performance tip, but it gave lower score in 3dmark06 test. I try to keep these tests realistic. Retina performance was a nice surprise in gaming. In BF4 test range, there is only one player, but it is smooth in multiplayer as well. 6GB VRAM may help when more pixels to be updated. I think that there are not many games that take advantage of it.

Thanks a lot! Could you show us in more detail how you do the paperclip trick with your SFX PSU? I found this solution on the Corsair website but it looks like you do it differently and cleaner?

Is there an admin that can make sure that this solution is easier to find for new forum members?

Yep, I did my "paperclip trick" cleaner way by modifying an old 6-pin power cable that had the correct hole layout, and then just connected those ground and power on wires together with a piece of electronic tape.