USB is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. Many Mac computers have USB-A ports (sometimes referred to as USB 3 ports), which look like this: USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 can transfer data up to 5 Gbps, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 can transfer data up to 10 Gbps. StarTech.com USB32VGAEH USB 3.0 to VGA External Video Card Adapter - 1 Port USB Hub - 1080p - External Graphics Card for Laptops - USB Video Card Series: 5 Type: USB to VGA Adapters.

The 2016 MacBook Pro has endured criticism for its lack of I/O ports, but what that it does have — or Thunderbolt 3 ports based on your configuration — has lots of potential. For example, it’s now possible to connect an external GPU (eGPU) box via Thunderbolt 3 and tap into the power offered by a full-sized graphics card. In this hands-on post, we’re going to showcase how to power the 13-inch 2016 MacBook Pro with an eGPU using. The RX 480 is modestly-priced GPU with a decent amount of power that’s good enough for 1080p gaming. The connection is made possible by means of the — an external GPU box with an embedded 400W power supply, and enough room inside for a full sized card like the RX 480. The nice folks at Akitio provided us with an early unit for testing with macOS. How to remove outlook add-in. Unlike, the Node features the newer Texas Instruments TI83 controller and is immediately recognized in macOS.

While that makes for one less hurdle to clear, there are still lots of factors to consider before taking the eGPU plunge. As you’ll see in this post, the setup takes some effort to get right, but it’s fairly simple to get working if you follow the steps correctly. If you’re a Mac gamer or video editor, then the benefits are very apparent, especially if you’re using a MacBook Pro with an integrated Intel Iris GPU like the 13-inch 2016 model. Have a look at our full hands-on video walkthrough for our step-by-step guide through the setup process.

What you’ll need • or other eGPU box • or other compatible graphics card • • External Display (at this point GPU acceleration only works via an external display, so you will need a separate display to make this work) • USB-C adapter (,, or something similar) • automate-eGPU.sh from Video walkthrough for more videos The Akitio Node hardware As mentioned, the Akitio Node is an GPU Box that allows you to run a full-sized graphics card externally with your Thunderbolt 3-equipped MacBook Pro. The unit ships standalone, so you’ll need to provide your own GPU. The Node, which is all black, is fairly large at about 17-inches long (including rear handle), 5.75-inches wide, and about 9-inches tall (including feet). The build of the Node feels very much like a PC case, and that’s essentially what it is, a small PC case specifically designed to work as an eGPU solution. The case is large enough to house a full-sized dual-width GPU, features a single x16 PCIe slot, and contains a 400W SFX power supply built into the case. Best internet security for mac. Although you’ll find a beefy power supply inside, the Node doesn’t provide power back to your MacBook.

Hence, you’ll still need to connect a power source to your computer if using it for a long session. The case includes two PCIe 6+2pin connectors for supplying power to the GPU, and features a fan in the front of the unit to help circulate air throughout the case. The rear of the unit is where you’ll find the single I/O connection for the case — a Thunderbolt 3 port — which means you’ll be able to connect directly to your MacBook Pro, but you won’t be able to include the unit as a part of a daisy chain. Outside of the Thunderbolt 3 port, you’ll find a power switch, power connector port, and a removable PCIe slot cover. The Node features a cover that slides on to the unit a little awkwardly, but it does a good job of protecting the internals and providing airflow to the internals. Both the front and rear of the Node feature perforated panels to allow plenty of cool air to work its way throughout the case. With a graphics card inside, the Node is pretty heavy, almost like a small PC case.

The unit’s handle is obviously there for convenience, but it’s probably not something you’d want to travel around with often. I see the Node as more of a stationary solution that will sit on top of your desk, or even under your desk — or maybe even on the entertainment center for using it as a gaming solution on the big screen. Picking the right graphics card While the Node itself is an instrumental piece of equipment for utilizing an eGPU solution, the actual graphics card that you choose is perhaps an even more important decision. A lot will depend on how you plan on using the Node. And since the unit features no I/O ports outside of the sole Thunderbolt 3 connection, you’ll want to make sure that your graphics card features all of the necessary ports that you require. But even more important is the issue of compatibility.