Creativie

On 1/13/2017 at 8:52 PM, ibanez_bass said:

 

Use MaciASL in MacOS to extract, edit, and compile. Should work without issue. I was seeing the same syntax errors using iASL for Windows.

 

 

On another note, has anyone with the 13" TB noticed massive FPS drops across all games when using an EGPU? Seems that it will randomly do it after I've been playing for a while. But only sometimes. I'm also having issues with automatic allocation to large memory space. Seems if I boot with ANY USB devices connected, the iGPU will fail to even load, which results in no functional internal screen. If you open device manager, the only GPU will be the external one, like the internal isn't even detected. I'm considering using the eGPU 1.31 tool to force allocation into large memory. 

 

Comparing to my mid-2014 MBP 15" w/ dGPU, the 2016 is superior in the fact that it never fails to POST. However, I didn't really have any resource allocation issues with the 2014, so it's a tie. The best part of the 2016 is being able to use Optimus without jacking with the EFI and NVRAM for 20 minutes to disable the dGPU and enable the iGPU on the 2014.

Thanks a lot! I managed to get it work! Odd thing though, is it normal to have a non-functioning internal speakers after the eGPU setup is complete?

DSDT override didn't work for me, for the creation of dsdt.aml, i get 5 Errors

Intel ACPI Component Architecture
ASL Optimizing Compiler version 20131115-32 [Nov 15 2013]
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2013 Intel Corporation

Compiler aborting due to parser-detected syntax error(s)
dsdt_MacBookP.dsl   9971:                 Zero), \_SB.SGDI (0x01020015)), \_SB.SPMV (0x01020015, Zero), If (LOr (LEqual (Arg0, 0x03),
Error    6126 -                               syntax error, unexpected PARSEOP_IF, expecting ',' or ')' ^

dsdt_MacBookP.dsl   9972:                 LEqual (Arg0, 0x04)))
Error    6126 -                 syntax error, unexpected ')' ^

dsdt_MacBookP.dsl   9976:                     }, If (LEqual (Arg0, 0x05))
Error    6126 -  syntax error, unexpected ',' ^

dsdt_MacBookP.dsl   9981:                     }, If (LNot (OSDW ()))
Error    6126 -  syntax error, unexpected ',' ^

dsdt_MacBookP.dsl   9984:                     }))
Error    6126 -  syntax error, unexpected ')' ^

ASL Input:     dsdt_MacBookP.dsl - 9988 lines, 294991 bytes, 3554 keywords

Compilation complete. 5 Errors, 0 Warnings, 0 Remarks, 0 Optimizations

and ultimately resulting in no aml file.

15 hours ago, Casey_S said:

That's what I'm telling you how to fix. Fail to boot enough times and Windows will give you the option of rebooting in safe mode. Unless you mean safe mode fails to boot as well.

Okay! I will try that when I get home, thanks!

1 hour ago, Casey_S said:

You're going down the same path someone else did, so I'll copy paste the steps I told them to take:

 

You need to install your iGPU drivers. Boot into Windows under safe mode with networking, check your device manager, and you should see your iGPU along with your dGPU, but the iGPU will have a generic name. Look up which iGPU corresponds with your MacBook model, then find and install the drivers. Be sure to run the iGPU switch batch file and restart, and you should be good. Then disable your dGPU along with the "HD audio device" associated with it, as well as "Intel Xeon... PCIe controller (x4) - 1909". Alt + Ctrl + Shift + Power enough times during Windows loading and eventually it'll tell you it's having trouble starting and give you an option to reboot in safe mode.

 

After that, plug the eGPU in one second after launching the windows EFI, basically as soon as you see the windows 10 logo.

 

Thanks for the reply!

The issue is when booting windows after EFInd is installed and the script is loaded. Windows will just freeze at the boot logo (spinning wheel eventually freezes) and I have to force restart... 

I can't get to the steps you are describing above.  

@Casey_S Can you help me with enabling iGPU on the 2016 15" tbMBP? I installed reFInd and tried to use the script, but windows did not boot and just froze up on me at the booting logo.

On 8/3/2016 at 0:08 AM, Tech Inferno Fan said:

@Creativie, would you mind doing 3dmark11 and 3dmark13 (Firestrike) runs using an external LCD and posting links to the results? Those would allow me to add you to the appropriate spot on the leaderboard.

I've added it to my post, I hope this is the right thing

22 hours ago, Tech Inferno Fan said:

@Creativie, would you mind doing 3dmark11 and 3dmark13 (Firestrike) runs using an external LCD and posting links to the results? Those would allow me to add you to the appropriate spot on the leaderboard.

I will get it done as soon as possible! I am getting a 4K monitor so I will do the benchmark there as well.

11 hours ago, mrburns05 said:

 

2 hrs of rebooting with and without egpu and disabling NVStrSrvc and some boot logging and I finally got it to boot again... Needless to say I'm leaving the laptop on all weekend

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edit* it finally booted after plugging in the egpu right as the boot selection menu appeared, counted to 3 in my head and selected Windows

There has to be a way to make this more reliable for this model MBPr .. Where is a computer God when you need one? Somebody please provide us with some hope

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've added an alternative in the guide, have that a try for the next time you boot up. 

7 hours ago, orkus said:

Still waiting for the first working boot. I have never observed a single frame leave my 1060. is it my deep hate for Windows, that I always have to suffer?

 

If you find any hope, please share it with me...

 

What problem are you facing? Is this happening right after your installation restart?

20 hours ago, mrburns05 said:

I got the Evga 1070ftw to work on win 10 with my 2015 MBPr 13", after a couple unsuccessful boots after installing drivers it decided to work. Played bf4 at retina resolution on ultra with 8xaa at a decent 70-130 fps. Done for the night. Hopefully it will boot again tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am noticing a lower success rate in my booting method... I will look into this tomorrow and see if i can increase this

9 hours ago, orkus said:

 

Well, in the meantime the card (Zotac Geforce GTX 1060 mini) has been released. I bought it and I can say, it fits! The only problem is the 6-PIN connector on top. I haven't tried to close the box yet, but I think, it should be possible.

I wouldn't close the case if you don't have any ventilation. From what I know, I think you need to modify the case in order for the 6pin connector to fit without too much bending.

12 hours ago, spacecraft5 said:

thank you. but how can you use your egpu not dgpu? i saw many people still cannot use egpu in gaming even dgpu driver is disabled. one thing to mention, they just have other labtops like dell rather than macs

Retina Macbook Pro 13" does not have a dGPU (Only has Intel Iris 6200). I didn't tweak any to disable my Iris graphics since nVidia has an optimus support. 

8 hours ago, spacecraft5 said:

can you play games properly in windows and osx with internal monitor? cuz another monitor is too costly and retina screen is enough for me.

There is currently no pascal driver support for macOS. Under Windows 10, the games run fine on the retina display.

6 hours ago, doginpants said:

Do you bottleneck a lot in games?

I play SC2, DotA 2, Overwatch, and GTA 5. I think there is a bottleneck when playing GTA 5, but for the other 3, it is fairly good.

5 hours ago, entzoe said:

 

I just noticed that the GPU memory showing in your benchmark is 4GB? is this just the Unigine thing?

 

 

I noticed that too, I checked with GPU-Z and it has 8 GB. I think it's just the unigine thing.

15 hours ago, Lossy said:

is your 1070 working fine on OS X?

I have not tried connecting to OS X since I read that the support is not there...

Hello, I've decided to upgrade my eGPU set up with a new card GTX 1070 FE. I thought I'd share some benchmarks and my booting process with the forum to let you guys know that 2015 Macbook Pro 13" eGPU setup works!

As stated on the nVidia website, the FE GTX 1070 TDP is 150W, so I thought I'd give it a try with my previous dell DA-2. I bought the components off of eBay so setting up hardware was mainly plug & play. It was pretty simple to set up, but as many of you already know, 2015 Macbook Pro 13" is pain in the ass to get the drivers working (ie. get past the spinning wheel)

On 2016-06-30 at 1:54 AM, Lossy said:

 

interesting discovery. i just recieved my second 1080 from EVGA but it doesnt seem to work in windows. The one i got directly from Nvidia works perfectly.

Was your evga card founders edition?

Did you install the razer GPU switcher prior to connecting the eGPU via thunderbolt?

Could you maybe write a detailed steps on how you got this working? I have 2015 mbpr 13" and tried it and it does not work! (Stuck at the spinning wheel if I try your method). Also how are you connecting the GPU with every start up without restarting? It seems like the razer GPU switcher doesn't support Thunderbolt 2 connection...

edit: this is on windows 10 fully updated

Hi, I am looking to upgrade my GPU to GTX 1070 and was wondering if the Dell DA-2 will still be able to power the GTX 1070. The required power for the card is 150W and I know that the required power for GTX 970 is 145. It should theoretically be able to power it right?

41 minutes ago, jowos said:

Mine is on the way. Are you using the internal LCD with eGPU? If so, did you use the efi patch?

For some reason, I can't get the graphics card connected via HDMI to the monitor... I use an external monitor that's connected to the Macbook via display port adaptor (DVI). I didn't do efi patch as I was told it is not necessary for the 2015 models.

Hey guys, I've finally decided to get myself a eGPU set-up to have a better gaming experience for myself. My set up is an easy plug & play type of set-up, so regarding hardware I am pretty much a noob.

I've read many forum posts saying 2015 Macbook Pro 13" is giving a lot of users "spinning wheel" problem. I, myself, had this issue, but after writing down alternative procedures every time for a week, I think I have a solution for those who carry this Macbook (I've actually uninstalled and reinstalled Windows 10/8.1 so many times that now if I see the windows set-up logo, I cringe a little).

I will start off with the hardware first, but as I mentioned above, this was a plug & play; therefore, I think it would be best to read other similar guides to find an alternative. (DA-2 cables were from eBay and they are not on sale anymore)

Hardware:

AKiTiO Thunder2 PCIe Box

EVGA GTX 960 2 GB SC (ITX version)

Dell DA-2 AC Adapter

Akitio Egpu 8 Pin to 2 x PCI E 6 Pin Super Low Profile No Latch 1 x Barrel | eBay (This is not for sale anymore)

Hardware Preparation

1. Open and slide out the AKiTiO Thunder2 PCIe box and insert your desired GPU (Has to be a single fan in order to fit inside of the chassis without modification, eg) ASUS GTX 970 Mini, EVGA GTX 960, Gigabyte GTX 960/970 ITX)
2. Plug the cables into appropriate sockets(?).

3. Do not power on the eGPU or connect it to your Macbook until you have everything set up on the software side of things on Windows 10

Software Preparation

1. Install Windows 8.1/Windows 10 via Boot Camp
2. Install Boot Camp drivers

3. Update your Windows 8.1/10 to the latest version via Windows Update

4. Download the latest nVidia driver (BUT do not open the .exe) - Mine is running under 362.00. I tried 364.51 and noticed that it was being inconsistent so I pretty much threw this away.

Please read the following before you proceed with your set up.

Let's Connect (Only Applicable to 2015 13" Macbook Pro's)

1. Power on the eGPU. 

2. Boot your Macbook to Windows 8.1/10 

2. Plug the TB2 connector to the Macbook

3. Open Device Manager

4. If everything is done right, then there should be a tag under display saying "Microsoft Basic Display Adapter" - This means that the connection is established between your Macbook and the Thunder2

5. Once you check that the Macbook detects your eGPU, open up the driver .exe that you downloaded and run it as administrator. 

6. Press Agree Terms of Service, and click Custom Installation. Make sure you've checked everything and press Install.

7. Once the installation is complete, the driver wizard will ask you to restart your computer. Press "Restart now"
8. Wait until it restarts. (Always press Alt after to get into boot selection menu)

** Now this step is very tricky. For Windows 8.1 users, the computer should restart without touching any of the connection, but for windows 10, the restart might freeze at a black screen. 

        - If your computer freezes (ie. black screen, but your backlit keyboard is still lit), then force shutdown the Macbook.
        - Turn off the eGPU  and make sure it's completely off. (ie. no green light from Thunder2) Do not disconnect your TB2.

        - Wait 10-15s and power on the eGPU
        - Turn on your Macbook and go to boot selection (If you have a black screen, simply force shutdown and power off the eGPU. Then unplug the TB2 and boot into OSX. Log in then shutdown. Repeat above steps afterward)

        - You may get stuck at the spinning wheel. If this happens to you just force shutdown and make sure Windows repair isn't causing this problem. Then try again. (I got mine working after my 2nd attempt)

9. If everything works, then your Macbook should be able to detect your GPU with a proper driver. Check this under device manager.

Now, some of you may ask how they will be able to go back and forth between OS X and windows, here are the steps that I took.

Windows -> OS X

1. Click "Shutdown" (DO NOT CLICK "RESTART" - This gave me a bad result, causing me to reinstall Windows again)

2. Power off the eGPU once the Macbook is fully shutdown

3. Unplug TB2 connector once the AkiTiO box is fully powered off

4. Turn on and boot into OS X via boot selection

OS X -> Windows

1. Power on your eGPU

2. Turn on your Macbook and go to the boot selection

3. Select Windows and wait until the spinning wheel shows up.

4. As soon as it shows up, plug in the TB2 (The timing is crucial)

(** If you have a infinite spinning wheel, simply try again, but ideally this should not happen)

I hope this guide has been helpful to you. This is more of a boot-guide than a hardware set up. As I was reading the forum threads, many people were having issues with the 2015 13" Macbook pros. I hope my method will solve your issue.

Please write down below to let me know if it worked or not. I've tested this on both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 and it has worked 100% of the time (Replicated this three times each. ie. fresh installed Windows three times each)

Thanks for reading and here is a potato pic of my eGPU hardware.

New guide with GTX 1070 is here : 

-Creativie 

9 hours ago, Dschijn said:

HMDI can cause problems. Can you try another connection?

I don't have any connections other than DVI -> display port adaptor -> laptop. I also can't get the windows to boot, it's either spinning wheel.  When I hotplug the eGPU, it says "The drivers for this device are not installed" or not even detected under device manager. 2015 13" macbook here also....

4 hours ago, Dschijn said:

Just install the latest driver. Should work directly.

With an external monitor you could test if the eGPU works at all...

I have an issue connecting HDMI directly to the GPU. The set up works when i connect it to the HDMI to macbook but not when i connect it to the GPU to monitor. Am i doing something wrong?

19 hours ago, Dschijn said:

So currently you have a Dell DA-2 and an adapter cable that results in 1xbarrel plug and 2x6-Pin PCIe plugs?

If that is the case, than yes, you can use an adapter to go from 2x6-Pin to 1x8-Pin.

 

Is it the short GTX970 ASUS card? Keep in mind that this card will not allow you to close the AKiTiO case anymore!

Yeah, the card is GTX 970 Asus. I am not planning on closing the case due to ventilation issue (and I certainly don't have the tools to mod the case). Do you think GTX 970 is worth the price considering my Macbook's CPU (13" 2015 i5) will probably bottleneck? Or should I just grab GTX 960 because of this?

Hi, I have a eGPU setup with GTX 960 and I decided to upgrade the graphics card to GTX 970. I noticed that it isn't a 6-pin, but rather a 8-pin female on GTX 970. I found this cable on ebay and wondering if this would work in powering GTX 970 with 2 6-pin cables from the modified DA-2 Power supply?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/141904025866?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT