Late 2013 Mac Pro question  

@gabe_perna, Using an eGPU to take the load off the dGPU is a possibility to prolong your 2013 Mac Pro's life. I would recommend taking the computer apart to clean its cooling system and apply new paste first. Once you're done that, adding an eGPU will allow the computer to keep the dGPUs idle.

Here is my 2013 Mac Pro + Mantiz Venus + Radeon VII eGPU build [link]. If you're looking for a comparable performance eGPU to your D700 dGPUs, I'd recommend an RX Vega 56. They are fairly affordable on the used market.

This is a HUGE help!

thanks so much!!!

@itsage, 

took your advice and cleaned the cooling system and removed/reapplied the thermal paste.

the problem is persisting, however.

so I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on building.

the plan as it stands, is to use the Razer Core X (don't think I need the Chroma).

thunderbolt3 to 2 adapter and a thunderbolt 2 cable.

the only thing I'm not sure about, is which video card to go with.
as I wrote above, I don't need gobs of power as I don't do any gaming. my work is primarily with packages like Zbrush, Maya, photoshop, etc.
I render images with Maya and Arnold, but it's CPU based rendering.
I would like to be able to use a second monitor, however.

I looked for an RX Vega 56, but unless I buy used, I don't think I'll be able to get my hands on one.
if I can manage it- I'd like to buy a card new (around the $300 range if possible) and be able to return it, if this whole thing doesn't end up being the fix for my machine.
if you wouldn't mind- could you make any other recommendations for an alternative to the Vega 56?

thanks again for your time!

@gabe_perna, If you can stretch the budget to closer to $400, I would recommend the RX 5700 XT. It's one of the highest performing non-pro AMD cards for macOS. Regarding the enclosure, there are better options for the Mac Pro 6,1. Because it doesn't need Power Delivery, you may want something like the ASUS XG Station Pro which is very nice and runs quiet (external power brick). The Mantiz Saturn Pro is another great option at the same $300 price. It comes with an SD card slot in the front. I've been using it with my 2013 Mac Pro for the past month and this eGPU enclosure has replaced all other dongles I used previously. There's even a 2.5" SATA drive for backup/expansion storage. 

@itsage, 

much appreciated!
I can certainly see bumping the budget a bit for the 5700. I would like to upgrade my monitor at some point, so that seems like a good idea.

just curious about the enclosures. is there something inherently wrong with the Razer Core X?
the main reason I ask, is I see that the 5700's specs say that at least a 600w power supply is required and the Razer has a 650, but when I looked for the Asus, it has a 330w and the Mantiz seems to be sold out.

please forgive me... I'm not as tech savvy as I'd like to be. all the specs on these enclosures and gpu's are like a foreign language for me. I'm just scared to death of buying the wrong parts!

as such, if this is the right card, I'll put it in the cart.
https://www.amazon.com/XFX-Thicc-2025MHz-Graphics-Rx-57XT8TBD8/dp/B07ZP5QZX2

sincerely, I really appreciate all the help!

@gabe_perna, I don't recommend XFX cards due to their firmware compatibility issues with macOS. Mantiz Saturn Pro won't be available until another 2-3 weeks but it's well worth the wait imo. Gigabyte, PowerColor, and Sapphire are good brands. 

@itsage, 

very good, sir!
the last PC I had built had a sapphire card in it and I never had a problem with it, so I'll go this route:
https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-11293-03-40G-Radeon-Nitro-Graphics/dp/B07XMNGVVD/

as for the enclosure- I can certainly wait on the mantiz.
I've put up with the issues this long, another month won't kill me!

@gabe_perna, 

I just did his eGPU build for my Late 2013 Mac Pro, 8 core, 32g ram, D300's. I got the Razer Core X (it is 650W). The difference is it does not have the USB Ports or ethernet. I got the RX5700 XT. Everything works great. You need to use 2 monitor connections to get best performance.

Late to the party but I am curious if the proposed eGPU solution above is still working ok?

My Mac Pro late 2013 with AMD FirePro D300 2 GB GPU has been freezing off and on through several OS upgrades (had hoped that an upgrade might resolve the issue).

I use my computer for applications with limited graphics requirements (not a gamer or graphics designer) I am also new to the trade offs WITH RESPECT TO power consumption vs performance vs Mac OS.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks