Metal Capable GPU Mac: What You Need to Know

When it comes to installing El Capitan on older Macs, there are plenty of reasons to do so even if you don't get the benefit of Metal support. Features like Split View, improved Spotlight, enhanced Safari, Mail, and Notes, as well as easier-to-use Mission Control are just a few of the many benefits that come with installing this operating system.

It's worth noting that Apple has not yet posted system requirements for El Capitan on its website, but the developer beta does run on all Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite. This means that Macs manufactured in 2008 or later can run El Capitan without issue.

Intel's integrated graphics hardware is used extensively throughout the Mac product line, while discrete Nvidia and AMD graphics processors are used on certain systems like some 15-inch MacBook Pros, higher-end iMacs, and the Mac Pro. In fact, all graphics hardware made by Intel, Nvidia, and AMD can be used to run El Capitan.

However, it's important to note that macOS Mojave drops support for many older Mac models due to its reliance on Metal. This requires Intel HD and Iris Graphics 4000 series or newer, AMD GCN-based GPUs, or Nvidia Kepler- based GPUs or newer.

If you're looking at specific models of Macs that can run El Capitan, the following are compatible:

* iMac Retina 5K, 27-inch (late 2013 and later)

* MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (Mid 2012 and later)

* MacBook Pro 13-inch Retina (Late 2012 and later)

* MacBook Air 13-inch (Mid 2012 and later)

* MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2012 and later)

To view the activity levels of built-in and external GPUs, simply open Activity Monitor and choose Window > GPU History.

Finally, eGPU support in macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later is designed to accelerate Metal, OpenGL, and OpenCL apps and games that benefit from a powerful eGPU. This means that you can expect improved performance when using an eGPU with compatible Macs.

Overall, installing El Capitan on older Macs can be a great way to take advantage of its many features and improvements, even if your Mac isn't capable of running Metal-based apps and games.

Metal capable gpu mac