Blackmagic Releases New eGPU Firmware With Pro Display XDR Support

This thing is so overpriced. I mean yes it's also a TB3 hub and is nicely engineered but it's non-upgradeable so you're stuck with last-gen AMD graphics. The Pro should be $799 and the 580 model should be $499.

For ~$500 you can get a Sonnet chassis and 5700 that will smoke this thing AND you can swap the GPU out over time.

For ~$500 you can get a Sonnet chassis and 5700 that will smoke this thing AND you can swap the GPU out over time.

But doesn’t come with ultra-quiet performance, or daisy-chaining capabilities to LG Ultrafine displays, or the ability to be used as a hub.

You can power a 5k display, have eGPU support, charge your laptop, get 4 USB ports & 3 USB-C ports, with quiet performance all through one USB-C connection on your MacBook.

For ~$500 you can get a Sonnet chassis and 5700 that will smoke this thing AND you can swap the GPU out over time.

As far as I know only the blackmagic uses a titan-ridge controller?
You get what you pay for.

So is the scenario behind this that someone has an XDR connected to a Mac mini and needs more juice?

Just returned my Blackmagic eGPU today. In a fit of insanity and seduction by Apple's 6% cash back offer, I ordered the Blackmagic eGPU and Pro Display XDR to pair with my Mac mini. I'm not a graphics pro but dreamed of replacing my plastic-y LG 23.7" Ultrafine with Apple's 32" super high res work of art. But then reality set in and I gave up on my dream:

-Disliked the large bulk and weight of the eGPU. It dwarfs the mini itself.
-Not a fan of legacy USB A ports on the Blackmagic. If I'm building a dream set up, USB A is not part of the picture.
-Lack of built in speakers on Pro Display meant yet more bulky equipment and wires would need to sit on my desk.
-LG has extra thunderbolt port to daisy chain my Thunderbolt 3 UA Arrow audio interface. Not possible with the USB ports on the BlackMagic/XDR.
-eGPU seemed pretty seamless but would see some weird graphics glitches on start up. Not encouraging.
-I don't do intensive graphics work or gaming that would remotely justify the extra graphics output.
-And of course, the $$$$.

Returned the eGPU and cancelled my order for the XDR. Sigh. Hopefully one day Apple will release a more practical update to the classic Apple Cinema Displays.

So basically, you ordered a product you never needed in the first place?

Just returned my Blackmagic eGPU today. In a fit of insanity and seduction by Apple's 6% cash back offer, I ordered the Blackmagic eGPU and Pro Display XDR to pair with my Mac mini. I'm not a graphics pro but dreamed of replacing my plastic-y LG 23.7" Ultrafine with Apple's 32" super high res work of art. But then reality set in and I gave up on my dream:

-Disliked the large bulk and weight of the eGPU. It dwarfs the mini itself.
-Not a fan of legacy USB A ports on the Blackmagic. If I'm building a dream set up, USB A is not part of the picture.
-Lack of built in speakers on Pro Display meant yet more bulky equipment and wires would need to sit on my desk.
-LG has extra thunderbolt port to daisy chain my Thunderbolt 3 UA Arrow audio interface. Not possible with the USB ports on the BlackMagic/XDR.
-eGPU seemed pretty seamless but would see some weird graphics glitches on start up. Not encouraging.
-I don't do intensive graphics work or gaming that would remotely justify the extra graphics output.
-And of course, the $$$$.

Returned the eGPU and cancelled my order for the XDR. Sigh. Hopefully one day Apple will release a more practical update to the classic Apple Cinema Displays.