MacBook Pro expansion Graphics

[Lee8492]

Hey, first post here, so bear with me. I have a MBP, 2010-11, 13 inch. Dual booting with windows, and have installed 8gb of RAM. Now I'm trying to play some heavyweights in gaming on it, and from my Windows experience index, it seems the bottle neck is my Integrated Graphics unit (Intel HD 3000). I'd like to change that, and get a DECENTLY PRICED GPU externally (or internally if I could, but don't think I can.) I've been reasurching my options , and I'd like to know what you think I have for options. My dream GPU would be the Nividia GTX 970, but it is about my max for prices. What can I do to either improve FPS from my IGPU, or go through with this plan?

 

[COLGeek]

Not going to happen. Sorry.

You can't add an internal GPU [strike]and there are no ports to allow an external GPU on the Macbook Pro[/strike].

Edit: An eGPU is a possibility via the Thunderbolt port.

 

[Lee8492]

Now hold on a minute. What about the Thunderbolt 2 and FireWire 800 ports?

 

[COLGeek]

I didn't see those ports on the 2010 or 2011 MBP 13 inch specs. What specific model do you have?

Thunderbolt may be fast enough, but not the Firewire.

You should read this link:

http/www.anandtech.com/show/7987/running-an-nvidia-gtx-780-ti-over-thunderbolt-2

For the expense and hassle, you might be better off purchasing a gaming laptop.

 

[COLGeek]

Is this your system?

http/support.apple.com/kb/sp619

 

[Lee8492]

Yup, that's it.

 

[COLGeek]

You might be able to build an eGPU like the one in the Anandtech link I sent you. Using in Windows should be straight forward (where I assume you are playing most games), but getting to work in OSX is likely not to work well (if at all).

How much are you willing to spend on this effort?

 

[COLGeek]

See this eGPU via eBay:

http/www.ebay.com/itm/egpu-system-for-macbook-mac-mini-thunderbolt-or-laptop-expresscard-/301511880176?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4633822df0

Note the link on the eBay listing: http/odd-one-out.serek.eu/2014/02/external-graphics-card-experiment-rmbp.html

 

[Lee8492]

A few hundred, 600 or so max. That link is a good example. Imm not the most technically experienced, but I'm willing to give it a try.

 

[COLGeek]

Not to discourage you, but....

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815552007

Then you need the GPU.

 

[Lee8492]

Yup, I kind of thought that. I think I can find it cheaper somewhere other than factory. Clearly the eBay guy did, as he has the whole assembly there for 500, plug and play. He must have made it for less, or would be losing money by selling it.
(Cat included)

 

[COLGeek]

It is also used tech (so it is cheaper and carries no warranty) and the buyer assumes all risk for it.

 

[Lee8492]

Does any rig come with a warrenty?
Also, if I were to say screw it and buy a new "gaming" laptop, what would it run me?

 

[Woody1999]

Does any rig come with a warrenty?
Also, if I were to say screw it and buy a new "gaming" laptop, what would it run me?

You're not going to get a good gaming laptop for the price you're willing to spend on an eGPU. Personally I would just build a good desktop and then use the MacBook Pro for light gaming when you're out and about.

What's your budget? Around £500?

Here ya go: http/uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/vfBhZL

That'll get you better performance than any gaming laptop.

Woody

 

[Lee8492]

I don't think I can find the room for a desktop. However, if I need a new laptop (which I will in the next 2 years) I'll have a 2,000$ budget, meaning I can get an Acer ROG series, and still be kind of portable.

 

[Lee8492]

That desktop would work if I could get room for it, however.