Just finished building my eGPU and want to share with all as I learned so much from this forum.
Configuration:
- Macbook Pro 13" 2016 TB w/ bootcamp
- Akitio Thunder 3 enclosure. ($208)
- Dell DA-2 220W AC adapter ($10)
- EVGA GTX 1060 6GB SC ($268) - Fits perfectly
- DA-2 to Akitio and 6-pin connector (Sold ready on Ebay $18)
For modding the case:
- Fan grill 120mm and 4 screws (M4-.7 x 5MM Flat Head Philips at Home Depot)
The process:
Was actually simple. Connected everything, booted on Windows 10 bootcamp then it automatically installed something that recognized the card but had an error.
So I installed latest drivers, rebooted and started working. I can plug in/out and works, but I have to boot with eGPU connected. Works in the internal display as well as connected to external monitor.
The sound was not working, but if you disable and enable the logic cirrus driver, it start working. No need to reboot but I have to do it every time. You can find my workaround here. (based on @nando4 post.)
For modding the Akitio Thunder 3 case:
For the circular cut: Marked the center point with pencil to drill the initial small hole. Had the case held against a stool with a locking plier so would't move during drilling. Then after the small hole I drilled with the saw hole 110mm and used WD-40 to lubricate. After that, I sanded with 1000 grit sandpaper the borders to make it smooth. Then, drilled the holes for the screws for the fan grill.
For the cable: I used a low profile 6-pin so I could close the case. Also made small cut in the back to pass cable through so I could close the back of enclosure as well. For cutting I used a cutting plier. The excess cable I ran behind the main board, you can unscrew it and there is plenty of space for cable behind.
Turned the fan around to flow out of the hot air. The temperatures doesn't go beyond 68 degrees. Running benchmarks on ultra and retina display resolution.
Really liked the end result. I'm sharing some pics.
Wow!! Stunning handiwork there. That circular cut with home tools looks like what a CNC machine would do. Overall, looks like a factory unit. The Thunder3 chassis a great size for a a balanced portable+performance eGPU using ITX-sized video cards.
For the sound problem can use devcon to disable/enable the problematic devices during Windows startup: https://egpu.io/forums/mac-setup/tmbp-13-razer-core-gtx-1060-questions/#post-1852
eGPU Setup 1.35 • eGPU Port Bandwidth Reference Table
2015 15" Dell Precision 7510 (Q M1000M) [6th,4C,H] + GTX 1080 Ti @32Gbps-M.2 (ADT-Link R43SG) + Win10 1803 // compares M.2 vs TB3 performance inc unoptimized H-CPU BIOS [build link]
I'm thinking about ordering this up with the Zotac 1080 Mini. It looks like your card requires 400w, and the Zotac 1080 Mini requires 500w.
Would I still be good to go with the PSU used in your guide?
Awesome work!
To do: Create my signature with system and expected eGPU configuration information to give context to my posts. I have no builds.
.Thanks @nando4 for the workaround for the audio issue. I made it little different that was easier for me, will add a tutorial for people like me that need things step-by-step in order to understand.
Audio Fix
1 - Install Windows 10 WDK. (From this several gigs file you only need a 80kb file called devcon.exe located on "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Tools\x64" - After you copy the file you can uninstall WDK)
2 - Create 3 text files that will be saved as .bat
- 1st - Write as bellow and save as disable_audio.bat
- 2nd - Write as bellow and save as enable_audio.bat
- 3rd - Write as bellow and save as final.bat
3 - Copy those 4 files (devcon.exe; disable_audio.bat; enable_audio.bat; and final.bat) to the folder C:\Windows\System32
4 - There is a trick to run it as administrator without that pop-up warning.
- Search for Task Scheduler. Open it, go to Action -> Create task
- Add a name (audio_fix) and a description. Mark the box Run with highest privileges.
- Click tab Actions, then New and add "C:\Windows\System32\final.bat" in the program field.
- Click tab Conditions and unselect everything.
- Go to Task Scheduler Library, see if your new file audio_fix is in there.
5 - Go to desktop, right-click, New->Shortcut
- Type schtasks /run /TN "audio_fix" and create.
6 - Search for Run, type shell:startup and click OK.
7 - Copy the new shortcut from Desktop to this startup folder. This will ensure will open when you boot windows.
Success!!
My card require 120W of power. Look here EVGA website. In the box it says 400W and I believe it's the recommendation of PSU for your entire PC. The DA-2 provides 220W.
The Zotac 1080 Mini will need 180W of power. Look here. So you should be fine with the DA-2.
Great job 
Can you run the Unigine Heaven Benchmark with this settings:
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Later 2013) 3.2GHz Quad Core Intel i7-4750HQ / 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 / 256GB SSD + 1TB
✪ mini eGPU ● PCI Express vs. Thunderbolt ● Mac CAN game ● Gaming Laptops vs. MacBook Pro with eGPU
2012 13" MacBook Air [3rd,2C,U] + GTX 1060 @ 10Gbps-TB1 (AKiTiO Thunder2) + macOS 10.12 // external HDD Windows [build link]
Great score :)) You have a GAMING Laptop for sure now, all games to the max with FULL HD 1920x1080 60FPS for sure
For now Akitio Thunder3 feat. EVGA GTX 1060 6GB SC is the best setup, small, great looking and with great power!
For example with Akitio Thunder 2 and the same video card but on Macbook Retina 15 (mid-2012) I have the same result but on the exernal display.
On the internal display with fake display mod i need to lower the resolution to 1680x1050 to play all games to the max, but is still great.
So everyone with 2016 Macbook Pro 13 - this is the best setup - Akitio Thunder3 feat. EVGA GTX 1060 6GB SC!
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Later 2013) 3.2GHz Quad Core Intel i7-4750HQ / 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 / 256GB SSD + 1TB
✪ mini eGPU ● PCI Express vs. Thunderbolt ● Mac CAN game ● Gaming Laptops vs. MacBook Pro with eGPU
2012 13" MacBook Air [3rd,2C,U] + GTX 1060 @ 10Gbps-TB1 (AKiTiO Thunder2) + macOS 10.12 // external HDD Windows [build link]
Awesome work!
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2021 13" ASUS ROG Flow X13 (RTX3050Ti) [R5K,8C,H] + RTX 3080 @ 64Gbps-XG (XG Mobile) + Win10 20H2 [build link]
I tried your steps to to make the audio work, but when i boot with my egpu i can get audio only with hdmi cable... The audio jack p2 or the macbook speakers dosnt work...
Any solution?
Thank you!
Macbook Pro 13" 2016 (Two Thunderbolt Port)
Akitio Thunder3 (Default)
ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 1050TI 4GB
eGPU working with macOS High Sierra and Windows 10 Bootcamp.