M1 Macs and eGPUs: Compatibility Explained

Apple revealed its inaugural, internally designed processor intended for Mac computers today. Designated the M1, this system on a chip (SoC) utilizes an Arm-based architecture, moving away from the Intel platforms previously used. This represents a significant change, and as initial reactions to the announcement subside, further information is emerging regarding configurations for the updated MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini.

According to information obtained by TechCrunch, Apple’s initial Mac models incorporating its custom-built SoC do not offer compatibility with external GPUs (eGPUs). The precise cause of this incompatibility remains unknown; it is uncertain whether the M1 chip itself is the limiting factor, or if the issue lies elsewhere within the specifications of the three newly released Mac systems.

Many users have historically relied on these external graphics cards to substantially enhance performance in demanding applications. eGPUs enable laptops or less powerful desktop computers to achieve capabilities beyond their standard specifications. Previously, Apple’s laptops were often recognized for their strong RAM and processing capabilities, but comparatively weaker graphics performance. Furthermore, some users have discovered that a previous-generation Mac Mini, when paired with additional RAM and an eGPU, could achieve performance levels comparable to a Mac Pro at a considerably lower cost – a scenario that is not presently achievable with the newly introduced Macs.

Throughout the presentation of the M1 chip, Apple representatives consistently highlighted the capabilities of its integrated GPU, although specific technical details were not disclosed. The currently announced version of the M1 incorporates either 7 or 8 cores, and Apple asserts that it delivers double the GPU performance while consuming only 33% of the power of a comparable PC GPU. Should these claims prove accurate – pending independent benchmarking – the M1 demonstrates substantial GPU performance within a mobile chip, but it will not reach the level of a dedicated external graphics card, potentially disappointing some users.