CES 2012: MSI Shows Off Thunderbolt-Connected External GPU
AnandTech reports that MSI is the latest entrant into the category, showing off an early demonstration model of just such a product with its GUS II. While the external graphics card (GPU) featured in the demonstration currently works only under Windows, AnandTech suggests that Mac support should be easily achievable for those GPUs supporting the platform.
The external chassis features a Thunderbolt interface and an internal PCIe slot. Despite running on a MacBook Pro there is currently no OS X support for the solution, but it does work under Windows. Presumably if there's OS X support for the GPU inside the enclosure it would work under OS X as well.
The only limitation to the GUS II is the internal GPU has to be powered by PCIe alone (there are no aux PCIe power connectors inside the chassis).
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
It would great if Apple simply included a GPU in its Thunderbolt Display. That way, you have your portable MacBook Air be great on the road & have it be 'decent' graphics machine when you hook it up to the display.
I've been saying that for a while.
Also, that's PCIe slot powered so say goodbye to high-end GPUs (MSI claims 150W but PCIe slot is limited to 75W. That's confusing.)
It'd be easy enough for MSI to include a power cable inside the case for beefy graphics cards. Hell, you could hack your own together without much bother if you had a powerful enough PSU sitting around.
Hence the reason it would make a lot of sense to incorporate it into a display like the ATD.
Until 1-2 years later when that integrated card would be considered a dinosaur yet the display itself is still perfectly awesome. If the card can't be swapped, it's really not a good deal. Monitor lifetimes are a lot longer than video cards.
Just a crazy theory, but it could happen. Especially after optical Thunderbolt is available.
As in a Protools card or similar?
best,
SvK
Also, that's PCIe slot powered so say goodbye to high-end GPUs (MSI claims 150W but PCIe slot is limited to 75W. That's confusing.)
In the hopes that someone in Apple reads these forums to get ideas....
I would soooo buy this.
+1 :)
Although, only if you were able to change the gfxboard yourself. I have the same problem in my late 2009 iMac - the processor (2.8 i7) is still great and handles everything I need with ease, and the screen is great, but I wouldn't mind a new GPU. Screens usually lasts for a lot longer than a GPU, I don't wanna have to throw out my TB display and get a new one every 2 years or so. In my opinion, a separate box like this (that works in OS X) is a better solution.
a million dollars.
[ Read All Comments ]
Accessory maker Moshi has released a new ultra-thin plastic shell protective case for the 11" and 13" MacBook Air models. This type of plastic case tends to be especially popular among...
Blizzard Entertainment said this week that it sold more than 3.5 million copies of Diablo III on launch day, setting the record for fastest-selling PC game. The company also sold 1.2 million copies...
Hard drive maker Seagate has announced it will purchase data storage device maker LaCie for roughly $186 million.
The company plans to buy the controlling stake owned by Philippe Spruch,...
Intuit has upgraded the iOS app for its Mint personal finance tool with two new "most-requested" features that should keep users from ever having to go to the Mint.com website. Until now,...
Wired points to a recent Technology Review interview with IBM chief information officer Jeanette Horan highlighting the issues of the "bring your own device" trend in which employees choose...
