What are the possible repurcussions of unplugging an eGPU without ‘ejecting’ it?

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So, at least on macOS, your computer may complain when you simply unplug a Thunderbolt / PCIe GPU:

macOS error message when eGPU unplugged: GPU not disconnected properly

I've basically been ignoring this, so far — when my computer is asleep, it takes a substantial time for it to wake up, and all my displays to turn on and become responsive. When it's time to leave the house, I don't really want to sit down at the computer, wake it up, attach my smartcard, log in, and select ‘eject eGPU.’

So: What downsides are there, to simply unplugging a PCIe (via Thunderbolt) GPU from a laptop? Especially any specific to Macs?

ELLIOTTCABLE

Posted 2018-12-25T06:59:01.170

Reputation: 1 207

I'm pretty sure GPU drivers run in kernel space, so I imagine a kernel panic (full system crash requiring reboot) is a possibility. – Spiff – 2018-12-25T17:44:12.610

Hardware-wise you should be safe as the port is hot pluggable, but you should always follow the proper procedure – Keltari – 2018-12-26T12:18:49.057

No answers

Asked: 2018-12-25T06:59:01.170

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Active: 2018-12-25T06:59:01.170