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Can I use a PC GFX card just for bootcamp?

A

afterworks

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 13, 2011
35
3
Manchester
I want to upgrade my graphics card in my Mac Pro, which is a 2.8 quad core, version 3.1.

I only really want to play games on Windows 7 so I was wondering whether or not I could just buy a Windows card and put it in with the ATI 2600 I have.

Use the new card for gaming in Windows and use the ATi for when I'm using OSX.

I use my Mac for audio production so I don't really need the new card to work under OSX.

I had thought about getting the ATI 5870 but it's silly expensive for what it is. Am I likely to gain anything by getting a 5870 to use in OSX aswell? As in it going to make my Mac any better?

Cheers!

Ben
 
I need to do anything special or just chuck it in to one of the slots and it'll start working in Windows?

Cheers!
 
Would this graphics card be ok?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-147-XF&tool=3


Can I just get this, find the right cables and then run both the ATI 2600 for OS X then the 5870 for Windows?

How will Windows know which card to choose?

Sorry guys, I know you probably get these questions a lot but I have no experience with flashing or anything like that. I haven't meddled inside a computer properly since building PC's for my audio work in about 7 years so I'm quite out of touch!
 
You'll need two monitor cables, one from each card. When you switch OS's you'll need to switch inputs on your monitor.

If your monitor only has one suitable input, you'll need a third-party monitor switcher or you'll have to manually swap the cables yourself.
 
ActionableMango said:
You'll need two monitor cables, one from each card. When you switch OS's you'll need to switch inputs on your monitor.

If your monitor only has one suitable input, you'll need a third-party monitor switcher or you'll have to manually swap the cables yourself.
Click to expand...

why would he need two monitor cables?


he only needs one, but needs to switch it to the right card.


afterworks: it will be fine. the card the computer uses is the one that the monitor is connected to.
 
Wicked stuff!!

So now I just need to find a way of powering both the cards? But basically I can run the card off the other Superdrive slot yeah?
 
Although, I've just spotted 2, 6 pin power connectors which are to the top left of the motherboard underneath the hard drive holders.

That right?
 
Just found that the card comes with a:

Included Accessories 6 pin power cable

So I can just whack that cable into the power things on by mobo and I'm away to go?!
 
Cindori said:
so? assuming he has one screen, he doesnt need more then 1 display cable.
Click to expand...

OP states he wants to use both cards:
Can I use a PC GFX card just for bootcamp?

Use the new card for gaming in Windows and use the ATi for when I'm using OSX.

I use my Mac for audio production so I don't really need the new card to work under OSX.
Click to expand...

If he uses two cards (it sounds like he wants to use new card for Windows only and old card for OS X only), then he either needs two cables or one cable and manually swap them.
 
ActionableMango said:
OP states he wants to use both cards:


If he uses two cards (it sounds like he wants to use new card for Windows only and old card for OS X only), then he either needs two cables or one cable and manually swap them.
Click to expand...

ok, well connecting both cards at the same time assumes he has two ports on his mointor.


i'd just flash the 5870 and get rid of the other card...
 
I had intended to use the 5870 alongside the 2600.

I'd just use the 5870 in Windows 7 for games, then the 2600 for OS X.

My monitor does has 1 DVI and 1 VGA input, but can I not just swap the cable over from 1 card to the other as and when I need to?

To be honest, I feel a little out of my depth when it comes to flashing the 5870. But I do like the idea of being able to run 3 screens for my audio work.

Having looked at another thread, would it just be better for me to get a 6870, as there's no flashing needed?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-188-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1866


Also, if I do flash or get a 6870, with there being no bootscreen, am I right in assuming I can just select bootcamp the usual way, just blind?

I've already placed an order for a 5870 but it won't get prcoessed until tomorrow so I still have time to change for a 6870. What you reckon?

Thanks again.
 
Do a search for "6870" in this forum. There is already a big honking thread about the relative merits and problems of the 5870 and 6870.
 
My 5870 will be here today!

I read through the threads of the other card. It does seem a bit easier in terms of flashing etc but the 5870 seems the better card.

As I'll only be using it for Windows I think I'll stick with the 5870 for now. I can always flash it if I do want to use it in OS X.
 
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