6 Best eGPU for MacBook Pro: External GPUs in 2023

ByPaularo Updated on

The best EGPU for MacBook Pro is what you need to be able to finally play games on the best settings with your all-powerful MacBook.

Using external graphics on your MacBook Pro, you can play AAA games on the best settings, your MacBook would tear through games like butter and you’ll be left asking yourself – “Am I really using a MacBook Pro to play Rise of Tomb raider (2019) on ultra-settings?.

People usually criticize MacBook Pro because of its high price and underpowered performance. When it comes to graphics, then the cost of the MacBook Pro becomes unbearable due to which most people don’t invest in it.

However, using an external graphics card (eGPU) is the best solution for it. eGPU will help you get better visual performance in your MacBook Pro device at affordable pricing. But not all the eGPU are compatible with a MacBook, so what can you do about that?

Well, you do not have to do anything because here you will identify the five best eGPU for MacBook Pro that will fulfill all your graphical needs at reasonable rates.

6 Best eGPU for MacBook Pro

1. Razer Core X Chroma: Best eGPU for Mac

The Razer Core X Chroma is the Best eGPU for MacBook Pro because it has a higher 700-watt power supply unit which is more than enough power to support any AMD and Nvidia graphics card.

You can use the Razer Core X Chroma to charge your MacBook Pro via 100W thunderbolt 3.

The Razer Core X supports higher graphics cards because it has a 700 watt PSU. You can use higher graphics cards like the AMD Radeon RX Vega 64, AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100, AMD Radeon RX 5700, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 50th Anniversary and Vega Frontier Edition Air.

Highlights:

  • 16.8M RGB Lightning customization options for you
  • Comes with 700 watt power supply unit
  • Supports more powerful AMD graphics card
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • 700 Watt Power
  • RGB Lightning customization
  • Works well on both Windows and Mac OS
  • Better performance

Cons

  • $100 more expensive than the Razer Core X

Check the Latest Price on the Razer Core X Chroma eGPU for Mac

2. AORUS RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Box (eGPU)

AORUS RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Box (eGPU) is one of the best eGPU for Macbook Pro because it already comes with the best GPU in the market today which is the RTX 2080 Ti graphics card with Ray Tracing capabilities.

Using this eGPU for your Macbook Pro is the best laptop to external graphics card combination. Who wouldn’t want to use this?

Highlights:

  • Comes with RTX 2080 Ti embedded
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • Has the best graphics card in the market
  • Future proof performance
  • Built-in power supply unit
  • Works on both Windows and Mac OS

Cons

  • Most expensive on this list

Check the Latest Price on the AORUS RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Box (eGPU)

3. Razer Core X – Well Rounded Mac eGPU

Razer Core X is a top pick as one of the Best eGPU for MacBook Pro. This product has a bulky shape, but its weight is less. It is a black metal box that perfectly supports MacBook Pro, so you are not going to face any issue on connecting.

Due to its greater size, it requires plenty of desk space. You will get a built-in power supply with it. The Thunderbolt 3 port in it will render an ultra-fast gaming experience.

Further, the maximum power that it can support is 500W. Thanks to the plug and play feature that does not demand a reboot on connecting the external graphic card with the MacBook Pro. This eGPU MacBook Pro delivers a quick connection because of the plug-and-play option.

Moreover, you will notice the greatest visual outcome at an affordable rate due to this product. The built-in fan prevents the machine from heating up.

Highlights:

  • Comes with 650 watt power supply unit
  • Compatible with graphics card requiring 500 watt power
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • Cheaper than the Razer Core X Chroma
  • Built-in power supply unit
  • Future proof performance
  • Works on both Windows and Mac OS

Cons

  • Does not support NVIDIA cards

Check the Latest Price on the Razer Core X eGPU for Mac

4. Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box (GTX 1070)

Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box is a great eGPU with a vast range of features. It comes with a WINDFORCE 3X cooling system that helps in lowering the temperature.

The heating pipes in it absorb most of the heat so that you can have a long session of gaming. These heating pipes will boost the cooling capacity of the device by up to 29%.

Also, this eGPU MacBook Pro device offers 16.8 M customizable RGB colors so that you don’t get bored by watching the same shades again and again. It includes three USB 3.0 ports so that you can connect three devices at a time with it.

This device has LED indicators that will tell you about the fan status. Moreover, this graphics card has a RAM of 8 GB, which contributes to the top visual results.

Highlights:

  • GTX 1070 GPU embedded
  • Comes with LED fans
  • Compatible with most AMD graphic cards
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • 3D active fan with LED Indicators
  • WINDFORCE 3X Cooling System
  • Heat Pipe Direct Touch

Cons

  • Costly

Check the Latest Price on the Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box​ eGPU

5. Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Puck

Sonnet eGFX Breakaway is another superior class eGPU that shows better performance on MacBook Pro. You might discover many Sonnet eGPUs that is compatible with MacBook Pro.

However, the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway will accommodate the device in boosting visual work. You will get a box with a built-in graphics card in this product. This eGPU MacBook Pro has a compact shape, so you can carry it with you with ease.

The Thunderbolt 3 port in it is used to deliver rapid transferring. Besides this, it includes three display ports and a single HDMI port as well. Thanks to the multi-display technology in Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Puck through which you can enjoy a 4k display.

It will render top-class results even if you are working at high frame rates. This eGPU MacBook Pro carries a VESA Mounting Bracket Kit using which you can fix it with your monitor that will save a lot of space on your desk.

Highlights:

  • Compatible with most AMD graphic cards
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Performance
  • VESA Mounting Bracket
  • Zero Desktop Footprint

Cons

  • Simple look

Check the Latest Price on the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Puck eGPU

6. Akitio Node Thunderbolt3 eGPU

In case you have a personal computer and MacBook Pro and want to enjoy higher gaming activity on both the machine, then the Akitio Node Thunderbolt3 eGPU must be your top choice.

The Akitio Node machine works very well for both MacBook Pro as well as computers. It has a single PCIe slot that is compatible with various cards. The PCIe slot offers power up to 75W. The four-lane PCI Express 3.0 makes you connect multiple devices.

You can remove the back panel to boost the storage for video cards. Thanks to the built-in handle on the rear side of this product that will support you to carry it effortlessly.

Like most other eGPU, this eGPU MacBook Pro product also has a thunderbolt connection. Further, at the rear end, this device has a switching button through which you can turn it ON and OFF if needed.

Highlights:

  • Comes with 650 watt power supply unit
  • Compatible with most AMD graphic cards
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • Lighting Fast Transfer Speed
  • Built-in SFX Power Supply
  • Removable Back Panel

Cons

  • Simple shape

Check the Latest Price on the Akitio Node eGPU

7. Razer Core V2

Razer always produces top-quality gaming products so that gamers can get the best exposure. AMD Radeon RX is also a premium product by Razer that will help you get a top-class visual.

It further holds a Thunderbolt 3 connection, which you are going to locate in every top-performing external graphic card. The Thunderbolt 3 connection delivers a super-fast speed that can go up to 40 Gbps.

There are four USB 3.0 ports integrated into this machine. On using this eGPU MacBook Pro product, you will recognize a hike in performance and power. The plug-and-play feature is another premium attribute of this device.

It has a separate Ethernet port through which you can connect it to the internet. The built-in RGB lights in AMD Radeon RX will add extra charm to this product. Apart from MacBook Pro, you can also use it with your personal computer and laptop.

Highlights:

  • Comes with 650 watt power supply unit
  • Compatible with most AMD graphic cards
  • Only works with Thunderbolt 3 connection

Pros

  • 500W Internal Power Supply
  • Thunderbolt 3 Connection
  • 4 USB 3.0 Ports

Cons

  • Expensive

Check the Latest Price on the Razer Core V2 eGPU

Best eGPU for Mac Build Examples

Here you’ll find real-world external graphics card builds examples that work on the Macbook Pro. These are people that have tested things out and got it working.

You’ll get the system specs and the right eGPU hardware to combine with.

All you have to do is follow in their footsteps, all images and build examples is gotten from an active eGPU community.

Remember, that all of these configurations are working on Windows through Bootcamp. They work on Windows 10 installed on Mac OS 10.14 update and above.

  • Macbook Pro 16 inch (2019) + AORUS Gaming Box with RTX 2080 Ti GPU
  • Macbook Pro 15 inch (2019) + Razer Core X Chroma with Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU
  • Macbook Pro 15 inch (2016) + Razer Core X Chroma with Sapphire Pulse 5700 XT
  • Macbook Pro 13 inch (2017) + Razer Core X with AMD Radeon RX 580 GPU

Conclusion

The Razer Core X, AORUS RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Box, and Razer Core X Chroma External GPU remain the Best eGPU for MacBook Pro that I would advise you to pick. These devices are compatible with MacBook Pro and give the top performance without any bootneck or loss of performance.

Paularo

Hi, I'm a tech guy who loves recommending the best products and services to the right people, helping them get the best.