Blackmagic eGPU
A graphics boost with Apple’s help $699.99 From Blackmagic Design, blackmagicdesign.com Features Radeon Pro 580 graphics processor, 8GB of memory, 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0 port
External graphics processors, or eGPUs, offer a lifeline to boost the graphics capabilities of Thunderbolt 3–equipped Macs beyond what’s built in. This one differs from Razer’s Core X in that it’s ready to go, rather than needing you to choose and install a card.
Blackmagic has opted for a Radeon Pro 580, a mid–range processor that costs about $300 as a removable card. Unlike the Core X, however, the card here isn’t replaceable.
Getting rid of heat generated by graphics processors is a concern for pro work, however the eGPU very effectively pulls heat out of its top, and its fan is impressively quiet at doing this. It’s barely audible, even in a near-silent environment.
There are two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the back. Whichever you connect to your Mac delivers up to 85W of power, making the eGPU suitable for a 15–inch MacBook Pro.
There are also four Type–A USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. This enables the eGPU to work like a dock: you connect just one cable to use an external display, peripherals, and power.
We compared performance with a Sapphire Pulse Radeon Pro 570 card, also equipped with 8GB of memory, installed in the Core X. In Geekbench 4’s test with Apple’s Metal graphics tech, performance between the two was very close, with Blackmagic an acceptable amount behind on 117,667 points (compared to 119,748).
Blackmagic’s eGPU is competitive on cost with the Razer Core X, but there’s a lack of upgradeability. If you could benefit from more power and you can afford the extra cost the Core X with a Vega 64 card is tempting.
the bottom line. A solid and quiet performer; can’t be upgraded so consider more powerful options.