eGPU with Mac mini, suggestions?

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iuser1985 Author

Level 1

49 points

eGPU with Mac mini, suggestions?

Have the latest Mac mini with all updated software.

Currently with a vertically stacked 27” 4K 60hz LG monitor on bottom and a 27” Dell 1080p monitor on top. Setup is good and I don’t have any issues. But I want to get two more 4K 60hz LG monitors to run horizontally, and continue to use the 27” Dell on top for a 4 monitor setup. Clearly the Mac mini can’t run 3 4K monitors at 60hz plus a fourth HD monitor, so my understanding is an eGPU is the trick to make this happen.

I was looking at the Razor Core X with the AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100. It seemed like this was the most comparable solution per Apple and Radeon’s eGPU approved compatibility. I can see the Razor Core X for $300 and graphics card for $500 right now... $800 is a costly proposition. So I just wanted to ask the community if this was insanely overkill to another option available. I don’t know if with the Mac mini the Black Magic option is a good one, because I seemed to read that the 580 series of graphics card it uses only supports up to 40hz on a multiple 4K monitor setup like I am looking to do.

Posted on May 31, 2020 6:19 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

May 31, 2020 7:09 AM in response to iuser1985

iuser1985 wrote:

Clearly the Mac mini can’t run 3 4K monitors at 60hz plus a fourth HD monitor, so my understanding is an eGPU is the trick to make this happen.

Clearly it can, but in a Thunderbolt 3 daisy-chain configuration. You’ll need three of these https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-32UL950-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor or similar bought with a full money back guarantee, and a high credit limit/score. On the flip side, you won’t need a eGPU. Good luck.

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Answer 2

iuser1985 Author

Level 1

49 points

May 31, 2020 7:51 AM in response to hcsitas

Interesting. Only challenge is 3 of those would cost more than the eGPU option. I also already have one LG 27” 4K monitor. One option that might work is do Razor Core X with the AMD 580 and get two WQHD monitors (2560x1440) to compliment the 4K and 4th HD monitor I already have. I would run the 4th top monitor the same always but the bottom 3 I would run at 2560x1440 most of the time but if I need to do any 4K video editing just bump the middle to 4K.

For some reason, it sounded like running multiple at 60hz broke down when under load. That might be when playing graphic intensive games.

Im rambling, but most important is having the 4 monitor setup, the top monitor is just for browsers and what not and also can switch to my work PC. The bottom three I use most often and want to look nice and be capable of 60hz. I thought 4K was necessary but thinking now just having the 4K option on one minter if/when I need it and 2560x1440 most of the time in those three displays is a more cost effective way to go. Could get two more monitors for $400/each, the AMD 580 for $180, and the Razor Core X for $400. Would be about $1,400 additional. Anyone see any issues with this?

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

May 31, 2020 8:06 AM in response to iuser1985

My point, in fact the main point of Thunderbolt 3 technology is to enable daisy chining multiple monitors with minimal fuss and cabling. Everything else, as you’ve indicated above is, well, maximum fuss.

So that’s the way to view the cost difference: you’re paying more for an elegant solution designed and engineered ground-up to support multiple monitors (beyond 2). And paying less for an extra box from a third party along with all that comes with it: messy cabling, quirky working and questionable tech support.

It’s your choice. Good luck.

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eGPU with Mac mini, suggestions?

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