Cheap alternative to HD 2600 XT for my '08 Pro?

[forgetcolor]

I have an early 2008 Mac Pro w/ the original graphics card. The card is glitching out more and more---a lot more since Mavericks, but it was giving me trouble before then too. (By glitching out I mean the video goes glitch and stalls and a hard reset of the machine is all I can do to get going again).

I see Apple had an exchange program for these cards, but it ended nearly a year ago (sigh).

Anyway, I've found mention of the 5770 as a replacement but they're $200+. I want something cheap that will work w/ Mavericks and run two DVI monitors. I'm not doing any heavy lifting w/ this machine anymore---mostly it's backups, Spotify, scanning, and web.

Any suggestions for a budget card for this machine? Or is there a list of Mavericks-compatible cards that work w/ the '08 Pro?

Thanks

 

[pastrychef]

Do you need boot screen? If not, the Nvidia GT 640 cards are quite cheap and do not require auxiliary power.

 

[NOTNlCE]

Just going to recommend what I did - Check your local computer stores, Keppler 600 series GPUs are often on clearance. I picked up a GTX 660 for just over $100, that's almost 5x the performance, and got a nice Mac Pro video cable on Ebay for just over $6, shipped. I'm still using my 2600 XT, as VGA is being weird with the 660, plus it gives me a boot screen. Just suggesting you check out local deals.

 

[forgetcolor]

Do you need boot screen? If not, the Nvidia GT 640 cards are quite cheap and do not require auxiliary power.

yes that's the kind of price I was hoping for. what do I lose without boot screen? not sure what you mean. are you saying I couldn't do single user mode or something?

 

[pastrychef]

When you first turn on your computer, you will not see anything on the monitor until the operating system is fully loaded. In other words, you won't see the gray screen with Apple logo in the middle and the screen will remain blank until the desktop is loaded. This can be a problem if you need the boot menu (holding Option key when powering up).

I purchased my GT 640 for about $60 from Ebay a few months ago. It will be significantly faster than your 2600 XT.

I also recommend keeping your 2600 XT around in case you ever need to see the boot screen since it is still semi-functional.