Top products from r/macgaming

For Dota you really should be set with just what's in your macbook. I know you can definitely run all of the borderlands games on that hardware as well, but an eGPU will certainly let you max it out and get higher performance. I am currently running a 980 off of my MacBook Air and it's delightful.

At this stage of eGPUs with macs there are a couple things to keep in mind. First, there is no out-of-the-box solution yet that isn't a ripoff. Most will require a little bit of tinkering, especially the cheaper solutions. This is not at all to discourage you, as there are a lot of great guides and some great communities, but just as a warning. Secondly, you won't be able to get the performance you're looking for on the internal display, you'll need to run it through an external monitor.

For your $300-400 budget, I would advise you to get the AKiTiO Thunder2 Thunderbolt to PCIe expansion chassis. It's $189 and is probably exactly what you need. It requires a very small modification to be able to power a desktop GPU, and if you get a card that has low enough power consumption you can run it all through a special Dell power brick (DA-2)with very minimal modification. The whole solution is actually relatively portable if you chose this option. So that puts you at ~$200-250 for the setup, then all you need is a graphics card.

I am quite partial to Nvidia, but they can run slightly more expensive, but they have other bonuses. Nevertheless, do your own research on what kind of card you want, from what you said anything from the 7xx and 9xx series would work for you, but honestly so could a couple 6xx series cards. As I said I'm not too knowledgeable on AMD so do some research when picking out your card on both fronts, just make sure it's power consumption will work with the set-up.

I am a huge eGPU advocate and if anything wasn't clear feel free to PM me or whatever and I'm more than happy to discuss it. If you're not keen on that, TechInferno has what is arguably the best eGPU community and knowledge/support base around. Definitely check them out regardless as they have a ton of guides and people probably in your same situation that will give you an idea of what you're looking at time/money/difficulty wise.

Cheers!

Edit - added links

This is absolutely the best way I've found to play most Indie Games like Shovel Knight, Super Meat Boy, VVVVV, etc. I also use this method when emulating NES/Gameboy/SNES/GBA/etc.

I love it. I have 8 SNES controllers stored in zip-lock bags so I'll always have a good gamepad.

This is the best SNES->USB Adapter I've ever used. I tried a couple, and have used one for Wii as well. Every other one I tried but this one had problems. Most only recognized 2 or 3 button presses at a time, and one in particular (the one for wii) seemed to not only have terrible lag, but seemed to miss button presses all the time. It felt like it was maybe only checking for inputs maybe 30 times a second, and if you pushed the button in between when it was "checking" for button presses, it missed it.

This adapter is the Mayflash brand SNES -> USB adapter, and has 2 inputs in one device, so it is perfect even for local multiplayer gaming. I bought mine on Amazon.com for @ $8.00 US, and they seem to sell for @ $12.00 US now. It would honestly be worth $30 or $40 US.

It can be purchased from here.

I use a mac. I dual boot into windows for a few games, but due to the wonderful market GOG and the Humble Bundle have cultivated, most indie games come out for mac. So, I spend 90% of my time in OSX, and do almost 100% of my gaming in OSX as well. (Until the Oculus Rift comes out, anyway ;-p )

If you, too, use a Mac for most of your gaming, then let me introduce you to the greatest thing for setting up awesome, fluid, game controls OSX has to offer. Controller Mate.

Controller Mate allows you to map any USB Device/Keyboard/Midi Device, etc. to any function, in any program, based on any condition. If the function isn't built in, then you can build it using timers, input counters, axis measurements, etc.

For this application I simply remap each input to the corresponding keyboard key, such as up, down, left, and right arrows as well as the A,B,X,Y,L, and R buttons. I map Start to Enter, and Select to Tab.This makes most games show me the correct buttons instead of generic USB terms such as "button 1" or "button 2."

These mappings are also set to only apply when a particular list of programs is running. This allows me to have multiple keyboard mappings for multiple games, and never have to manually switch between them.

I cannot recommend this program enough. It is a must for any mac gamer, and blows any other keyboard remapping programs out of the water.

It is available fromOrdered Bytes' Website for @ $25.00 US. I got my copy on sale a few years ago for $15.00 US, but it is honestly worth double what they charge for it. I have it controlling not only my games but a bunch of software on my system. It is indispensable.

I used to have a Saitek X52 Pro, but I didn't get to use it very much because it broke. I was thus unimpressed with the build quality of this stick, especially given its price. (Also, good luck using that MFD under OS X.)

More recently I wanted to play Freespace 2 on OS X, so I got a Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X. It has fewer buttons and lights than the X52 Pro, but it's good enough for me, and it's a third of the price of another X52 Pro. I'd say it has better build quality than the X52 Pro as well. This stick/throttle works just fine with FS2Open on OS X 10.8.

You may also want some pedals. I've been dealing with the stick's twist axis for rudder so far.

Of course, if you want to get real serious, like $500-$600 serious, you could get a Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog.

https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Chroma-Aluminum-External-Enclosure/dp/B07Q78VMPW

And

https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Backplate-Special-Graphic-11265-21-20G/dp/B07RW5L77M

Is what I have for mine. I’ve got the same com as you but with 16GB RAM. I can play the Tomb Raider games.

For the graphics card, there’s an RX590 now so might wanna look into that.


https://www.gamingscan.com/gpu-hierarchy/

r/eGPU

However there are smaller chassis available too.

https://www.amazon.com/Sonnet-eGFX-Breakaway-650W-GPU-650W-TB3/dp/B079RMJDN4

This one appears to be smaller overall vs the Core X.

https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Gaming-Graphic-Card-GV-RX580IXEB-8GD/dp/B07CCK527Y

This one is super small. Very portable but my friend, and others, have been experiencing technical issues with the hardware. Also hard to upgrade as you have to look for mini cards.

Contrary to what other have recommended, I wouldn’t recommend the Blackmagic ones you see on the Apple Store website as you can’t change the cards in those.

Yeah, 128 is tight. I already wish I had opted for the 256Gb drive in my Air. It's also 128Gb, though I do have a tiny Windows 7 partition there too. I think it's 40 or 38Gb.

That's enough for two or three big game installs, which is about right for me when traveling. I replace them with whatever I feel like playing for the next couple weeks, etc.

I keep movies and music on a teeny key-drive, though, which helps save space, and is accessible from either bootup. This one, if you care: 32Gb USB drive

You'd be able to game very well and with an upgradeable GPU solution if you paired your Mac with an external GPU. It'd be about $299 for the enclosure and then I'd get a 1050 Ti on sale here for $169. Your i7 quad will handle modern games very well, you have a lot of decent-speed RAM, and the best factor: your computer isn't going to be a massive ugly box or tower. You'll have the small form factor holy grail.

In short: you already have some great hardware, give it the eGPU to make it a great and highly portable gaming solution. About as portable as my DAN Case A4-SFX build.

Edit: I wanna openly disagree with people arguing to just buy a PC and those upvoting them. What is the point of this sub if this happens?

I've managed to get an Xbox360 wireless controller working with one of these (since the wireless XBox controllers use a proprietary radio signal, not bluetooth) and this, but each time it's a crapshoot whether or not it'll work, so I would not necessarily recommend.

I have also had the opportunity to use a wireless PS3 controller, and it worked flawlessly right away. I didn't use it for very long (I borrowed it for testing purposes from a friend), so I don't have a lot of experience... but it seems like a better bet.

I use the Razer Naga 2014. The mechanical side buttons feel really nice to use. Razer's "Synapse" software works decently well with Mac, as you can bind any button to a multitude of functions. The only issue I've run into is that the OS-level mouse tracking seems to reset to 0 on reboot. Not a huge issue. I would definitely purchase this mouse again if mine were to ever go up (had it for about 11 months now with no issues.)

The Logitech G600 has decent reviews, although I didn't go with it because a) the side buttons are squishy, and b) the software only works in Windows, so if you want to rebind keys to something else, you're out of luck.

A cheaper option is the Redragon Perdition, which is a newer "MMO mouse." I couldn't verify, but I don't believe this one has any Mac software either. However, the buttons are still just numeric keys, so if you don't need anything crazy, it should be fine. You can also store the button profiles on the device, so if you have a Windows install, you can apply it there then use it in OS X.

There's also the UtechSmart Venus. Not bad reviews; fairly new; cheap. Like the two previous mice, I don't believe it has any Mac software, but the extra buttons will still function.

Great points, thanks! I found one on amazon Canada for $650 but that’s the same cost to me as a $400 Razer core and a $200 RX 570 so it’s a tough choice. Think at the Canadian price point it might not be worth it vs the competition lol

Edit: looks like it’s about $450USD

https://www.amazon.ca/GIGABYTE-Gaming-Graphic-Card-GV-RX580IXEB-8GD/dp/B07CCK527Y

If the upgrade is over 450 bucks get the base model and get a cheap eGPU with a Radeon RX 580 (desktop graphic card) that’ll be way better.

420 bucks:

https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Gaming-Graphic-Card-GV-RX580IXEB-8GD/dp/B07CCK527Y

If you want a future proof setup you’d rather invest in a better eGPU case like the Razer Core X for 300 bucks, because that can power your Mac (up to 100W output) and very high end graphic cards up to 350W, though. Then if some day the cheap Radeon isn’t good enough just replace it with a high end desktop graphic card.

Get a mousepad. Doesn't have to be fancy, just something that the laser can't reflect off of. I'm using a wireless Logitech M510 on a 2009 MBP and I know the "shakiness" you're talking about. I think the main problem is the laser bouncing off of your desk surface, especially if it's wood or anything glossy like that.

Really though, try it with a mousepad. You can go cheap. I prefer one's with cute pictures on them.

Yes, that is my mousepad.

Edit: UCRsSon suggested changing the batteries, which can help if they are close to dying. I've noticed significantly better performance with fresh batteries over drained ones.

I use this one and love it for WoW:

Logitech G602 Lag-Free Wireless Gaming Mouse - 11 Programmable Buttons, Up to 2500 DPI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4MQODC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l7tjDbS5D612R

I think you'll be fine with Radeon Pro 580 for most games and long as you're not trying to drive the display at it's native resolution and not at the highest settings. Remember that you can always look at adding an eGPU in the future:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeOqTzGcgPI

Honestly, you might consider getting the iMac configuration with the Radeon Pro 570 and using the saved money to get this box.

https://www.amazon.com/Sonnet-Breakaway-Thunderbolt-Expansion-GPU-350W-TB3Z/dp/B072L9QTZT/

Or this:
https://www.amazon.com/Akitio-Node-Thunderbolt3-Windows-Compatible/dp/B06XKKSNTS/

I'd suggest to go eGPU route if you want to stay mobile.

Akitio Thunder 2, Additional Power supply, and GTX 980 (or a cheaper one!) would cost you around ~$600. You can always swap vidya card, and with adapters, it will work even with next gen MacBooks.
The 'video card ready' BizonBox will net you ~$600 for the case alone.

Myself, since I don't move that much around, I recently got 2008 MacPro. Slapped SSD and GTX680 on it and now I can play GTAV @60. Good times.

I use a G602:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Gaming-Mouse-Battery/dp/B00E4MQODC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421344399&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+g602

It has a more buttons, and it also feels really good. They are both good choices though.

I ended up with a quality Seinnheiser from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-380-Pro-Collapsible-Professional/dp/B001UE6I0G/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1397249479&sr=1-3&keywords=sennheiser+headphones)
And use a USB mic that came with the Xbox version of Rock Band on a shock mount.. I think they're made my logitech, but for a time every singing/music/plastic instrument game bundled them with mic's, so I have a plethora of unused ones.. and I don't mind the unidirectional USB mic's as long as someone can hear me.. It works when I do podcasts for friends or recording small snippets.

As for the Turtle Beach incident, NewEgg refunded the cost of the headset and I picked up:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104847
As replacement for my son who wanted the other ones for mine craft.. And something that worked with all the other systems. Since they're ONLY USB, they can plug right into the 360, PS3, or PC/Mac and not worry about config besides initial mumble controls.



Sorry, I think I over-answered your question...

A few days ago I posted about running Borderlands 3 on my iMac (2017 5k 27” iMac with a 4.2 i7, 32GB DDR4 and a Radeon Pro 580 8GB), because I was amped it became available. When I started playing, I had to throttle the settings to the absolute lowest to make it smooth. I wanted to know, leveraging an eGPU, how I could get my iMac peforming better for gaming.

Most replies I received were people being assholes. Throwing in their “desktop gaming and iMacs don’t go together”. I get it, unfortunately I use it for work and wanted to get back into desktop gaming with what I had.

Luckily someone stepped up and guided me in the right direction. I jumped on Amazon, bought the Razor Core X and the Radeon RX 5700 XT and everything arrived today. Outside of the thunderbolt 3 cable being incredibly short, I’m proud to say I’m officially running Borderlands 3 at high settings with a smooth 30-35 FPS even in fast-paced action scenes.

He doesn’t want to be mentioned, but thank you for he guidance. To anyone else, I don’t know much about hardware/computers, but this setup cost me roughly $800. Worth it for a game? It’s not. But hopefully we get more gaming support moving forward.

Edit: Here are the links to the items on Amazon.

Card: PowerColor Red Devil Radeon RX 5700 XT 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WP6TYQ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BQOZDbS2B0NJG

Razor Core X: Razer Core X Aluminum External GPU Enclosure (eGPU): Compatible w/Windows & Mac Thunderbolt 3 Laptops - NVIDIA/AMD PCIe Support - 650W PSU https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQG2K5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rROZDbVKA0NST

Edit 2: Here’s the keyword/mouse switch I use.

A couple people have asked me how I only have one keyboard and mouse setup for 2 iMacs. I prefer wired connections, because I’ve found the Bluetooth keyboard to lose sync at the most inopportune times. So I bought this switch and wired the button under my desk so I can just quick-click it right in front of me to swap between iMacs and it remains hidden. It has roughly a 1-2 second delay as soon as you click it until the mouse and keyboard become usable on the opposite iMac.

IOGEAR 2 Computer 4-Port USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch, GUS402 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD8I2OY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LXOZDbN4YRSX9

I was going to say, just take the HD out. I am using this enclosure right now with my old MBP hard drive and it works great.

I use a trackball now for all gaming and I swear by it, primarily because it completely eliminates carpal tunnel issues.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-000806-Trackman-Marble-Mouse/dp/B001F42MKG

This one by Logitech in particular is exceptional. I have had mine for years. It is also completely symmetrical so it would be perfect for an ambidextrous user.

I'm using a Akitio Node - Thunderbolt3 eGPU which you can get from Amazon here. I'm messing with the High Sierra beta so I ordered an AMD RX 580 to use with it. I'll have the same setup that the 9to5 Mac folks have when it arrives, so I'm pretty sure it will work.

https://www.amazon.ca/GIGABYTE-Gaming-Graphic-Card-GV-RX580IXEB-8GD/dp/B07CCK527Y/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=GIGABYTE+Gaming+Box+RX+580+8G+Graphic+Card+eGPU+%28GV-RX580IXEB-8GD%29&linkCode=g13&qid=1550525989&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull&tag=caegpu-20

How do you think something like this would fare?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GU8W5AE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00 for those curious

If you're ok with RPG's, NWN 2 is $11 used on Amazon.

Akitio Thunder2 PCIe Box

EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti

This PSU

This Script only required for macOS, Windows should be fine if installed in EFI

I use my wireless 360 controller with this and it works great. It's not an official microsoft product, but I have had no problems besides needing to restart occasionally to make them talk to each other.

You'll need to install these drivers and you'll be good to go!

I would buy this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LTAUTHE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465830352&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=akitio+egpu

Also scroll down when you open the link and find the "frequently bought together" and buy all 3 it should cost $264. It's the Akitio EGPU. Also the actual graphics card you will want to get the gtx 1080/1070, or 980 Ti.

The total should be under $1000

I found this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Macsoft-Age-of-Mythology-Mac/dp/B0000AK7C5/ref=sr_1_5?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1341137532&sr=1-5

Check your PMs though I'm sending you one now

http://www.amazon.com/BioShock-Infinite-Mac/dp/B002I0KOSI

No, a propriety receiver because Microsoft. See here on Amazon for the product.

Yeah it has 1 USB for power and then 4 3.5mm cables. I did look into this one earlier on but on the website it says that on Mac it is limited to 2.1 output only! It's turning into quite the hassle. I do have this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweex-7-1-External-Sound-Card/dp/B00265L1S2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420569569&sr=8-7&keywords=7.1+sound+card+external but I wasn't aware at the time that isn't mac compatible.

I've been using the Logitech M510 for about 5 months with no problems at all. No lag even without a mousepad. It's $25 on Amazon currently - maybe even cheaper elsewhere.