eGPU Radeon 5700 XT showing up as 5600 XT?

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eGPU Radeon 5700 XT showing up as 5600 XT?

Hi, I just got an XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT for my MacBook Pro. Specifically, this card here: https://www.amazon.com/XFX-Triple-Dissipation-Graphics-RX-57XT83LD8/dp/B087J3KM2X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=XFX+radeon+5700+XT&qid=1591743477&sr=8-3

However, when I check the icon at the top, it shows I have a Radeon RX 5600 XT plugged in.

According to Apple's own page, this card IS in fact supported and even recommended by Apple (not specifically the XFX version, but I haven't found any information that is really makes much of a difference on brand).

I also checked my system specs to see how much VRAM this card has, as it is supposed to have 8GB according to the specifications. So I checked that, and it appears to have only 6GB of VRAM.

What is going on here? For intents and purposes, it looks exactly like XFX took a 5600 XT and slapped a 5700 XT sticker on the side of it. The serial number on the card, according to XFX, brings up a model number of "RX-57XT83LD8". Judging by that, it looks like it SHOULD definitely be a 5700.

My question is this, is there a lack of driver support on this card, and MacOS is simply choosing the driver that works best with this card? Or did XFX try to pull a fast one on me and send me a sub-par card?

TIA

Posted on Jun 9, 2020 4:07 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 11, 2020 3:49 PM in response to Eric333

Eric333,

I'm glad you decided to reach out on the Apple Support Communities. If I understand correctly, you just installed the XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT, but both System Information and the Radeon menu are showing a different model processor. You’re wanting to know if there is a driver or additional software that you need to install.

I can see in the “AMD Radeon RX 5700, 5700 XT, and 5700 XT 50th Anniversary” section here where you’re referencing that Apple recommends this eGPU.

Use an external graphics processor with your Mac - Apple Support

Do you have the processor connected directly to the Thunderbolt 3 port on the left-hand side of your MacBook Pro?
Is your MacBook Pro updated to macOS Catalina 10.5.1 or later?
Have you had a chance to check the XFX or AMD support sites to see if there are drivers that need to be installed? I wasn’t able to find Mac support (outside of Bootcamp options) on their pages at all.

XFX Support

The answers to those questions may help the Apple Support Communities users guide you.

Take care.

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Answer 2

Eric333 Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 12, 2020 5:42 PM in response to MichelleT18

Hello!

I wanted to post that I got my situation resolved.

I reached out to XFX in addition, and here is what they said:

"A BIOS issue could potentially cause something like this, this card has a secondary BIOS on it, near the PCI-E power connections is a little switch, try flipping that."

I flipped the switch, and voila! It's reading as a 5700 XT now as it should. That switch must have gotten switched by accident, either during shipping or by me without realizing it. Super easy fix. If anybody else has this problem, try this first. (The switch is small and black right next to the power connections. Should be very easy to spot).

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eGPU Radeon 5700 XT showing up as 5600 XT?

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