How to use the command 'SafeEjectGPU' (with examples)

The SafeEjectGPU command is a specialized utility used for managing GPU resources in macOS. This command allows users to perform various operations related to GPU management, including ejecting GPUs safely, listing attached GPUs, determining which applications are utilizing specific GPUs, and more. By leveraging this tool, users can better manage their GPU resources, especially when dealing with multiple GPUs or external GPU setups.

Use case 1: Eject all GPUs

Code:

SafeEjectGPU Eject

Motivation:

Sometimes, users need to safely remove all GPUs from their system, especially when preparing to disconnect external GPUs or reconfigure their setup. By ensuring a safe ejection, you prevent data loss or corruption, particularly for applications currently using the GPU.

Explanation:

• SafeEjectGPU: The primary command for GPU management.
• Eject: An argument that tells the command to safely eject all currently active GPUs.

Example output:

Ejecting all GPUs...
Successfully ejected all GPUs.

Use case 2: List all GPUs attached

Code:

SafeEjectGPU gpus

Motivation:

Listing all attached GPUs is useful for gaining insight into the system’s current GPU configuration. This is particularly important for developers and users working with applications that require specific GPU resources or when optimizing system performance.

Explanation:

• SafeEjectGPU: The core command to manage GPUs.
• gpus: An argument that queries the system for all currently attached GPUs, returning their identifiers and specifications.

Example output:

GPU 0: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
GPU 1: AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

Use case 3: List apps using a GPU

Code:

SafeEjectGPU gpuid GPU_ID apps

Motivation:

Understanding which applications are utilizing a specific GPU is critical for resource management and troubleshooting. By identifying these apps, a user can adjust GPU allocations or resolve conflicts arising from multiple applications competing for the same resources.

Explanation:

• SafeEjectGPU: The command used for GPU-related operations.
• gpuid: A flag indicating operations will be performed on a specific GPU.
• GPU_ID: A placeholder where the user inputs the specific GPU’s identifier.
• apps: Requests a list of applications utilizing the specified GPU.

Example output:

Applications using GPU 0: 
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro

Use case 4: Get the status of a GPU

Code:

SafeEjectGPU gpuid GPU_ID status

Motivation:

Retrieving the status of a GPU can inform the user about the GPU’s performance and physical status. It’s an essential step for diagnosing hardware issues or verifying that a GPU is functioning as expected after installation or updates.

Explanation:

• SafeEjectGPU: The command for executing GPU management functions.
• gpuid: Indicates a specific GPU operation.
• GPU_ID: The identifier for the targeted GPU.
• status: Requests a status report on the named GPU, typically including health, temperature, usage statistics, etc.

Example output:

GPU 1 Status:
- Temperature: 65°C
- Utilization: 40%
- Fan Speed: 1800 RPM

Use case 5: Eject a GPU

Code:

SafeEjectGPU gpuid GPU_ID Eject

Motivation:

Ejecting a specific GPU safely is crucial when detaching an individual GPU for maintenance, replacement, or when shutting down an external GPU enclosure. It ensures ongoing processes are closed correctly, and no data corruption occurs.

Explanation:

• SafeEjectGPU: The main command for GPU operations.
• gpuid: Specifies which GPU to target.
• GPU_ID: The identifier for the specific GPU to eject.
• Eject: The action to remove the GPU safely from system management.

Example output:

Ejecting GPU 1...
Successfully ejected GPU 1.

Use case 6: Launch an app on a GPU

Code:

SafeEjectGPU gpuid GPU_ID LaunchOnGPU path/to/App.app

Motivation:

Launching an application on a specific GPU can optimize performance for graphics-intensive applications by ensuring they have access to appropriate resources. This control can significantly benefit users running complex simulations or rendering tasks requiring significant GPU power.

Explanation:

• SafeEjectGPU: The command involved in GPU management.
• gpuid: Directs the command to interact with a specific GPU.
• GPU_ID: The unique identifier of the targeted GPU.
• LaunchOnGPU: Command to initiate the chosen application using the specified GPU.
• path/to/App.app: The file path to the application being launched, ensuring it uses the designated GPU.

Example output:

Launching app on GPU 0...
Application successfully launched using GPU 0.

Conclusion:

The SafeEjectGPU command provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing GPU resources efficiently on macOS devices. Whether ejecting, listing, or assigning applications to specific GPUs, this command simplifies tasks that require precision and care, ultimately empowering users to maintain optimal GPU performance and configuration.