External Graphics Card: FAQ

Quick Start Guide »



Additional Information





BizonBOX FAQ Answers

Is my Mac compatible with the BizonBOX (eGPU)?


Please refer to the Quick Start Guide.

How do I connect my BizonBOX and configure it properly?

The BizonBOX is extremely easy to assemble, setup, and run. No special knowledge, skill, or ability is required.
  • macOS/OS X:
    Provided with every BizonBOX purchase is a Mac installation utility that will automatically download and install the drivers for your specific GPU. After running the utility, the BizonBOX is ready to use.
  • Windows:
    All you need to do is download and install the official drivers per your model of GPU. Please refer to the installation instruction booklet provided with you BizonBOX purchase. After successful driver installation, the BizonBOX is ready to use.

Will I need an external monitor for my BizonBOX?

You will need to connect the BizonBOX to your Mac or Windows PC via a Thunderbolt port.

To use take advantage of acceleration, you will need to connect the graphics card within the BizonBOX to an external monitor.

When using an external monitor, acceleration is supported in all cases when you connect directly to the GPU housed within the BizonBOX (e.g. DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort – depending on GPU support).

Some applications support acceleration without needing connection to an external monitor. Acceleration through the internal monitor will depend on operating system support and hardware configuration (see the applications exception listed below):
  • Integrated Intel HD, Intel Iris, Intel Iris Pro
    macOS/OS X:External monitor only.
    Windows:Internal and external monitors both supported.
  • Integrated + discrete (AMD, NVIDIA)
    macOS/OS X:External monitor only.
    Windows:External monitor only.

Applications Exception:
Most production/creative applications provide you the option to select GPU acceleration within the application’s preferences.
These applications do not require an external monitor to take advantage of GPU acceleration, no matter your hardware configuration/setup.
Here are some applications that do not require an external monitor to take advantage of GPU acceleration: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Octane Render, SketchUP, and many more.
The abovementioned applications are able to utilize graphics acceleration with the BizonBOX without an external monitor; proper configuration within the specific application’s preferences is required.

Using an external graphics card with the BizonBOX allows for complex color corrections, statistical computations, 2K/4K footage edits, 2D/3D rendering processes using the most basic and baseline of Macintosh hardware (i.e. Integrated Intel Iris graphics).


More Information on Using the BizonBOX:
  • OS X:
    The eGPU will be detected by macOS/OS X as an additional graphics card.
    Per limitations of macOS/OS X acceleration of games and some other applications are limited to external monitor use only.
    To accelerate some applications you will need to run them on an external monitor connected to the eGPU housed in the BizonBOX (due to technical limitation of macOS/OS X).
    In macOS/OS X go to ‘System Preferences’ –> ‘Displays’ and set the external monitor as the main display by dragging and dropping the Menu Bar on the external monitor. Additionally, you can drag the application to the external monitor to enable GPU acceleration. The laptop display can be used as a secondary monitor or can be close to run in clamshell mode.

    This does not apply to the cases described in the "Application Exceptions" section.

  • Windows:
    The eGPU in the BizonBOX can be used on either the internal or external displays.
    Using the internal monitor only, your hardware must be: Intel HD 4000 or higher, Intel Iris, or Intel Iris Pro and include NVIDIA Optimus technology. If your hardware includes integrated graphics paired with a discrete GPU, this acceleration option is NOT possible. NVIDIA Optimus technology is only compatible with Windows 8.1.
    Graphics acceleration is possible with any combination of hardware through an external monitor (e.g. Intel, AMD, NVIDIA) integrated and discrete.

What benefit does the BixonBOX offer and why don’t I just build my own eGPU with cheaper options? Why should I pay more for a BixonBOX?

  • Custom Plug-and-Play Configurations
    There are numerous ways to DIY an eGPU configuration using a Thunderbolt chassis. In that, purchasing a BizonBOX will save you time, as it is one of the only true ‘Plug-and-Play options on the market.
    When you purchase a BizonBOX, you are also buying our knowledge, experience, product warranty, and customer support.
    Our customers do not have to spend hours researching setups, reading online forums, testing configurations, soldering wires, locating and buying proper components, coding driver support via the Command line or Terminal window, or drilling and cutting custom cases.
    The BizonBOX is a true Plug-and-Play solution, just insert the GPU, connect the chassis to your hardware, and install the drivers.

  • Customer Support
    At Bizon-Tech, we have a specialized and dedicated support team ready to help you if you encounter setup issues or hardware problems.
    If for any reason you run into problems setting up or using your BizonBOX you will not have to waste your time searching for a solution on the Internet that may not address your particular issue(s), we help pinpoint your exact problem and provide solutions in a timely manner.
    With over six years of development experience, we are confident we can assist you in any situation.

  • Product Warranties
    BizonBOX comes with a one-year limited warranty, which can be extended to two years for an additional cost.
    DIY eGPU projects are all at your own risk, you immediately void manufacture warranties when you modify DIY project parts. If something goes wrong it is a total loss to you.

  • Quality Assurance
  • We test every single BizonBOX before we ship them out to ensure it is a working unit.
  • Detailed Installation Instructions and User Manual
    Each BizonBOX comes with a detailed installation instruction booklet and user manual to get you up and running a quickly as possible.

What is the BixonBOX and what will it do for me?

The BizonBOX is a Thunderbolt expansion chassis that is geared toward providing users with the ability to add desktop class GPUs to your personal computer.
The BizonBOX connects to your Windows or Mac computer via Thunderbolt port and will provide users with the option to accelerate graphic performance using desktop class GPUs.
The BizonBOX is built from a power and cooling modified Akitio Thunderbolt chassis, which includes custom CNC machining processes.


What power supply is needed to run the BizonBOX? I read most desktop graphics cards require a 600-watt power supply

There are two different considerations to be made:

1. Minimum System Power Requirements (W)
This is the minimum power supply wattage available when the GPU is in use under normal circumstances.
Additionally, graphics cards are not the only hardware consuming power in a traditional desktop (e.g. CPU, hard drives, RAM, etc.); therefore, total wattage requirement for complete systems is higher. This is where a 500W–600W power supply is needed.

2. Graphics Card Power Requirements (W)
Graphics cards like the GTX 960, GTX 970, GTX 980 require 120W, 145W, and 165W respectively.
The BizonBOX only houses one GPU and based on the above requirements a standard 200W power supply is sufficient for most modern graphics cards like the GTX 960, GTX 970, GTX 980, GTX 1060, GTX 1070, and GTX 1080 (a 200W external power supply is included in the purchase of a BizonBOX).
Higher wattage requirement GPUs like that of the GTX 980Ti and GTX Titan (250W) require you use a 300W power supply (300W power supplies are bigger/heavier and can be purchased at an additional cost, see product page).

Note: There are some graphics cards on the market with modified Graphics Card Power consumption. They are overclocked by the manufacturer and may have higher power requirements than the official NVIDIA specifications outline. To ensure you get the right power supply, please contact our customer support regarding your graphics card compatibility.

Can I use the BizonBOX with a graphics card I already own?

Yes.

When installing your own GPU, please be aware of the following:
  • Graphics card dimension. More details »
  • Power supply requirements. More details »
  • System support and operation.
    macOS/OS X:
    Very limited support. Ensure that your GPU is supported or is able to utilize graphics cards from our recommended graphics card list.
    Windows:
    With above recommendations met, any graphics card is supported if driver are provided by the manufacture.

Please note that installing your own GPU into the BizonBOX requires careful insertion, connection, and assembly skills. You may be liable for any damages that occur and will not be covered under our limited warranty. In addition, improper installation can cause damage to your GPU. If you are not able to install your own GPU, it is highly recommended that you purchase your BizonBOX with a preinstalled GPU.


What operating systems support the BizonBOX? What are the minimum operating system requirements?

OS X:
OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 or later, OS X El Capitan 10.11 or later

Windows (Bootcamp):
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

How do I use my Apple Thunderbolt Display with the BizonBOX?

Your Mac must have two Thunderbolt ports to use the BizonBOX with your Apple Thunderbolt Display.
The Apple Thunderbolt Display must be connected to your Mac, not the BizonBOX.

Acceleration is dependent on operating system and Mac configuration:
  • Integrated Intel HD, Intel Iris, Intel Iris Pro
    OS X: Yes, only in cases listed in the "Apple Thunderbolt Display Exceptions" section. See below.
    Windows: Yes, in all cases.
  • Integrated + discrete (AMD, NVIDIA)
    OS X: Yes, only in cases listed in the "Apple Thunderbolt Display Exceptions" section. See below.
    Windows: Yes, only in cases listed in the "Apple Thunderbolt Display Exceptions" section. See below.

Apple Thunderbolt Display Exceptions:
Some applications provide you the option to select GPU usage within the application’s preferences.
For those applications, regardless of hardware configuration, you will be able to use the Apple Thunderbolt Display for GPU acceleration.
Most well known applications are: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Octane Render, SketchUp, etc.


Why is the BizonBOX so expensive?

The simple looking exterior is made up of a complex design and custom CNC machining processes where the BizonBOX brings its customers a plug-and-play external GPU solution.
Lots of time and resources went into designing custom CNC machining processes for the chassis, providing top-notch customer support, and ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance are met are all supported by the cost of the BizonBOX.


Why should I purchase the BizonBOX and not buy a different Thunderbolt chassis made by a different manufacture?

Most Thunderbolt chassis (Akitio, Sonnet, Magma, and others) are designed for standard PCI-E cards like network, sound cards, etc. and do not support or offer compatibility for graphics card acceleration.
Other options do not offer proper cooling, wattages for power, or PCI-E connections required to use desktop class GPUs.
The BizonBOX is specifically designed for graphics card acceleration.

Features of the BizonBOX and Differences:
  • The chassis is precisely milled for efficient cooling
  • Custom fitted with a powerful and stable 200W/300W power supply (Akitio is manufactured to only support 70W)
  • Offers two PCI-E power connections (Akitio does not have PCI-E connections)
  • Custom milled GPU housing to provide proper cooling (Akitio does not have proper ventilation for GPUs)
  • Detailed Installiaiton Guide, User Manual, and excellent customer service
More details »


Will I ever need to connect a higher wattage power supply to the BizonBOX? Is it possible to connect a higher wattage power supply if my graphics card requires it?

A 200W power supply is enough for most GPUs and is included in the purchase of the BizonBOX.
The GTX 770, GTX 780, GTX 980 Ti and GTX TITAN require more power and we offer an 300W power supply option that can be purchased at an additional cost.

Does the BizonBOX support macOS/OS X Target Display Mode? Is it possible to use an iMac as a display for my MacBook Pro/Air?

Yes.
Target Display Mode can be used, but using an iMac in this mode will not allow for accelerated graphics options. There are exceptions when using certain applications.More details »


Because the BizonBOX has two Thunderbolt 2 ports, does it support daisy chaining?

Short answer is: No.
When the BizonBOX is daisy chained the port not in use acts as a splitter. Theoretically, bandwidth will be shared by the devices connected in a daisy chain setup, this is applicable to hard drives and other devices – because GPUs utilize all of the available bandwidth a single Thunderbolt port offers, this splitting function is not applicable with the BizonBOX.


Is it possible to connect two or more BizonBOX chassis? Does the BizonBOX support SLI configurations?

Yes.
  • Mac Pro:
    Up to three (3) BizonBOX eGPUs can be connected.
  • MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac:
    Up to two (2) BizonBOX eGPUs can be connected.
To use multiple BizonBOX eGPUs each chassis should be connected to a dedicated Thunderbolt port on the Mac.


Does the BizonBOX take full advantage of my GPU’s bandwidth? Is there a difference in speed between Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2?

Bandwidth limitations depend on the following:
  • Processor
    Processor performance must be comparable with graphics card.
    Limitations of a dual core processor (Core i5, i7) the NVIDIA GTX 960, GTX 970, and GTX 1070 are maximum bandwidth devices.
    There are no limitations for quad core and above processors (Core i7 and Xeon)
  • Thunderbolt version.
    Thunderbolt 1 is up to 85-percent performance and Thunderbolt 2 is up to 97-percent performance.

Exceptions:
All calculations are accurate when measured real-time.
For some applications render calculations do not matter as to which version of processor and Thunderbolt you have. Data transfer to the GPU is calculated and returned back with results. The slight delay is not so important and GPU power and acceleration is the variable being considered most important; therefore with older Mac models you are able to harness the power of GPU acceleration at the same rate newer Mac models are.

Examples of bandwidth limitations:
MacBook 2012, dual core i5, Thunderbolt 1 is limited to: GTX 960, GTX 970, and GTX 1070.
Retina MacBook Pro 2013-2015, quad core i7, Thunderbolt 2 has no restrictions.

Note:
These figures are for reference only and depend on the operating system, Mac configuration and software.


What applications does the BizonBOX support?

The BizonBOX allows operating systems to detect it as a built-in, discrete graphics card(s).
Applications now recognize the GPU and can harness GPU acceleration appropriately.
Dependent on the number of BizonBOX chassis you have installed and built in GPUs you have you will be able to see each GPU under ‘System Information’ > ‘Graphics’ on a Mac.


Will the BizonBOX work with my MacBook 12-inch with USB-C port?

No.
The 12-inch MacBook is only equipped with a USB-C port.


Can I run the BizonBOX through a different interface connection other than Thunderbolt (e.g. DisplayPort, USB, HDMI (1.4 and/or 2.0), or FireWire)?

No.
BizonBOX requires direct connection to a Mac via Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port without being routed through adapters, hubs, or converters.
Warning: Improper connection can cause hardware damage


Does the BizonBOX support multiple monitor setups?

Yes.
OS X:
Can support up to three (3) external monitors.
Windows:
Can support up to four (4) external monitors.


Additional Information

Compatible graphics cards

  • NVIDIA GTX 750
  • NVIDIA GTX 760
  • NVIDIA GTX 770*
  • NVIDIA GTX 780*
  • NVIDIA GTX 960
  • NVIDIA GTX 970
  • NVIDIA GTX 980
  • NVIDIA GTX 980 Ti*
  • NVIDIA GTX 1060**
  • NVIDIA GTX 1070**
  • NVIDIA GTX 1080**
  • NVIDIA GTX TITAN* Black, TITAN X*

*300W power supply is required.
**Windows only, no driver support on OS X.

Only GPUs with PCI–E power connectors supported (6-pin, 8-pin, 6+6-pin, 6+8-pin).

Other graphics cards are also compatible. Please check operating system compatibility, dimensions, and power consumption requirements.


Recommended graphics cards

These graphics cards will fully fit in the BizonBOX:

    GTX 960:
  • ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 960, 2 GB (ZT-90310-10M) or (ZT-90301-10M)
  • EVGA NVIDIA GTX 960, 2 GB (02G-P4-2962-KR)
  • EVGA NVIDIA GTX 960, 4GB (04G-P4-3962-KR)

  • GTX 970:
  • ZOTAC NVIDIA GTX 970, 4 GB (ZT-90101-10P)

  • GTX 1060 3 GB:
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB GAMING (03G-P4-6160-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB SC GAMING (03G-P4-6162-KR)
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 3GB (ZT-P10610A-10L)
  • Inno3D GeForce GTX 1060 3GB Compact (N1060-2DDN-L5GN)

  • GTX 1060 6 GB:
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING (06G-P4-6161-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SC GAMING (06G-P4-6163-KR)
  • ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1060 Mini (ZT-P10600A-10L)
  • Inno3D GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB Compact (N1060-2DDN-N5GN)

These graphics cards will fit in the BizonBOX by height and will stick out of the front panel:

    GTX 970:
  • EVGA GTX 970 (04G-P4-2978, 04G-P4-2977, 04G-P4-2974, 04G-P4-2972)

  • GTX 980:
  • EVGA GTX 980 (04G-P4-2983, 04G-P4-2981)
  • ZOTAC GTX 980 (ZT-90204-10BEX, ZT-90204-10P)

  • GTX 980 Ti:
  • ZOTAC GTX 980 Ti (ZT-90503-10P)
  • EVGA GTX 980 Ti (06G-P4-4995, 06G-P4-4991, 06G-P4-4993-KR, 06G-P4-3996)

  • GTX TITAN:
  • TITAN X (any brand; we recommend EVGA, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI)

  • GTX 1060 3 GB:
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB FTW+ GAMING ACX 3.0 (03G-P4-6367-KR)
  • Gainward GeForce GTX 1060 3GB (426018336-3798)
  • GALAX GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
  • GALAX GeForce® GTX 1060 OC 3GB
  • Inno3D GeForce GTX 1060 3GB (N106F-2SDN-L5GS)
  • Palit GeForce GTX 1060 Dual 3 GB (NE51060015F9-1061D)
  • PNY GeForce GTX 1060 3GB (VCGGTX10603PB)

  • GTX 1060 6 GB:
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SSC GAMING ACX 3.0 (06G-P4-6267-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0 (06G-P4-6268-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 FTW+ GAMING ACX 3.0 (06G-P4-6368-KR)
  • Gainward GeForce GTX 1060 6GB (426018336-3712)
  • GALAX GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
  • Inno3D GeForce GTX 1060 Twin X2 (N1060-2SDN-N5GN, N106F-2SDN-N5GN)
  • Palit GeForce GTX 1060 Dual (NE51060015J9-1061D, NE51060015J9-1060D)
  • PNY GeForce GTX 1060 6GB (VCGGTX10606PB)
  • PNY GeForce GTX 1060 CG (VCGGTX10606PB-CG)
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB Founders Edition from any brand


  • GTX 1070:
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 SC GAMING ACX 3.0 (08G-P4-6173-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition (08G-P4-5173-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 GAMING ACX 3.0 (08G-P4-6171-KR)
  • ASUS TURBO-GTX1070-8G
  • EVGA GTX 1070
  • MSI GTX 1070 AERO 8G
  • GALAX GTX 1070 Virtual Edition
  • GTX 1070 Founders Edition from any brand

  • GTX 1080:
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 SC GAMING ACX 3.0 (08G-P4-6183-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING ACX 3.0 (08G-P4-6181-KR)
  • EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 (08G-P4-5180-KR)
  • ASUS TURBO-GTX1080-8G
  • MSI GTX 1080 AERO 8G
  • GALAX GTX 1080 Virtual Edition
  • GTX 1080 Founders Edition from any brand

Depending on the graphics card, you may need to remove the front panel and/or external cover. You may choose "remove front panel" option when placing your order.

Graphics cards from brands not listed here have differing dimensions and you can also use them. If you plan to use your own graphics card, ensure you contact customer support to check compatibility. Send an email to: sales@bizon-tech.com You can find more GPU dimensions HERE.



Mac compatibility list

Any Mac computer with Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 is compatible.


Some of the models have restrictions (see notes below).
  • MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012–2015
  • MacBook Pro Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012–2015
  • MacBook Pro 13-inch, Early 2011–2015
  • MacBook Pro 15-inch, Early 2011–2015
  • MacBook Air 11-inch, Mid 2011–2015
  • MacBook Air 13-inch, Mid 2011–2015
  • Mac mini Mid 2011–2015
  • iMac Mid 2011–2015
  • Mac Pro (Late-2013) "trashcan"


Dual BizonBOX chassis tested:
  • MacBook Pro 13-inch Late–2013
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013)

Notes:
  • Mac mini »

  • MacBook Pro/Air »

  • iMac »

  • Mac Pro »

List of applications with GPU acceleration

This list is for reference only. Other application also may have GPU or CUDA support. We cannot guarantee compatibility of all existing software. Ask developer for more information regarding GPU support.
  • Apple Final Cut
    Final Cut Pro X uses the GPUs for effect previews and rendering, so you can work with richer projects in real time.
    GPU utilization also enables faster optical flow analysis, RED RAW processing, and “Send to Compressor,” as well as background exporting, allowing you to deliver projects while editing.
    Source »
  • Adobe After Effects CC
    Rendering on the GPU
    Multi GPU support
    GPU-accelerated ray-traced 3D renderer (CUDA on specific graphics cards)
    Fast Draft mode and Hardware BlitPipe (OpenGL with somewhat stringent requirements)
    OpenGL swap buffer (OpenGL with looser requirements)
    More details »
  • Adobe Photoshop CC
    30 effects in Mercury Graphics Engine
  • Adobe Premiere Pro CC
    Mercury Playback Engine for real time video editing and accelerated rendering
    Accelerated effects (see full list below)
  • Adobe SpeedGrade CC
    Real time grading and finishing
  • Autodesk Maya
    Increased model complexity
    Larger scenes
  • Avid Media Composer
    Faster video effects
    Unique stereo 3D capabilities
  • Avid Motion Graphics
    Real time rendering
  • Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve
    Real time color correction
    Real time de-noising
    Note:
    DaVinci is able to use both the 2013 Mac Pro's internal AMD FirePro GPUs and external NVIDIA GPUs simultaneously.
    Open “Video I/O and GPU” preferences and disable "Use Display GPU for Compute" and set "GPU processing mode" to "OpenCL".
    By doing so, it utilizes 2013 Mac Pro's internal AMD FirePro D700s and BizonBOX NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti to render GPU intensive effects like Noise Reduction.
    Thanks to Rob-ART, Mad Scientist (madscientist@barefeats.com), http://barefeats.com for sharing this information.

  • OTOY Octane Render
    Faster rendering using CUDA
  • RED REDCINE-X
    Accelerated debayering
    Support for 2 GPUs
  • RED Giant Effects Suite
    Faster effects
  • RED Giant Magic Bullet Looks
    Faster effects
  • SketchUp
    Faster preview and rendering
  • SONY Vegas Pro
    Faster video effects and encoding
  • The Foundry HIERO
    Better interactivity
  • The Foundry NUKE & NUKEX
    Faster effects
  • The Foundry Mari
    Increased model complexity at interactive rates


Notes for Adobe Premiere, After Effects:
  • Encoding to an export format is done by the CPU, not the GPU.
  • Frame rate changes, frame blending is done by a suitable video card, for instance exporting to 24P from 29.97i or 60P. Here there is a clear performance gain from the video card.
  • Scaling is also helped by hardware MPE, for instance going from 4K to HD or from HD to SD. Again a clear performance gain.
  • Rendering for preview is helped by the video card (for accelerated effects).
  • RED, Arri and Cinema DNG all support GPU debayering and a good video card shows its value here (CC only).
Source »

Note that the list of "supported cards" by Adobe is completely irrelevant, out-of-date and incomplete.
The only thing that matters is that the video card has at least 1 GB of dedicated VRAM available.
For CS6 the 'hack' may be necessary to enable hardware MPE (for NVIDIA cards only).
For CC that is no longer necessary.


List of the effects and transitions that can be accelerated by CUDA in Adobe Premiere:
More details »





General Questions

Will the BizonBOX work on my Windows laptop (e.g. Dell, HP, Asus, MSI, etc.)?

If your laptop has a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port it is recommended you contact customer support.
At this time, we have not confirmed the use of specific Window based machines.. Testing is underway and a compatibility list will be updated as soon as it becomes available.


Will the BizonBOX work if my internal graphic card no longer works or has burned out?

It is recommending that you contact your laptop’s manufacture. External GPUs will not work as a replacement of internal graphics cards.

The BizonBOX doesn’t work. What should I do?

If your computer meets technical requirements but the graphics does not work please contact customer support.
If your purchase does not meet your needs or any other non-defective reason and you are wondering what your options are, please see our policies here.