Dead Mac Pro GPU, options?

TriedandTested · 30 Aug 2013 at 19:57

What are the most cost effective options to replace this faulty card? I don't need a powerhouse GPU, something low-med spec is fine.

I've seen a couple of mentions here about flashing cheaper PC GPUs with Mac BIOS. Is that the best route?

TriedandTested · 30 Aug 2013 at 20:19

Ooh, I like the sound of that. Will have a look.

TriedandTested · 30 Aug 2013 at 21:09

Just found this: http://www.tonymacx86.com/328-native-support-nvidia-gtx-650-ti-gtx-660-graphics-cards-10-8-3.html

"As part of the updated NVIDIA drivers in OS X 10.8.3, Apple has included native support for a few more mid-range NVIDIA graphics cards. The GeForce 650 Ti and GTX 660 now join the other Kepler GTX 640, 650, 660 Ti, 670 and 680 as fully supported cards. No extra injection or patches are needed for full graphics acceleration or to enable OpenCL."

This would for a 2008 Mac Pro....2008/2009 i'm sure. Can't check now as no display!

TriedandTested · 30 Aug 2013 at 21:14

Hold on...is that a Mac/Hack site I've quoted?!

TriedandTested · 31 Aug 2013 at 14:29

Thanks.

Do you think this would work: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-193-MS&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=2379

It seems to only need one PCI power cable, and there's already one of those in the Mac. I searched for an additional one...is it Apple Part No. 922-7128 I'm after?

The PSU is 300w in the Mac Pro, is that right? Is that sufficient for these bigger cards?

TriedandTested · 31 Aug 2013 at 14:53

Thanks. That's what i'm worried about. Is the one I linked to OK? It even says in the description:

"Lower power consumption (Maximum consumption 170 watts at stock speed)" - is that leaving enough for CPU/Mobo, 1 x SSD and 2xHDD?

TriedandTested · 31 Aug 2013 at 14:54

Hold that thought! I'm gonna check the PSU...found different information online suggesting 900w.

TriedandTested · 2 Sep 2013 at 00:18

Thanks for the help guys.

Will this do a decent job: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-193-MS

I don't want to spend too much, or have the high end card in there, just something that'll do a decent job.

Low power consumption and single 6-Pin PCI-E connector needed.

Sounds good?

TriedandTested · 2 Sep 2013 at 00:19

dav3evans said:
I would have thought that if buying a new card, something that is compatible without flashing would be better to avoid any warranty issues down the road, on the off chance that it breaks etc... Saves the risk of having to shell out for another card should it be flashed and something goes wrong.

That's just me being overly cautious and thinking about the OP's wallet of course

I don't believe you have to flash them, only if you want the boot screen to appear. At least that's what I've understood from reading up.

TriedandTested · 2 Sep 2013 at 13:36

Went with this in the end: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-199-EA

Will let you know how it goes.

About the booting 'issue'; when does the display appear? At the login prompt or at desktop? Would I need to be able to enable automatic logins if it's the latter?

TriedandTested · 3 Sep 2013 at 22:54

Well it worked. Haven't had a chance to fully test it yet but popped it in and it's recognised in the system summary. Thanks for all the help.