DIY eGPU Macbook experiences

[Cignium]

I think you'll find that if you volunteer a generous amount of information about your eGPU implementation that then you may get a generous response back.

This error disappeared then i connected back fan and flashlight to akitio's motherboard. (Error 35)

[m1sk]

If you don't install via Bootcamp you have to install the Bootcamp Support software by yourself after the Windows installation. This is most probably the reason for all of your not working hardware issues.

So I finally succeeded installing Windows 8.1 on my other HDD, installed latest Bootcamp Support Software and I still get many driver errors which sucks(no sound, no iGPU, no dGPU).

Currently I have a SSD with MacOS and Windows 8.1 Bootcamp and a HDD with Windows 8.1 EFI + Shared Storage Space.

This took a lot of work but I still can't get my intel GPU to work in Windows no matter what method!

I think I might give up soon...

Does anybody know anything that might help?

[TheGrreatGatsby]

Alright so I ended up buying this GTX 970 along with the Dell DA-2 to power it. It should be here tomorrow, as I chose free one day delivery. Wish me luck tomorrow

[Morv]

So I finally succeeded installing Windows 8.1 on my other HDD, installed latest Bootcamp Support Software and I still get many driver errors which sucks(no sound, no iGPU, no dGPU).

Currently I have a SSD with MacOS and Windows 8.1 Bootcamp and a HDD with Windows 8.1 EFI + Shared Storage Space.

This took a lot of work but I still can't get my intel GPU to work in Windows no matter what method!

I think I might give up soon...

Does anybody know anything that might help?

Are you sure you've taken the right support software? There are different ones for your model and the 2013 models for example.

[m1sk]

Yeah I'm pretty sure I got the right one: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1720?locale=en_US

I was wondering if there was a way to get something like optimus to work with my dedicated gpu instead of an intel gpu.

Sending image data stuff from eGPU to the dGPU, Seeing as the eGPU is working in my Bootcamp Windows with an external display.

[eGPUfan]

Alright so I ended up buying this GTX 970 along with the Dell DA-2 to power it. It should be here tomorrow, as I chose free one day delivery. Wish me luck tomorrow

Oh i wish u!!! I have the same MacBook Like u and i really hope it works :PP But I am really not the PC specialist and so I am frightened to build an eGPU for my MacBook

[Morv]

Yeah I'm pretty sure I got the right one: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1720?locale=en_US

I was wondering if there was a way to get something like optimus to work with my dedicated gpu instead of an intel gpu.

Sending image data stuff from eGPU to the dGPU, Seeing as the eGPU is working in my Bootcamp Windows with an external display.

Seems like the correct one, yes.

The other thing won't work, no way. Always keep in mind that we're kind of "misusing" stuff that was developed for other things. There are no notebooks that have a dGPU and would need the feature you describe. So no drivers that would provide something like that.

Have you tried installing the drivers by yourself instead of using the setup.exe(if you used it)?

[Tech Inferno Fan]

Yeah I'm pretty sure I got the right one: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1720?locale=en_US

I was wondering if there was a way to get something like optimus to work with my dedicated gpu instead of an intel gpu.

Sending image data stuff from eGPU to the dGPU, Seeing as the eGPU is working in my Bootcamp Windows with an external display.

You can start apps on a LCD driven by the eGPU to get it to accelerate that app, then drag the window across to the dGPU attached LCD for display.

Can even be automated such that a phantom LCD is attached to the eGPU for just that purpose using the Ultramon/Chung-gun method.

Do note that you won't be able to apply this workaround for full screen apps.

[m1sk]

You can start apps on a LCD driven by the eGPU to get it to accelerate that app, then drag the window across to the dGPU attached LCD for display.

Can even be automated such that a phantom LCD is attached to the eGPU for just that purpose using the Ultramon/Chung-gun method.

Do note that you won't be able to apply this workaround for full screen apps.

This looks really neat, exactly the sort of thing I was looking for.

I'll give it a try

[Morv]

Ok, that's cool. Didn't know of that, sorry for the false information.

[m1sk]

You can start apps on a LCD driven by the eGPU to get it to accelerate that app, then drag the window across to the dGPU attached LCD for display.

Can even be automated such that a phantom LCD is attached to the eGPU for just that purpose using the Ultramon/Chung-gun method.

Do note that you won't be able to apply this workaround for full screen apps.

This is linked inside your link:

Tech Inferno Fan' tips (- mirroring) + dragging the target window to the other monitor using taskbar right-click menu ( created by ultramon installation)

additional necessary step to Tech Inferno Fan' tips

1) setting smart taskbar.

refer to : http://gsool.tistory.com/entry/ultra...49444;정

2) make an additional batch file for the X-monitor configured primary, for the using X-graphics.( for example, naming this file "default.bat" with hot-key "ctrl+alt+D")

working process

1) in the native mode, execute My Desktop of Explorer & move to other monitor("invisible").

2) switch to default mode(X-graphics & X-monitor take a role of principal display adaptor), and choose the game in the window of My Desktop folder.

(if My Desktop folder is not visible in lappy, then use the taskbar icon with right-click menu "Move to other monitor")

3)Enjoy it !!!

I got this working if I have a real external monitor: I started a benchmark and used the right click to run on my internal monitor.

My problem right now,(after I go out and get some resistors to create the dummy DVI) would be to automate this.

The quoted text seems to try to explain how to do this but I'm not really understanding this.

1) setting smart taskbar.

refer to : http://gsool.tistory.com/entry/ultra...49444;정

The link doesn't work sometimes and I think the page might be missing, not sure because it's in some odd language

What is this smart taskbar?

2) make an additional batch file for the X-monitor configured primary, for the using X-graphics.( for example, naming this file "default.bat" with hot-key "ctrl+alt+D")

Ok, what do I put in this bat file?

I guess the hotkey is to easily run it, right?

working process

1) in the native mode, execute My Desktop of Explorer & move to other monitor("invisible").

2) switch to default mode(X-graphics & X-monitor take a role of principal display adaptor), and choose the game in the window of My Desktop folder.

(if My Desktop folder is not visible in lappy, then use the taskbar icon with right-click menu "Move to other monitor")

What is native mode? Laptop monitor as primary monitor?

Is "My Desktop of Explorer" just opening the folder using Explorer?

Then that means moving that window to the other monitor?

Ok so then I enable the fake monitor as primary.

And then I need to use the taskbar to switch the game to the internal montior.

Currently I don't have this option, I guess this is that smart taskbar thing?

This looks very promising!

Thank you very much!

EDIT:

I played around with concepts here and I got it all to work.

I'm gonna try a few different monitor mangers see which one is best for me.

After that I guess I might make a guide or something.

Thanks a million!!!

[TheGrreatGatsby]

Alright guys so I got my parts, hooked them up and everything. Installed drivers, rebooted computer, disabled my dGPU and was able to use my GTX 970. However when i restarted my computer and unplugged my gpu to move it to my desk, in device manager I got an error code 35.

Edit: Nevermind, IT WORKS! I guess im the first ever to get it working on the 2015 MBPr's! Guide coming soon

[eGPUfan]

RE: http://forum.techinferno.com/implementation-guides-apple/10489-2015-15-mbp-radeon-r9-m370x-gtx970%4016gbps-tb2-akitio-thunder2-win8-1-%5Bgatsby%5D.html#post139203

Hello, friend! (Mr. Robot reference)

Graphics Card/GPU - The thing that's going to play Star Wars Battlefront on ULTRA at 60FPS

Can I use n overclocked version like this http://www.amazon.de/GIGABYTE-nVIDIA-GTX970-DDR5-Overclock/dp/B00NZT6D68/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1436609736&sr=8-3&keywords=970 or doesn't it fit in the box?

[juniordiscart]

@eGPUfan

You will be able to fit that card in the box, if you bend open the back of it, like TheGrreatGatsby did. Only a few small-form factor cards will only fit in the Akitio box without bending or cutting as listed here: http://forum.techinferno.com/enclosures-adapters/7205-us%24189-akitio-thunder2-pcie-box-16gbps-tb2.html

[eGPUfan]

ok Thank u for ur information my last problem is the 8 PIN to 2 x PCI-E 6 PIN & 1 x BARREL cable i can't find it an an europe website

Parts (for Germany):

Power Supply

GTX 970

8 PIN to 2 x PCI-E 6 PIN & 1 x BARREL (cant find)

Aktito Case

Screwdrivers(I think i have enough at home to bend the case)

[juniordiscart]

As far as I know, the 8pin to 2 x 6pin + barrel mod is only available from ebay. You either order it from there, or you make such a thing yourself by ordering the parts from, i.e., Amazon.de and soldering everything.

[Dschijn]

8 PIN to 2 x PCI-E 6 PIN & 1 x BARREL (cant find)

There is only a US shop making and selling these cables since they are "special" and custom made. If you need help I could solder some stuff for you (I am also in germany).

[eGPUfan]

If you need help I could solder some stuff for you (I am also in germany).

That would be great but I don't want to struggle somebody:grumpy:

I have a soldering iron at my own but I don't usually work with stuff like this.

So could I do it at my own or is it a very fine cable so I am not able to do it?

[Dschijn]

That would be great but I don't want to struggle somebody:grumpy:

I have a soldering iron at my own but I don't usually work with stuff like this.

So could I do it at my own or is it a very fine cable so I am not able to do it?

No struggle

The wires are easy to solder. You just need to have some shrinking tube as well and the correct cables and adapters.

[eGPUfan]

So I have 2 hurdles to overbear... to deactivate the dGPU m370x because i am not a software expert and to solder the cable because i am not so skilled xD Which cables and shrinking tube do i have to order?

[TheGrreatGatsby]

For your m370x issue, follow the software portion of my guide. It's fairly simple, and if you have any problems just message me. For your barrel issue, @Dschijn was kind enough to offer to help.

[lapidus]

So, if I have the MBP version without the dedicated card (AMD) and only with integrated (Intel Iris), there would be no problem in the installation of the eGPU? it would be easier?

[euqlaog]

So, if I have the MBP version without the dedicated card (AMD) and only with integrated (Intel Iris), there would be no problem in the installation of the eGPU? it would be easier?

Yes, the base 2015 15" Iris Pro only model works out of the box on Win8.1 Boot Camp.

[TheGrreatGatsby]

Update: So I'm enjoying my new eGPU set up very much. Never in my life have I experienced a game at max settings, but now that I have, it looks gorgeous. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that I can't use the internal screen on my Macbook. Anyone have any possible workarounds for this? I'm thinking one fix could be to make it so that the display shown on the monitor gets mirrored to the internal screen. I don't know honestly.

[crispy duck]

So i have read the 2015 macbook pro 13 won't work with an egpu set up ? is this correct as i see the 2015 15 inch model works ? i bought a new macbook 2015 for this reason.