System specs (model inc screen size, CPU, iGPU, dGPU, operating system)
- MacBook Pro 2011 Mid 2011 13", i5 2.4GHz, Intel HD Graphics 3000, High Sierra 10.13.6 (17G5019)
- 8 GB RAM, 512 GB Samsung SSD 830
- 25-inch (1080p) @ 240Hz, Alienware 2518Hf
eGPU hardware (eGPU enclosure, video card, any third-party TB3 cable, any custom mods)
- Zotac AMP Box mini, Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX570 ITX, StarTech thunderbolt 2 cable + Apple TB1>TB3 adapter
- I'm not using the USB ports on the Zotac Box mini, as they have poor performance.
Hardware pictures (note: require 5+ posts for "attach files" button to appear. Or can link from say http://imgur.com )
Installation steps (what did you do to get it all going?)
To connect the Macbook to the eGPU, I used an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to 1 adapter.
The first thing I did was to disable System Integrity Protection using this guide:
https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Security/Conceptual/System_Integrity_Protection_Guide/ConfiguringSystemIntegrityProtection/ConfiguringSystemIntegrityProtection.html
The command I ran from the console:
$ csrutil disable
To enable the eGPU i used " purge-wrangler ". I just followed the instructions in this page:
https://egpu.io/forums/mac-setup/script-enable-egpu-on-tb1-2-macs-on-macos-10-13-4/
Because High Sierra has drivers out of the box for the RX 570, I just enabled the AMD drivers support for Thunderbolt 1/2 machines.
I did not selected additional AMD drivers
Benchmarks (Include a CUDA-Z or AIDA64 bandwidth pic. Optional: Valley, 3dmark, noting if it's on internal/external LCD )
I need to look for any susitable software for macOS.
I do not run Windows on this machine
Comments (eg: how has the eGPU improved your workflow or gaming)
I use this eGPU when working on my windows PC just becuase I like 240Hz refrsh rate in my monitor. Very clear and sharp image.
I wanted to see if I could do de same with my old Mac
It works.
MacBook Pro 2011 Mid 2011 13", i5 2.4GHz, Intel HD Graphics 3000, High Sierra 10.13.6 (17G5019), 8 GB RAM, 512 GB Samsung SSD 830. Monitor: 25-inch (1080p) @ 240Hz, Alienware 2518Hf. eGPU: Zotac AMP Box mini, Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX570 ITX, StarTech thunderbolt 2 cable + Apple TB1>TB3 adapter
2011 13" MacBook Pro [2nd,2C,M] + RX 470 @ 10Gbps-TB1>TB3 (Zotac AMP Box Mini) + macOS 10.13.6 [build link]