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Utilizing an eGPU to Optimize WindowServer Performance on macOS Sonoma

Offsetting WindowServer Usage to GPU on macOS Sonoma

Introduction:

WindowServer, responsible for rendering the graphical user interface on macOS, can be resource-intensive, particularly on systems with limited CPU power like the MBP 9,2. Using an external GPU (eGPU) can potentially offload these tasks, reducing the load on the CPU and improving overall system performance.

Guide Steps:

  1. Understanding WindowServer:

    • WindowServer handles all onscreen drawing and compositing for macOS. It's CPU-intensive, especially with multiple displays.

  2. eGPU Compatibility Check:

    • Ensure your MBP 9,2 model supports eGPU. Generally, Thunderbolt 3 connections are required, but some older models might have limited support through Thunderbolt 1 or 2.

  3. Selecting the Right eGPU:

    • Choose an eGPU that is known for good compatibility with macOS. AMD GPUs are generally preferred due to better native support in macOS.

  4. Setting Up the eGPU:

    • Connect the eGPU to your MacBook Pro using the Thunderbolt port.
    • macOS should recognize the eGPU automatically. If not, you may need to log out and log back in.

  5. Configuring Displays:

    • Connect your external monitors to the eGPU instead of the MacBook Pro.
    • Go to System Preferences > Displays to configure your display settings.

  6. Verifying WindowServer Offloading:

    • Open Activity Monitor and monitor the CPU usage by WindowServer.
    • With the eGPU connected and in use, you should notice reduced CPU load by WindowServer, indicating that rendering tasks are being offloaded to the eGPU.

  7. Optimizing Performance:

    • Close unnecessary applications and processes to free up resources.
    • Adjust display settings and resolutions to optimize performance.

  8. Testing and Troubleshooting:

    • Test the setup under normal usage conditions and monitor performance.
    • If performance issues persist, consider updating macOS, eGPU firmware, or adjusting eGPU settings.

  9. Community Feedback:

    • Engage with the Hackintosh community or Mac user forums for insights and shared experiences regarding eGPU usage for WindowServer tasks.
    • Users with similar setups, like those with Mac Pros or older iMacs, might have valuable input.

Conclusion:

Using an eGPU can potentially offload WindowServer tasks from the CPU, leading to better performance, especially in multi-display setups. However, compatibility and effectiveness can vary, so it's important to test your specific configuration. Always stay updated with macOS and eGPU firmware updates for optimal performance.

Offsetting WindowServer usage to GPU?

This might be better suited to the general r/MacOS, but I figured someone around here is more likely to have had similar issues.

I'm running Sonoma on a MBP 9,2 (i5, so 2 cores, 4 threads), and bug-wise it's going fine. However, it throttles very easily, even though I'm using an SSD and it has 16 GB of RAM. Most of the time the culprit is WindowServer.

I know what WindowServer does (pretty much draws everything onscreen), and the point is that most of the workarounds involve letting go of secondary screens. The setup I'm using the laptop involves multiple screens, so that's not an option.

Here's my idea: running an eGPU through the TB port (I know this part is doable), and having it do the WindowServer heavy lifting instead of the CPU (which I don't know if it's possible).

Has anyone here with WindowServer usage issues tried a similar approach? I know that doing that with an eGPU will be a very edge case, but perhaps someone had something similar working with a Mac Pro or a pre-2011 iMac. The main point is that I have no idea if macOS somehow offsets the WindowServer computing to the GPU if there's a graphics card with processing power available or if it just makes the CPU run it anyway.

submitted by /u/abemfica
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