• Table of Contents

  • It’s a Real Shame: The World’s First eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 Interface Won’t Run on Apple Silicon
  • The Rise of eGPUs
  • The Thunderbolt 5 Interface
  • The Compatibility Issue with Apple Silicon
  • The Implications for Apple and its Users
  • The Future of eGPUs and Apple
  • Conclusion

It’s a Real Shame: The World’s First eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 Interface Won’t Run on Apple Silicon

For years, Apple has been known for its sleek and powerful devices, from the iconic Macbook to the innovative iPad. However, with the recent announcement of their transition to Apple Silicon, many loyal Apple users were left disappointed. One major letdown was the news about the world’s first eGPU. This eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 interface would not be compatible with Apple Silicon. This decision has sparked controversy and disappointment among the tech community.

The Rise of eGPUs

First, we need to understand what an eGPU is. Then, we should consider why it has gained popularity in recent years. After that, we can dive into the specifics of the eGPU and its compatibility with Apple Silicon. An eGPU is short for external graphics processing unit. It is a device that allows users to connect a high-performance graphics card to their computer. This connection provides a significant boost in graphics processing power. This is especially useful for users who need to run graphics-intensive applications such as video editing or gaming.

The rise of eGPUs can be attributed to the increasing demand for more powerful and versatile devices. With the rise of remote work and online learning, people are relying more on their computers for work and entertainment. This has led to a need for devices that can handle demanding tasks without compromising on portability. eGPUs offer a solution. They allow users to enjoy a lightweight and portable device. At the same time, users benefit from a high-performance graphics card.

The Thunderbolt 5 Interface

The Thunderbolt interface, developed by Intel, has been a game-changer in the world of eGPUs. It allows for lightning-fast data transfer speeds and supports multiple devices connected to a single port. This has made it the go-to interface for eGPUs, with many manufacturers incorporating it into their devices.

Recently, Intel announced the release of Thunderbolt 5, promising even faster speeds and improved performance. This news generated excitement and anticipation. eGPU users were especially eager. They looked forward to upgrading their devices to benefit from the new interface.

The Compatibility Issue with Apple Silicon

However, the excitement was short-lived when it was announced that Thunderbolt 5 would not be compatible with Apple Silicon. This means that the world’s first eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 interface is the Razer Core X Chroma. It would not be able to run on Apple’s new processors. This decision has left many users disappointed. It has particularly frustrated those who invested in the Razer Core X Chroma for its Thunderbolt 5 compatibility.

So, why is Thunderbolt 5 not compatible with Apple Silicon? The answer lies in the architecture of Apple’s new processors. Unlike Intel processors, which have a built-in Thunderbolt controller, Apple Silicon processors do not have this feature. Thunderbolt 5 devices would require a separate controller to work with Apple Silicon. This requirement would add to both the cost and complexity of the devices.

The Implications for Apple and its Users

The decision not to make Thunderbolt 5 compatible with Apple Silicon has raised questions about Apple’s commitment to its users. Many loyal Apple users have invested in Thunderbolt 5 devices. They expected these devices to be future-proof. They also anticipated compatibility with any new Apple devices. This decision has left them feeling let down and questioning the company’s priorities.

Moreover, this decision could also have financial implications for both Apple and its users. eGPUs are becoming more popular among users. This could be a missed opportunity for Apple. They may not tap into a growing market. On the other hand, users who have invested in Thunderbolt 5 devices may need to spend more money. They might have to upgrade to a compatible eGPU or switch to a different device altogether.

The Future of eGPUs and Apple

Despite the disappointment and frustration, there is still hope for the future of eGPUs and their compatibility with Apple devices. The demand for powerful and versatile devices is increasing. Apple will likely find a way to make Thunderbolt 5 compatible with their processors. In fact, there are already rumors of a new Macbook Pro with an M1X chip that will support Thunderbolt 5.

Additionally, other manufacturers are also working on eGPUs that are compatible with Apple Silicon, such as the Blackmagic eGPU. This could provide users with alternative options and put pressure on Apple to find a solution to the compatibility issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is unfortunate that the world’s first eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 interface won’t run on Apple Silicon. This situation is disappointing for both Apple and its users. This decision has sparked disappointment and frustration among the tech community and raised questions about Apple’s commitment to its users. However, there is still hope for the future. We can expect to see more eGPUs compatible with Apple Silicon in the coming years. In the meantime, users can explore alternative options or wait for Apple to find a solution to this compatibility issue.

Are you an eGPU user? How do you feel about the compatibility issue with Apple Silicon? Share your thoughts in the comments below.