Procedure for Blackmagic Pro eGPU with Pro Display XDR

Basically, Apple is advertising that any Mac can work with the Pro Display XDR if they get a Blackmagic Pro eGPU. But what is the procedure for this?

I have an iMac Pro (2017) with Radeon Pro Vega 64 16 GB graphics. According to Apple's tech specs, this iMac Pro cannot drive the Pro Display XDR at full 6k, since it does not that the Titan Ridge (DisplayPort 1.4) capability. I got the Blackmagic Pro eGPU (which has Radeon RX Vega 56 8 GB graphics). This is supposed to be able to handle the Pro Display XDR at full 6k. However, I am only getting 5k (5120 x 2880).

I first tried connecting the Pro Display XDR to the Blackmagic Pro eGPU using the braided TB3 cable that it came with, and then connect the Blackmagic Pro eGPU to the iMac Pro with a Belkin TB3 cable bought direct from Apple. Only 5k.

I also tried connecting the Pro Display XDR to the iMac Pro, and then connecting the Blackmagic Pro eGPU to another TB3 on the same bus, as well as on a different Bus (the first two and second two TB3 ports are on different buses).

I tried resetting PRAM, but no luck.

Then I read the tech specs for the Blackmagic Pro eGPU and it seems that perhaps only the actual DisplayPort connection on that device is 1.4 compatible, and not its TB3 ports. If this is the case, then I would need to a DisplayPort 1.4 to TB3 cable. I have the Apple-sold Moshi USB-C to DisplayPort cable and it does not work. With only that cable connected, no image can be displayed.

I have ordered another USB-C to DisplayPort 8K 60Hz Bidirectional Cable cable to try.

So, since Apple says this is possible, what is the intended procedure for a Mac without Titan Ridge controllers to work with the Pro Display XDR with a Blackmagic Pro eGPU?

Thomas Grove Carter got it to work, maybe try reaching out to see how he did it. Link below.

https://twitter.com/thomasgcarter/statu ... 95681?s=20

BMD now has an 1.2 firmware update for their eGPU and eGPU Pro for the Apple Pro XDR monitor.

I keep getting the message asking me if I want to reboot to install the TB accessory . I have rebooted several times and also powered off the BM eGPU. Anytips?

I'm getting same problem. BlackMagic eGPU firmware update doesn't install. I have 2018 MBP, connected via TB3. The install program completes successfully, then says restart is required to install. After restart & login, I continually get "Accessory Update Available - Do you want to restart to update your Thunderbolt Accessory?".

I've only restarted about 20 times now, but it doesn't seem to work. Confirmed Thunderbolt update package in library remains there, and System Report still says eGPU firmware is 26.3, which is incorrect.

Very frustrating! Has everyone carefully read the Knowledge Base articles on installing with the eGPU/Pro? The articles are:

https://.support.apple.com/HT208897

https://.support.apple.com/HT210437

You should also have the Pro_Display_White_Paper_Feb_2020.pdf

I can’t find the link to that White Paper document on Apple’s webpages but here is page 20:

Connections and Compatibility
Pro Display XDR has four ports on the back for seamless connectivity. One
upstream port connects to Mac Pro or other compatible Thunderbolt 3 host
and provides 96W for host charging. Three USB-C ports provide USB 2 for
connecting and charging peripheral devices.

At launch, Pro Display XDR is compatible with the following devices at native
6K resolution:
• 2019 Mac Pro with Apple GPU module
• 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro
• 2018 and later 15-inch MacBook Pro
• 2019 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac
• Mac computers with Thunderbolt 3 ports connected to Blackmagic eGPU
or Blackmagic eGPU Pro

Pro Display XDR requires a GPU capable of supporting DisplayPort 1.4 with
Display Stream Compression (DSC) and Forward Error Correction (FEC), or
a GPU supporting DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 link rate and Thunderbolt Titan
Ridge for native 6K resolution. If multiple displays are being used with the
same Mac, each display can be configured independently for settings such as
reference modes and orientation. For more information on supported devices,
please visit Set up and use Apple Pro Display XDR.

You can connect Pro Display XDR to a Windows or Linux PC equipped with a
GPU that supports DisplayPort over Thunderbolt or DisplayPort Alt-mode over
USB-C. The host will use Pro Display XDR VESA Extended Display Information
Data (EDID) to discover the display capabilities and choose from the available
resolution and display mode options. For compatibility purposes, some reference
modes will offer a BT.2020 capability to the host, but the color space of the
display will be limited to P3. For information on operating Pro Display XDR with
Windows 10, please visit the Apple Support article, How to use Pro Display XDR
with Boot Camp.

With an SDI convertor box such as Teranex Mini SDI to DisplayPort 8K HDR by
Blackmagic Design, Pro Display XDR can be hooked up directly to a camera or
other SDI source without a computer. The SDI convertor box can also change
reference modes, provide scopes and overlays, and apply a LUT (lookup table).
Pro

Thomas Grove Carter got it to work, maybe try reaching out to see how he did it. Link below.

https://twitter.com/thomasgcarter/statu ... 95681?s=20

Thomas only got it to work in December 2019 in 5k mode, not 6K.

You need to disable secure boot on your Mac.

For information on disabling this, please see the link:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208330

That solved it for me

Interesting solution. Is this something you do only once or is it required every time you boot when the eGPU Pro is connected at the time of starting your computer? Or is it only required when doing the firmware update on the eGPU?

Only once I guess? Once the firmware is installed I can't see the problem turning it on again. I haven't tried myself yet, just installed the firmware with success

I followed the advice here and the eGPU was updated finally. Thanks for the tip. I also then turned back on the security


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Will mac mini get 6k on XDR display if it is connected to a Blackmagic eGPU?