Hardware Hacking: "MacBook Pro Thunderbolt 2 Sonnet III-D GTX 780 Ti

Link for Youtube http://youtu.be/G0M05rJkTQY

Link with details:  http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/6689-%5Bguide%5D-2013-15-macbook-pro-gtx780ti%4020gbps-tb2-sonnet-echo-express-iii-d-win8.html

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

Very Interesting!

Something I have been interested in since Thunderbolt came out, though I don't think it is going to be practical enough for me.

I've decided for my needs & wants the new (2014) 14" Razer Blade laptop makes lot more sense http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-systems/razer-blade/ & http://www.anandtech.com/show/7858/razer-announces-the-new-razer-blade-14-qhd-with-gtx-870m what I am saving up to get as replacement for my Windows 7 laptop.

Still think external GPU, specially combined with docking station or high res monitor & docking connector (something like Apple's Thunderbolt display, but with 4K, and external GPU(s) to game on it) makes a lot of sense.

Problem is most people just want cheap netbook or a tablet.

Plus, since many (most?) gamers either make their own machines or have friends build them a gaming rig, I doubt the companies that could reasonably make dock with external GPU would ever be able to make profit.

TT

Hardware Hacking: GTX 570 eGPU on a 2013 11" Macbook Air

From Larry Gadea https://twitter.com/lg/status/362750011655733248

Approx $250 in hardware (not counting Graphics card) instructions at http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/4271-2013-11-macbook-air-win7-sonnet-echo-expresscard-pe4l-internal-lcd-%24250.html#post59391

I really like this idea, been waiting for Thunderbolt to provide external graphics card solution, makes a lot of sense to me, specially if you can fit external hardware in a convenient to transport case.

For those still in school, it might be hard to see the point, but if you have to travel for work, or fit a LAN party in around work schedule, being able to plug external GPU into a laptop or x86 Tablet (something like a Surface Pro/Razer Edge Pro) could make a significant difference to your gaming time.

It certainly isn't for everyone though.