This is my first attempt with M.2 eGPU Adapter which caters to laptops without Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Thanks to NVMe M.2 Thunderbolt 3 enclosures becoming more affordable (as low as $50) we could finally build a DIY Thunderbolt 3 solution for around $100. I bought the ADT-Link R43SG based on @nando4’s recommendation. It was $50 from Aliexpress and took a couple of weeks to arrive. The PSU pairing would depend on power requirement of your graphics card. For this build with a reference RX 5700, the Dell DA-2 220W output was sufficient.
System specs:
2019 16″ MacBook Pro – i9-9880H/HD Graphics 630 iGPU & Radeon Pro 5500M dGPU/16GB RAM/1TB SSD
eGPU hardware:
ADT-Link R43SG + Wavlink UTE02 M.2-TB3 + Dell DA-2 + PowerColor RX 5700 + .5m Thunderbolt 3 cable
Hardware pictures:
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Installation steps:
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This was a surprisingly easy process. The Wavlink UTE02 NVMe M.2 to TB3 mainboard contains TI83 USB-C controller & Intel DSL6540 Thunderbolt 3 controller so it has native support in macOS. So was the Radeon RX 5700 graphics card. The unknown piece to me was the ADT-Link R43SG which hosts the graphics card and facilitates the PCIe connection from the slot through an M.2 connector then eventually to Thunderbolt 3 connector.
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The ADT-Link R43SG board has plenty of toggle switches and power connectors. If you’re unsure of the settings, leave everything as is or read usage instructions in this R43SG-TB3 discussion. First step was to connect the 8-pin plug from Dell DA-2 power brick to the corresponding power receptacle on R43SG board. The package comes with an 8-pin to dual 6 + 2-pin PCIe cable to power the graphics card. I used it to connect the RX 5700 GPU. Last step was to secure the M.2 connector to the UTE02 TB3 board. Once these tasks were done, a simple hot-plug got the eGPU going in macOS!
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In Windows this setup works the same way. Currently the modified Radeon drivers from Bootcampdrivers.com doesn’t work with the 2019 16-in MacBook Pro‘s RP 5500M dGPU just yet so the RX 5700 eGPU needs an external monitor for gaming use. There are more details in my previous build (XG Station 2 + RX 5700 XT).
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Benchmarks:
I ran Unigine and 3DMark in Boot Camp only. For macOS performance numbers, you can check my other build with the 2019 16-in MacBook Pro + RX 580/RX Vega 56/RX 5700 XT/Radeon VII eGPUs. Due to no gaming drivers for the Radeon Pro 5500M discrete graphics card, I used the stock Apple Boot Camp drivers for these tests. The RX 5700 external graphics card was running Radeon graphics drivers version 19.11.1 (from BCD).
| RP 5500M dGPU | RX 5700 eGPU |
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Comments:
I’m very glad we start seeing more affordable choices for external graphics. This entire eGPU solution was $120 ($50 for ADT-Link R43SG, $50 for Wavlink UTE02, and $20 for Dell DA-2). Better yet the M.2 eGPU adapter is way more versatile thanks to compatibility with many laptops. It also has better performance than Thunderbolt 3 interface. My next build using this ADT-Link R43SG is with the MSI Prestige 15 (6-core i7-10710U). An intriguing host I also have in mind is the 2015 15″ MacBook Pro by using a NGFF M.2 nVME adapter.
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This is cool as hell, kinda miss the old self build/hack days (not that I ever did anything more than copy a couple of easy builds from smart folks).
@Eightarmedpet Definitely more fun piecing everything together than going with a ready-to-go eGPU enclosure. Too bad the 2018 Mac mini doesn’t have an M.2 or NVMe slot. I do have plans for putting together a Mac mini tower with eGPU inside.
But this would still work with the Mac mini simply through one of the four TB3 ports, right?
EDIT: base on the comment above I now understand that the M.2 would be faster/better performance
@Sernie David Naungayan You could connect a Thunderbolt 3 device that has two Thunderbolt 3 ports to the Thunderbolt 2 Mac so that you can power the Thunderbolt 3 NVMe enclosure by connecting it to the Thunderbolt 3 device. But Thunderbolt 3 devices are expensive so you might as well get a Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure at that point. @Erik Holmstrom Yes, the Mac Mini can power a Thunderbolt 3 NVMe enclosure. It’s limited by the Thunderbolt 3 connection just like any Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure. https://egpu.io/forums/which-gear-should-i-buy/thunderbolt-3-external-drive-slot-m-2-ngff-adapter/ M.2 is faster only if it’s a PCIe 3.0 x4 connection (no Thunderbolt… Read more »
@itsage
I’d be interested to see if the same setup could be done to an old iMac 27′ Late 2015 or those that are still in Thunderbolt 2 below.
@Sernie David Naungayan It’s likely not going to work through Thunderbolt 2 interface because the UTE02 main board needs bus-power from the Thunderbolt 3 port. Using the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter would not provide bus power. If your 2015 27″ iMac has the Fusion drive, it’s actually the best Mac to use this ADT-Link R43SG M.2 eGPU adapter. You can swap the spinning drive out for SATA 2.5″ SSD, then pop the ADT-Link R43SG M.2 connector into the iMac PCIe SSD slot using a NGFF NVMe M.2 adapter. The PCIe extension cable can be routed through the rear… Read more »
@itsage
This is so sick lol – respect.
@itsage
First off, this is really cool! Second, you say this setup will work for computers without TB3, so would this in theory be able to work with a surface laptop 3 that has usb-c but no TB3? Excuse me for being such a noob lol.
@CharbarHoo GPUs connect to the computer using PCIe. A USB controller cannot do PCIe unless it’s USB4 (doesn’t exist yet) or Thunderbolt 3. You need a connection on your computer that does PCIe. Possible connections are Thunderbolt, PCIe, mPCIe, M.2, ExpressCard. Check the eGPU.io’s Buyer’s Guide.
@itsage Hello there itsage, I’m a new forum member here on egpu.io. I had discovered your post while searching around to find cheap alternatives to egpu boxes. I was wondering if you could answer something though about this setup for me. I know with other cheap solution for external gpus setups, like the exp gdc beast for example, that when everything is hooked up to a laptop, the gpu doesn’t power up until the laptop is powered on, and vice versa. So what I’m wanting to know is if this is the case when using the R43SG with a M.2… Read more »
@Andrew Keller The ADT-Link R43SG can function both ways. By default it’s set to sense power signal from the host machine and will turn on/off accordingly. You can also put the toggle switch to have it power on all the time regardless of host computer power state.
And it does so even connected to a M.2 to TB3 enclosure?
@Andrew Keller Yes it worked perfectly when connected through the M.2 Thunderbolt 3 board in this setup. Here’s the discussion on ADT-Link R43SG with additional information on the toggle switches and different settings.
@itsage
I’ll have to take a look at it then. I’ve ordered both the R43SG and a equivalent M.2 to TB3 enclosure online both for a good price, lowest I could find. If anyone is interested in the site I purchased them, PM me
@itsage
a mini case to house this egpu setup plus mac mini internals (logic board and its psu) and a custom cpu cooler for the mac mini would be the ultimate nearly customizable mac non-pro.
@ondert Definitely! When I have more time, I will take apart my Phanteks Evolv Shift X and use the components in this eGPU setup for the 2018 Mac mini. The nice thing about this case as well as many ITX cases is that the GPU connection typically goes through a PCIe riser which provides a lot of flexibility. The Mac mini will occupy motherboard + CPU cooler area. I can use the same arrangement of SFX PSU, cooling fans, GPU mount, and cable management. The Mac mini will be placed vertically for the I/Os accessible from the top. One Thunderbolt… Read more »
That would be terrific! I have a Dan A4 SFX case at home, if only I know CAD programs so I could have design some 3D parts to put all of them together in it.
Hero @itsage strikes again! Nice work!!!
You really are an inspiration to the eGPU community. While I’ve been going the other route and just going with SFF builds and Windows 10, you’re still plugging away with the eGPU’s and Macs (and other computers as well)!! I’m interested to see how your Mac mini Evolv Shift X tower comes out. While I would never need that much power coming out of a Mac, it’s a pretty cool concept.
@itsage
I’m looking to do something very similar with an ITX case. My Red Devil 5700 xt just arrived but I can’t decide on a power supply. What would you consider to be the sweet spot in terms of wattage?
Need to power my gpu and R43SG-TB3. I know the razer core holds a 700w psu but i’ve also read that too much power can have a negative effect.
@Fiesta5ever The RX 5700 XT should work fine with a 400W+ PSU. I don’t think a higher Wattage power supply would be a bad idea except for cost.
I think Corsair SF600 should be enough, if not, there is also 750w version of it.
Great post/thread 💡
@itsage
Could you elaborate on the M.2 Connector (link between the ADT and Wavlink boards)? Was this included with the ADT or a separate purchase/you already had it? If not included, a product link would be awesome. Am not very familiar with these technologies.
Edit: looking at the ADT product page, it allows for cable length selection, so I am guessing it’s a part of that.
@mac_editor Yes the cable is included. Standard is 25cm and there’s an option for 50cm. I should have taken pictures of the unboxing but was too excited to get it running. @nando4 did a great detailing post on the different uses of this ADT-Link R43SG adapter.
@itsage
Going through the Wavlink will deliver the usual TB3 performance correct? Only hooking up to a laptops m.2 slot will deliver more performance?
Also does an active 2 meter TB3 cable work with this setup?
Thanks!
@ritterbutzke Yes direct M.2 slot connection would be faster. Routing through the Thunderbolt 3 connection results in performance similar to a Thunderbolt 3 eGPU enclosure. It should work the same way regarding Thunderbolt 3 cables. As long as the Thunderbolt 3 port from the host computer provides sufficient bus power to run the UTe02 TB3 board, this setup will work. @Sernie David Naungayan The PCIe SSD slot inside Mac computers are not standard keys. Therefore you’d need an adapter to connect the M.2 to the PCIe SSD slot. This NGFF NVMe M.2 adapter is one I’d recommend. I’ve used it in… Read more »
@omardesu Here are some early steps of my Mac mini ITX tower build. I was going to use the ADT-Link R43SG M.2 eGPU adapter but I realized using the Mantiz Venus Thunderbolt 3 board and its expansion I/O daughterboard would give me even more flexibility. First of all is the nice integration of two externally mounted USB 3.0 ports. The Evolv Shift X includes a USB 3.0 cable that can go right into the expansion daughterboard. The Mantiz mainboard is smaller so it doesn’t restrict internal airflow as much. Last but not least is the option to use SATA connection for… Read more »
Thank you for such an amazing build guide. I’m wondering about one thing though, why did you go for ADT-Link pcie x16 to M.2 with Wavlink UTE02 M.2-TB3 adapter. Why didn’t you just get ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 which is a pcie x16 to thunderbolt 3 adapter? I’m thinking to buy ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 for my MacBook Pro 2017. Haven’t found any build/review with this particular adapter. Also I’m new here! just made an account so that I could comment 🙂 looking forward to being a long time member! EDIT: I think I got it after going through the ADT-Link… Read more »
@dramikei
The less fancy ADT-Link cables also work. Or buy an M.2 to PCIe x4 adapter (no cable):
https://egpu.io/forums/which-gear-should-i-buy/thunderbolt-3-external-drive-slot-m-2-ngff-adapter/
@dramikei Welcome aboard! They are essentially the same kit, combing the ADT-Link R43SG M.2 eGPU adapter with a M.2-TB3 board. I went with the Wavlink UTE02 because of its flexibility, an NVMe Thunderbolt 3 enclosure for external SSD. It was also on sale for a great price, $50.
@itsage
Oh, I got it! I went through the ADT-Link discussion page as well!
Thank you for clearing this to me 🙂
I was wondering the same thing. I have a late 2012 mac mini with Thunderbolt 1 so it cannot power the Wavlink UTE02. But If I go for the ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 which is 2 in 1, do you think it still requires T3 external power from the computer port since it already has the main PSU socket ? I was thinking about ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 and a T1 to T3 adapter to my MacMini. Nice build thanks
@damien, I’m not sure how the Thunderbolt 3 mainboard on the ADT-Link R43SG-TB3 is powered. If it depends on the downstream PD from the Thunderbolt 3 connection then we’re in the same predicament as this build. If it’s self-powered through the PSU connection then we can use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter.
If I understand well, this is a way to build our own egpu … tb3 -> nvme -> Pcie
Then how you can have better performances ? The TB3 limit the bandwidth no?
Thanx in advance
Gérard
@igerard
Thunderbolt 3 NVMe adapter is just a way to make a Thunderbolt 3 egpu.
For best performance, you need to eliminate Thunderbolt altogether and connect directly to an M.2 slot of your computer.
Yes, At the end I understand well 🙂 Nvme is in case we have direct access.
Interesting stuff! Divide by two+ the price to connect e CG to a laptop…
Thanx
This is impressive first of all..
I have some question. Can I use this setup on my ImacPro with Nvidia RTX card? 2080Ti maybe..
@itsage
Hi
Is it possible to charge mac with your egpu solution? 😀
@Sirius Stern It’s not able to charge the laptop in this build configuration. The laptop actually provides a minimal downstream power to the M.2 Thunderbolt 3 board.
I just bought the ADT Link together with a 10GB/s M.2 NVME USB 3.1 Adapter.
After some PCIe Card-try-outs I guess I can‘t make it work maybe it is because the USB 3.1 Standard can‘t transmit PCIe?
I just need 10GBit/s for example for SDI Capture Cards, do I still need to invest in a TB3 M2 Adapter?
@vorname nach, if you wish to connect a PCIe card to your 2019 MacBook it can be done using the Thunderbolt 3 port since it transmits PCIe. Correct, your NVME USB 3.1 adapter cannot be used to attach your ADT-Link R43SG since it doesn’t transmit PCie.
A JEYI LEIDIAN or Wavlink UTE02 NVME-TB3 adapter mated to your ADT-Link R43SG will allow your PCie card to be used.
Stupid me tried to save money.
Thanks for clarification @nando4 !
@itsage, Hello I am new to the whole egpu thing. I have an old macbook pro 2011 with dead dedicated gpu and i am now using the integrated hd 3000. I was wondering if i could somehow plug an egpu and use it with an external monitor. I am also looking for some cheap way to do it. Your post looks like something I am looking for. I do not want anything fancy, probably some cheap gpu so i can run fcpx like intels integrated graphics from 2017. I also have only thunderbolt 1. Do you think this is a… Read more »
@itsage, Hi, I’ve got a question to ask, the WAVLINK USB C to M.2 NVMe SSD you used in your build only supports usb3.1 gen 2 10Gbps, doesn’t external graphic cards requires thunderbolts 3? I’ve been recently planning for a egpu build, I just want to clarify wether is it ok to use a gen2 10Gbps adapter or do I HAVE to get a m2-TB3 adapter? Huge thanks to anyone who can help.
@Hanson Yu, @itsage has been clear that he is using a M.2-TB3 adapter . USB-C Gen2 cannot transmit PCIe signals needed for a eGPU. The M.2-TB3 adapter could be a WAVLINK UTE02, JEYI Leidian or Orico TCM2T3-G40 .
Do i need to reinstall Windows 10 for the ADT-Link M.2 adapter? I’m moving my NVME SSD to the TB3 enclosure and booting through the Thunderbolt 3 port of my laptop. Thanks.
@Norman P. Aquino, No need to change anything on the Win10 installation when the NVMe drive is in a Thunderbolt 3 enclosure. It’s using PCIe connection so Windows driver support should be the same. You’d only need to make change for USB drivers when you install the drive into a USB enclosure.
I’m very interested in building such a setup for my 2018 13″ MacBook Pro (Four Thunderbolt 3 ports).
I use my MBP with LG UltraFine 21.5″ display. Will the same setup as yours will work for me?
The 21.5″ UltraFine has 1x Thunderbolt 3 port for connecting the MBP, and 3x USB Type-C ports. Will the eGPU work if I’ll connect it to the Type-C ports of the UltraFine?
@Style, Thunderbolt 3 eGPU has to connect to a Thunderbolt port and works best in front of a chain. This particular ADT-Link R43SG + M.2 TB3 adapter would work with the 2018 13-in MacBook Pro. The eGPU won’t be able to power the LG UltraFine 4K 21-in display directly.
@itsage, thanks for the informative replay. It should work fine if I connect both LG UltraFine and the eGPU directly to the MBP, right? (two separate cables of course).
@Style, Both should work when connected to separate TB3 ports on the 2018 13-in MacBook Pro. You can set each app to use the eGPU [Get Info then √ Prefer External GPU].
@itsage, awesome! Thanks.
Can you please explain what are the differences between the “budget-friendly” ~$45.00 R43SG and the much
more expensive ~$180.00 R43SG-TB3?
@Style, The more expensive kit comes with the Thunderbolt 3 adapter to convert M.2 eGPU connector to TB3 connector. If you buy the ADT-Link R43SG by itself, you’d need to source a Thunderbolt 3 M.2 NVMe enclosure/adapter in order to connect to one of the 2018 13-in MacBook Pro‘s TB3 ports.
@itsage, Got it, so this is where the Wavlink UTE02 M.2-TB3 comes in pace, right?
@itsage I’ve been reading through a lot of builds and I’m interested in similar to yours here but going direct into the M2 connector on the motherboard of a 2014 MacBook Pro 15″.
I’ve seen 2 adapter cards the ADT-Link R43SG and the ADT-Link R43SL, any advice on the differences of these? or which one to get? I can’t really find the differences apart from the “SL” variety is slimmer and cheaper.
@pixxelpusher, I have only used the ADT-Link R43SG and would highly recommend it. Not only did it work well in this build but also paired great with the 2015 15-in MacBook Pro [build link]. It should work very similar to your 2014 model except the drive socket is limited at PCIe 2.0 x4.
Thanks @itsage I did also skim over your other build, but have just had a better read through it. I think I will get the R43SG in the current sales, has it held up well? any issues? I currently have a Thunderbolt 2 eGPU build, but the faster connection speed of this adapter would be nice. A couple other questions if you don’t mind, what length of cable did you get? I’m considering the 50cm one (if that doesn’t cause issues?). I did think of using a R44SF extension cable to make the installation easier, but have now read it… Read more »
@pixxelpusher, I got a trebleet after seeing reviews by maxtech on YouTube . It is a thunderbolt exposure so very fast. It works fine great speeds. https://www .amazon.com/Thunderbolt-Enclosure-Thunderbolt3-NVME-Drive/dp/B07N67P39W/
@tsakal, thanks it looks good but unfortunately I don’t have Thunderbolt 3 on the 2014 Macbook Pro. Also probably a bit too expensive for my needs
@pixxelpusher, I have the 50cm cable version. It’s been working great. As long as you don’t force a bottom cover or any mounting tabs on top of the cable, there shouldn’t be any issues. USB SSD enclosure is the most affordable solution to relocate the hard drive. There’s one Thunderbolt 2 enclosure but it’s rather expensive at $250+.
@itsage, That’s great to hear! Think I’m about to pull the trigger today. I was thinking about that and think when I do the install I might put a thin bit of foam around the cable where it touches the MacBook Pro‘s cover to keep it protected. Yes Thunderbolt 2 enclosure is out of the picture sadly. I’m trying to keep this build as cheap as possible as it’s an end of life mac for me, looking to buy a new one by the end of next year. I have been looking at more USB enclosures and think this… Read more »
@pixxelpusher, I would say to get an external SSD such as Samsung T5 500GB (around $80 during Black Friday). That way you can repurpose it for when you switch to a newer Mac.
@itsage, Have already purchased so will see how I go with it all when it all arrives, fingers crossed it all works. Thanks for the tips and I’ll be following your builds so may have more questions at a later date. I’ll try and post a build too when I get it all together. I have looked at the T5’s before but I just don’t think I’d see any performance over a 2.5″ SSD in a SATA to USB case on the 2014 MBP, the usb ports are pretty limiting and always going to bottleneck so would probably see <400mbps… Read more »
Hello again.
So I finally decided to purchase the kit for the DIY eGPU for my MBP.
I noticed that the Orico TCM2T3-G40 is cheaper then the Wavlink UTE02 .
Will it be a good idea to get the model by ORICO? Will the saving be worth it, or the WAVLINK is a better choice to go with?
Thanks!
@Style, the Orico should work. It uses Alpine Ridge and is not backward compatible with USB-C so you don’t have to worry about it trying to use the GPU as an NVMe device (I don’t know if that problem exists – I expect a Titan Ridge device that could use an NVMe with USB-C won’t do anything with a GPU and that the GPU should work when connected as Thunderbolt).