@jakemm said:

Does the GPU actually make much of a difference to SketchUp itself? I've heard conflicting comments, and I guess with the eGPU it's easy to see the difference as you can just unplug it.

I don't know for sure - and it's difficult to get definitive results online. I've maxed the ram out on my 2016 MacBook Pro - so this the only option I have to improve performance.

When I get my eGPU, I'll post any feedback here.

@ntxdave said:

Anyone else get a Cyber Monday promotional email about Sketchup?

Two things interesting:

• I already have a 2018 Pro license and have already paid the annual maintenance fee. Why did I get the email.
• Seems to be a message that 2019 may not be coming out all that soon (otherwise why a promotion for 2018)

I did receive one and had the same thoughts. I'll be pretty disappointed is Sketchup 2019 doesn't come out soon.

I'm putting off some hardware purchases until it comes out.

@ntxdave said:

@thorleyian said:

I chose excited but not making a fuss about it, I imagine I’ll get labelled “evangelist” or something for that. I’d just call it quiet optimism.

I have a feeling today might be “the” day, with nothing to back up that theory though.

Agree with your first part but still betting on next so they do not have to have support staff on call during the Thanksgiving holidays.

My youthful exuberance is hoping today/tomorrow - but I like your guess better!

@juju said:

How close/accurate should one expect annual releases to be to the definition of annual, ie. how much "grace" would be reasonable? Asking for a friend...

I like the way Apple does it - you know in September they're going to release an iPhone. They announce the presentation date a few weeks out. In the presentation, they give the day everyone can order and when you'll receive it. It's always around the same time.

It would help if they announced a release date a month before releasing it.

Thanks kaas!

I'll have a look at the link. I think I've mostly decided on the Sonnet Box. The Radeon RX Vega Frontier looks like its more geared for workstation applications than gaming and the Blackmagic eGPU isn't upgradable.

Thanks again,

Peter

I run Sketchup 2018 on a 2016 Macbook Pro (16GB RAM, Radeon Pro 460 with 4GB RAM). Unfortunately, this was the most RAM and best video card available at the time.

Since it has USB C Thunderbolt 3 ports, it's capable of connecting a eGPU to it... so I'm considering getting one.

I've boiled it down to these two:

Sonnet Box with Radeon RX Vega 64 Frontier -https://www.sonnetstore.com/collections/egpu-expansion-systems/products/egfx-breakaway-box-650-bundle-vega64-frontier-edition

Blackmagic eGPU Pro with Radeon RX Vega 56 - https://www.apple.com/ca/shop/product/HMQT2VC/A/blackmagic-egpu-pro?fnode=1482c577059bb91a0144c1d6d8022de89364d4a30627318715ed39e9a0404ccdcf71ff5d0d9bfafd5eca2c8b03fb1a711ce8cb955a5f9d050ef58e2ff67ec256b0e43e22077602f5703d1cc615480f0a265ed6354b5e7fbf431d92f669c2fe28

My question is - does anyone have any experience with eGPU's? Do they improve performance much?

I can't find a lot online. I'm hoping someone here may have some experience with them.

Thanks,

Peter

The last four releases were either on a Monday or a Tuesday... so most likely early next week?