3 x 27" Cinema Display Setup, 2 x Graphics card & Mercury Accelsior, will they fit?

[spacedesign911]

Hi all, Im running 2 27" Apple cinema displays on my 2012 Mac Pro Hex Core with the ATI 5870 card.

I wish to add a third 27" Apple cinema display and whilst discussing this with the Apple store they tell me I need to add either another 5770 or 5870 card to the Mac Pro.

I intend working off a Mercury Accelsior PCI Card when Mountain Loin debuts. Can all these 3 items fit? and if so do I need to keep the Mercury Accelsior PCI Card in a particular slot for best performance? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[Inconsequential]

You *can't* easily run a 5770+5870 in a Mac Pro IIRC as the 5770 requires a 6-pin PCI-E power connector.

Your options are, in order of ease (best at the top).

1. Buy a GT120
2. Buy two 5770s and ditch the 5870.
3. Wire up a split 6 pin so all three connectors share power.

The accelerator card goes in slot 4 (top) and the GT120 goes in slot 2.

 

[spacedesign911]

Hi Concorde thanks for the reply, can I ask why its not easy to connect the 2 cards? I was under the impression I could, and Apple themselves have suggested I do, however thats sales, so I appreciate your opinion.

Here is a guy running 3 screens with 1 x 5870 and and 1 x 5770 and its running ok, but he doesn't have a mercury accelsior.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI2zsK341hI&feature=plcp

I see however he has an updated setup with 2 x 5870 cards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=ODqakW3M8bo&annotation_id=annotation_35310

 

[jenzjen]

You *can't* easily run a 5770+5870 in a Mac Pro IIRC as the 5770 requires a 6-pin PCI-E power connector.

I"m easily running a 5870 + 5770; the only extra item required is a $5 splitter to create a power source for the 5770. I can't say whether the Mercury card you want would fit since both cards are dual height leaving you only 1 x4 slot left.

Coincidentally enough, those videos are from the same person who shows you all you need is said $5 power cord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui6q_6k1vxA&feature=plcp

 

[saulinpa]

Other option is external. Convert the DVI to mdp

http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-Dual-Link-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-USB-Powered.html

 

[spacedesign911]

I'll check in with OWC and see what they say about the pci ssd fitting, on a side note how is graphic performance running 3 screens from a 5870, should I spend the cash on the extra graphics card over the Altona?

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I"m easily running a 5870 + 5770; the only extra item required is a $5 splitter to create a power source for the 5770. I can't say whether the Mercury card you want would fit since both cards are dual height leaving you only 1 x4 slot left.

Coincidentally enough, those videos are from the same person who shows you all you need is said $5 power cord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui6q_6k1vxA&feature=plcp

Would you have a link to your splitter? Amazon have a lot of options, 6 pin 4 pin etc.

 

[jenzjen]

I tried the Atlona before buying the 5770. If you only use the Mac OS, give it a shot since it pushes the full resolution to the 3rd monitor. If you use Windows/boot camp, it is a no go since it will only push 720p to that 3rd monitor, which looks horrible.

The splitter I bought is StarTech.com PCIEXSPLIT6 6-Inch PCI Express Power Splitter Cable.

 

[spacedesign911]

Thanks Jenzjen, mac os only here, did you feel the single card was stressed feeding 3 screens? Is there a difference with 2 cards feeding the 3 screens?, 50 euro difference in the Atlona and a 5770?

 

[jenzjen]

I didn't notice a difference but am not gaming or heavy visual work so don't think I stress it to begin with. In the US, there is a 200 difference in cost since the Atlona is ~50 at Amazon.

 

[Mr Ski 73]

I'll check in with OWC and see what they say about the pci ssd fitting, on a side note how is graphic performance running 3 screens from a 5870, should I spend the cash on the extra graphics card over the Altona?

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The Accelsior is a 2X card, any slot will do

 

[spacedesign911]

Just a note to thank Jenzjen, for the heads, ups, 3rd 27" LED screen arrived with a 5770 card from apple, I ordered a couple of Dr Bott Minidisplay port and USB extension leads, and the Startech 6 pin PCI splitter from Amazon, should have this all connected in a day or so, I'll let you know how it goes.