📚 node [[2020 11 07 journal]]

OK, I clicked the buttons and made what I think are all my final purchases for my Mac Mini, other than external storage.

But first: I bought an [[Asus VG289Q Monitor]] at Best Buy earlier this week. Got it home and the screen wouldn't stay on?

At first I thought the wimpy Mac Mini maybe couldn't drive it through HDMI and I needed a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter, but those adapters don't really exist. I looked around and the various HDMI cables now do have different "ratings" on them. I bought a short gold plated HDMI cable and yes! -- the monitor works fine.

I looked back and forth at various [[eGPU]] options. I decided the Razer Core X Chroma was the best enclosure for me. I plan on using it for both Windows and Mac over time, and as an external enclosure it's even possible to upgrade the video card.

I did read through the Bootcamp for eGPUs but I don't think I will attempt Bootcamp. Who knows how much longer it will be around / keep working as Apple transitions to ARM.

Looking at the EGPU.io builds filter with a Mac Mini and the Razer Core X Chroma selected helped me pick the graphics card to buy. There were only 2 Mac Mini builds listed, both using an AMD RX 5700 XT. I debated about getting a cheaper card, but I'd rather finish off my purchases now.

Then I was back in graphic card comparison hell, because the AMD RX 5700 XT is just a chipset (I guess???) and many different manufacturers put together the final cards.

I ended up with PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 8GB AXRX 5700XT 8GBD6-3DHE/OC, for $611CAD. No, I don't even totally understand what that means.

Hopeful that this Kingsdun Torx Screwdriver Set has what I need.

And ended up with a Vitade 1080p webcam with ring light as well.

I did experiment with [[Camo]] by Reincubate to use my iPhone as a webcam. I have an iPhone / iPad stand clamped to my desk, and it does work -- and with very good quality! But it's not like I can keep my iPhone clamped in there all the time.

📖 stoas
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