I've got a Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pro and an LG UltraFine 5K display. I want to get an eGPU for it, but it seems like all of the outputs on the compatible video cards are all DisplayPort or HDMI... what's the best video card to use as an eGPU that has a Thunderbolt 3 output to hook up to my LG?
MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.2)
You are correct. A display needs to be connected to the eGPU with the eGPU display set as primary in system preferences to take advantage of eGPU acceleration in MacOS. Unfortunately, you'll need to purchase a display that can connect to the eGPU, as I posted, the LG Thunderbolt Display (or any thunderbolt display) will not. Theoretically, apps could allow a user to switch compute from the dGPU to the eGPU without the need for an additional screen and or use multiple GPU's for processing. However, I'm not aware of any current apps that do that. At time of posting, even Apple's FCPX seems to only utilize the active/primary GPU in my tests.
You are correct. A display needs to be connected to the eGPU with the eGPU display set as primary in system preferences to take advantage of eGPU acceleration in MacOS. Unfortunately, you'll need to purchase a display that can connect to the eGPU, as I posted, the LG Thunderbolt Display (or any thunderbolt display) will not. Theoretically, apps could allow a user to switch compute from the dGPU to the eGPU without the need for an additional screen and or use multiple GPU's for processing. However, I'm not aware of any current apps that do that. At time of posting, even Apple's FCPX seems to only utilize the active/primary GPU in my tests.
Hi
Just found this thread.
I bought the Moshi cable Moshi USB-C to DisplayPort Cable - Apple (UK) as it clearly does say on the box - “Or connect Displayport output to USB-C Thunderbolt 3 monitor”
But alas it does not work.
This is all a bit of a minefield if you ask me. Returning the eGPU and Ghx card tomorrow ☹☹☹
Unfortunately, there is no current way to connect a LG UltraFine (or any thunderbolt monitor for that matter) to a eGPU. You will have to connect the LG UltraFine 5k and eGPU both directly to your MacBook Pro and hope whatever application you're using is able to utilize the eGPU/multiple GPUs.
The eGPU doesn't need to be the device driving the monitor directly? Perhaps I'm assuming incorrectly... I thought that in order to gain the benefit from an eGPU the monitor had to be driven by the eGPU directly. Correct me if I'm incorrect.
Is it possible we may see hardware in the future that makes this possible? Perhaps an egpu enclosure with 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports? Or does the fact that the display sends a power charge back to the mbp rule out that possibility? I see the Akito Node Pro supports 2 TB3 ports, but it seems like they use the same data conduit, and so transfer rates are compromised between the two.
The only thing I can suggest is buying a cheaper display for use with the eGPU. I don't see any GPUs coming with TB3 output anytime soon. HDMI and DP 1.4 are the current standards on all of the high end cards. It's a shame since the LG is a really nice display but this is how things are when you're an early adopter. These LGs very also designed specifically to be used with Apple's new TB3 MacBooks and other TB3 notebooks.
Best eGPU Video Card for LG UltraFine 5K
