This year Apple WWDC covered a good deal of excitement news: introduction of the much awaited offer of the VR kit with eGPU box. It is going to cater an enthralling experience for all MacBook Pro users. But it will be a challenge for all normal users to set up MacBook Pro and eGPU for VR.
Before you set up Mac with Apple’s VR, you should know that the VR technology is well equipped for excellent graphics that goes well with 3D games and other applications. Needless to say the MacBook systems do not have super graphics that will create real life experiences.
Say, you are totally into fast paced, action packed games that needs high definition graphical resolution. Certainly your MacBook Pro is not going to fetch you the desired effect. This is where Apple’s VR kit likes a boon. The kit is equipped with external GPU that supports Thunderbolt 3 and has 350-watt horsepower.
The kit is a package including Belkin USB-C to 4-port USB-A hub and has AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB graphics card.
So let’s talk about the steps to set up your Mac system with Apple’s VR DEV kit.
How to Setup MacBook Pro and eGPU for VR
Step 1: The MacBook needs to have the beta version of macOS High Sierra. So check for it beforehand.
Step 2: The next step is to insert the card properly into the socket.
Step 3: Close the enclosure securely.
Step 4: Join the USB-C cable with your system after turning on the power.
Step 5: When your MacBook Pro detects the graphics card, you will be asked to logout and then login again in order to let your system boot up to enable the eGPU.
At the end make sure that you turn your 3D mode in full screen, because Mac’s built-in GPU is not compatible with AMD RX 580.
Here’s a glimpse of what you will get in the Apple eGPU kit.
- Sonnet external GPU chassis that comes with Thunderbolt 3 and 350 watt power supply.
- AMD RADEON RX 580 8GB graphics card
- Belkin USB-C to 4-port USB-A hub.
Enabling Mac with VR
Since the eGPU kit is packed with 350 watt power supply, you do not have to worry about the connectivity of the USB port. Once you connect the USB Vive to your Mac system, the Sonnet eGPU will start acting like your power house.
The VR developers Industrial Light and Magic have earlier stated the features of the HTC Vive demo regarding various elements and features associated.
It is important to know that SteamVR will be available for Mac users in this fall. The updated version of Mac or laptops will support the individual VR games in order to get the real feel. Of course, we can expect more updates soon.
Mac is rightly compatible with the SteamVR. When you put on the headset you are all set to get into the gaming world.
The SteamVR is soon to join the Mac systems by the Unreal and Unity game engines.
Playing VR games now
The reason behind the introduction of this kit is to provide opportunity to the developers who will eventually come up with new ideas. This is to help them with the tools they require. For gamers all over the world, who are super excited to try their hands on outstanding gaming experience, are going to hear some great news soon. Now we know Apple is truly into paving a remarkable way into the gaming world.
This is the first step towards the virtual tour for your Mac laptops and desktops. In near future users will be able to plug in and enjoy the VR headset. For general users the eGPU setup will be available by early 2018.
Also See:
- Best VR Racing Games
- Best VR Ready Laptops
- How to Take Screenshot in Gear VR and Record VR Gameplay
- Best Games for Samsung Gear VR
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