GPU recommendation needed

[O.N.Y.X]

Hi Everybody!

Seems like the built in standard Radeon 5770 of my 5,1 Mac Pro is getting long in the tooth- every time I resize windows or open/close a plugin window in Logic Pro X I'm getting clicks and pops and CPU loads temporarily shoot to max.

The Mac has plenty of headroom for audio as this even happens on an empty Logic project. I believe the 5770 either quickly runs out of RAM or OS X (10.11.6) doesn't like this old card anymore. I might be wrong though. If so, please enlighten me.

In case a new video card is needed, what would you suggest? I'm using this Mac exclusively with Logic Pro X.

 

[CreatePro]

HI O.N.Y.X,

The AMD R9 280X is a popular card which won't need any additional drivers in 10.11.

It has 3GB Vram, and is much smoother than the 5770 in the later versions of OS X.

 

[O.N.Y.X]

Thanks a lot! I'm assuming it's remove old one, plug in new one, done?

 

[CreatePro]

Yes. You would need an additional six to eight pin power cable as the 280X uses 1 x six and 1 x eight pin for power.

 

[chriz_r]

The AMD R9 280X is a popular card which won't need any additional drivers in 10.11.

This! And they're cheap when bought used. Just be careful of ebay ones selling the old mining rig video cards, because they most likely ran them at max load 24/7.

Thanks a lot! I'm assuming it's remove old one, plug in new one, done?

Yes, but with adapters as CreatePro mentioned. Hope you get it sorted out!

 

[h9826790]

If you looking for smooth UI but not GPU power. The RX460 may be another good choice. No boot screen avail, but it's new, cheap, avail everywhere. No extra cable needed. Much better power efficiency than the 280x. Should run cooler with less noise.

 

[sevichenko]

HI O.N.Y.X,

The AMD R9 280X is a popular card which won't need any additional drivers in 10.11.

It has 3GB Vram, and is much smoother than the 5770 in the later versions of OS X.

that's one of the bests

 

[O.N.Y.X]

Thanks for all the replies!

Yes, I'm primarily and exclusively looking for decent 2D performance on a 27" Cinema Display (had the cMP better support for 4k/5k displays I would've added that too).
So, the RX 460 is another option... this GPU is more modern and draws less power, but requires a bios mod. Tough decision lol
Regarding the 280: Does it have to be an "X" model or will a standard 280 do in my case?

 

[h9826790]

Thanks for all the replies!

Yes, I'm primarily and exclusively looking for decent 2D performance on a 27" Cinema Display (had the cMP better support for 4k/5k displays I would've added that too).
So, the RX 460 is another option... this GPU is more modern and draws less power, but requires a bios mod. Tough decision lol
Regarding the 280: Does it have to be an "X" model or will a standard 280 do in my case?

No BIOS mod required for RX460, it's plug and play, just no boot screen (same as any non flashed PC Card).

Both 280 and 280X works fine in cMP. If you don't need the extra GPU power. 280 is much easier to manager due to lower TDP. You can click the word "280" on my signature. That will link you to the card that I am using now.

 

[TheStork]

I'm running a 280X in my 2010 Mac Pro 5,1. I found the card on eBay for $100 early last year and had MacVidCards flash it for me. Runs like a champ. The 280X replaced the Mac HD 5770.

 

[O.N.Y.X]

I'm running a 280X in my 2010 Mac Pro 5,1. I found the card on eBay for $100 early last year and had MacVidCards flash it for me. Runs like a champ. The 280X replaced the Mac HD 5770.

You're not running Logic Pro X by any chance, are you? Is the increase in VRAM noticeable? I'm still waiting on a good deal on Ebay - some shops are selling overpriced "X-edition" cards that are actually regular 280s