MacBook Pro Crashes and Shuts Down when attempting to disconnect my eGPU

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Level 3

567 points

MacBook Pro Crashes and Shuts Down when attempting to disconnect my eGPU

Hello everybody, I've been having an issue and I really can't seem to figure out the cause.

Whenever I disconnect my eGPU, the system will lock up after a couple seconds, the screen will eventually go black, fans will spin to maximum for a second and then the machine boots up again.

This issue popped out of the blue, I've never had these problems before. It's not an issue with the eGPU, it works just fine on my 2016 MBP.

System: MacBook Pro 2018 13", running 10.14.6 version 18G4032

eGPU: Gigabyte RX 580 Gaming Box

A crash log is linked below, since the it exceeds the character limit for this site.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fZ-L1aRRc2InJ4a-922hiPE_1_gYzux/view?usp=sharing

Any advice helps! Im seriously stumped here

-Geotrax

MacBook Pro 13”, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 11, 2020 8:26 PM

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Answer 1

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Geotrax Author

Level 3

567 points

May 13, 2020 11:20 AM in response to BobHarris

It's an issue with 18G4032, most likely a security update or something broke compatibility.

FIX: I know a lot of people won't like this but I just bit the bullet and updated to Catalina (10.15.4, 19E287).

eGPU works as expected again.

Hope it helps!

-Geotrax

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Answer 2

BobHarris

Level 9

53,309 points

May 12, 2020 9:04 AM in response to Geotrax

Does your eGPU include its own kernel extension drivers that you have to install?

If so, maybe they do not like you pulling the plug on them.

Otherwise, if not custom drivers, then I would say the Apple graphics drivers are not happy having the GPU pulled out from under them, especially if they had active apps using those GPUs.

NOTE: I have never worked with eGPU boxes, so I'm mostly basing my questions on general issues that have cropped with various operating systems I've worked on over the years, when the device for a driver is suddenly removed.

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Answer 3

Geotrax Author

Level 3

567 points

May 12, 2020 9:31 AM in response to BobHarris

No custom drivers were installed. My main confusion is from the fact that it has been working fine for the past two years, and only acting up just now. Nothing about my configuration has changed.

Thank you for your help!

-Geotrax

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Answer 4

BobHarris

Level 9

53,309 points

May 12, 2020 2:56 PM in response to Geotrax

Were there any recent macOS updates, or security updates?

Anytime they change the kernel, it can affect things in unexpected ways. It is possible that not a lot of Apple employees are using eGPU devices, and during testing, even those that might have an eGPU, they may not be unplugging it.

Just a guess.

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MacBook Pro Crashes and Shuts Down when attempting to disconnect my eGPU

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