System Specs:
- 2018 Mac mini - i5-8500B/UHD Graphics 630 iGPU/32GB RAM/256 GB SSD
- BenQ 27" 1080P Monitor x 2
- 1TB NVME M.2 External Hard Drive connected via USB C (for storing games)
- 6TB External Hard Drive connected via USB C (for backup)
Operating System:
- macOS Catalina 10.15.3
- Win10 Pro Version 1903, build 18362.356 (via Bootcamp)
eGPU Hardware:
- Razer Core X+ AMD RX 580 (8GB)
- Razer Core X supplied TB3 cable
- Display Port to HDMI Cable x 2
Installation:
I. Mac OS 10.15.3
- Connect all the cables and run in Mac OS
- Mac OS will recognize the eGPU and you have the option to disconnect the graphics card
II. Windows 10 Professional Version 1903, build 18362.356
Items to Download:
- Windows 10 Profession 1903 - https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php
- Display Driver Uninstaller - https://www.wagnardsoft.com/content/display-driver-uninstaller-ddu-v18022-released
- Graphics Drivers - https://www.bootcampdrivers.com/ (Adrenalin January 2020 edition Red Gaming Edition)
Installation Process:
1. Connected my Mac Mini to my monitor using the HDMI cable
2. Installed Windows 10 Professional 1903 using Bootcamp
3. Ran Windows in Safe mode
4. Opened Display Driver Uninstaller ("DDU") and selected these options
5. Ran DDU three times to remove any pesky driver issues.
6. Restarted the computer in normal mode
7. Removed the HDMI connection from the Mac Mini and connected the eGPU to the monitor (hot plug) so that Windows recognizes the eGPU
8. Installed the graphics card drivers from the bootcampdrivers.com. Got a warning that the drivers were installed but Windows had some issue (Error 12)
9. Important - Disabled PCIe x16 - 1901 - Otherwise Windows won't boot
10. Restarted the computer
Issues
- I had Windows 10 Professional Version 1909 installed. No matter what I tried, it would recognize the eGPU but even after following these steps it would not go into the dreaded error 12
- When I turn on the machine with the eGPU I always get a weird graphics card screen but other than that it boots normally. I am guessing this is related to the Displayport to HDMI cable issue as I have noticed this even booting in macOS.
(Update with a screenshot)
Comments
I can include benchmark if needed.
@maijo_jacob, Welcome aboard and thank you for sharing this 2018 Mac mini build. Have you tried using the modified apple_set_os v0.5 to help resolve error 12? If that doesn't work, revert back to using Windows 10 1903 V1 ISO and keep it at 18362.30 - .295.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2020 13" MacBook Pro [10th,4C,G] + RX 5700 @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Prototype eGPU Enclosure) + macOS 10.15.4 & Win10 1903 [build link]
@itsage, Thank you!!!
I wanted to try it but I am using a wireless Keyboard and Mouse and Mac Mini won't let me start in Startup Manager. The Option key does not get recognized when I start my mac. I decided instead of getting a new Keyboard and dreaded feeling of going to get a new Keyboard (COVID - 19), I will try to find a workaround with my existing setup.
@maijo_jacob, The nice thing about modified apple_set_os v0.5 is that it requires no user interaction at all. Once you set it up per the instructions, it will load up at every boot and go into Windows. You can then use either Boot Camp utility in Windows to switch to macOS or System Preferences > Startup Disk in macOS to switch to Windows.
• external graphics card builds
• best laptops for external GPU
• eGPU enclosure buyer's guide
2020 13" MacBook Pro [10th,4C,G] + RX 5700 @ 32Gbps-TB3 (Prototype eGPU Enclosure) + macOS 10.15.4 & Win10 1903 [build link]
Concerning a workaround / the visibility of the start-up option -> If you are using the Apple Magic Keyboard you can connect it with the Mac Mini via the charging cable. In this case the option key works during boot-up. Did you try this?
Success
@hans-st, I have a Logitech MX Keys and I called Apple and Logitech to see if there was a way for me to use the Option Key when booting up. Apple said you have to connect to the mac via a cable but that didn't work and Logitech couldn't find a solution.
@itsage, I tried even logging into macOS recovery mode but because of my Keyboard, I am not able to access the recovery mode (Command (⌘) and R). I tried using a terminal command to boot into recovery mode but for some reason the Startup Security Utility through this method won't let me access it using this command.
sudo nvram "recovery-boot-mode=unused"sudo reboot
Did you do a regular install process (hot plug in of the eGPU withHDMI cable to monitor, HDMI connection Mac Mini - monitor still attached - monitor switched on HDMI, let windows install all drivers, install current original Adrenalin driver, shut down, Power on, all connections still on) before you started the work-around? Because I have - except the Razer Core X, the same build. However, in my system the Mac Mini is connected via a HDMI cable to the monitor and the eGPU with a DP to mDP to the monitor. It was not a real challenge to get it running.
Cheers
Great build! Nothing has worked for me, and I have tried the RED drivers from bootcampdrivers.com, but I'll give your download a try. I'm assuming you put your thunderbolt 3 cable to your eGPU closest to the ethernet then? As I think 1901 is for the port closest to HDMI.
Core i7 8700 2018 Mac Mini 16GB RAM Razer Core X Vega 64