[SOLVED] External Graphics Card

[Trinisk8er]

Hey,
I own a intel i5 macbook pro. I head rumours of external graphics cards that are useable via thunderbolt. How good of an option is this? If it is a good option can you recommend one?
Thanks

 

[cuecuemore]

There have been some demoed but none released, as far as I know.

 

[nukemaster]

They are still rather expensive(Like 900$ for a 3 slot setup[2 x8 and 1 x4].). If they can use the full X4 link, many mid/high end cards should work quite well(Assuming they have a good power supply).

This looks like it will be interesting as well
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5352/msis-gus-ii-external-gpu-via-thunderbolt

 

[Trinisk8er]

Best answer selected by Trinisk8er.

 

[EpicBlob]

You can check out the ViDock paired with a sonnet echo thunderbolt/expresscard adapter. Mine works with a 13inch 2011 macbook pro and a 2012 mac mini perfectly (gtx 660). The only problem with external graphics cards is that they currently only work in Windows 7 and Windows 8, not OS X (that goes for all external cards). You can get a fully working e-gpu for $500 including the Vidock 4, Sonnet echo pro adapter, and thunderbolt cable. And trust me, the expresscard bandwidth is still a HUGE boost in performance. I'm playing bf3, witcher 2, arma II, and any other demanding game fine and dandy

 

[Ijack]

$500 and it only works with Windows!? You could buy a fairly decent PC for that price in the first place.