21.5 Mid 2010 [11,2] GPU Upgrade

[justmikii]

Hey everyone.

I don’t know much about compatibility when it comes to motherboards and CPU/GPUs. I was wanting to know what is the best CPU and best GPU that I can put into this computer that is still compatible? After reading a ton of articles, forum threads, and watching a bunch of videos, I think for a CPU I am going to get an i7 870s.

I have no idea what to get for a GPU. I know its an old computer but I want to max it out as best I can. At a minimum, I want to be able to run Big Sur with no major issues. I know there are some issues with not being able to use Maps on it (but in my opinion, who uses the maps on a desktop computer?). I've taken this on as a project but this is my first time doing it.


Please help!

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hey everyone.

I don’t know much about compatibility when it comes to motherboards and CPU/GPUs. I was wanting to know what is the best CPU and best GPU that I can put into this computer that is still compatible? After reading a ton of articles, forum threads, and watching a bunch of videos, I think for a CPU I am going to get an i7 870s.

I have no idea what to get for a GPU. I know its an old computer but I want to max it out as best I can. At a minimum, I want to be able to run Big Sur with no major issues. I know there are some issues with not being able to use Maps on it (but in my opinion, who uses the maps on a desktop computer?). I've taken this on as a project but this is my first time doing it.


Please help!

Core i7 870s is rare and expensive.
i7 860s is easier to find.

For GPU, just stay with the current GPU if it's not dead yet.

If money is not a matter to you, then I suggest WX4150 4GB, but success ratio is low. need a lot of hack to get the gpU up and running.

Quadro K2100m also worth consideration.

 

[KennyW]

Core i7 870s is rare and expensive.
i7 860s is easier to find.

For GPU, just stay with the current GPU if it's not dead yet.

If money is not a matter to you, then I suggest WX4150 4GB, but success ratio is low. need a lot of hack to get the gpU up and running.

Quadro K2100m also worth consideration.

Agree with most of the suggestions.

But I would advise a AMD WX4130 than WX4150 or nVidia K2100M, since both the WX4130 & K2100M are cheaper than WX4150, which has too many versions in the market and many not compatible with iMacs, especially the HP versions. Besides, the Finder interface is more responsive with AMD cards due to the better Metal implementation. The latest Mac vBIOS of the WX4130 has all shaders unlocked, pushing its performance very close to the WX4150. It is more available in the market with fewer variations and most of the time should work if not of HP brand.