HD5870 in MP3,1

[Killerbob]

Hi,

My "good ol'" Mac Pro (early 2008) started having kernel panics yesterday, and using Apple Hardware Test, elimination method and a lot of patience, I eventually narrowed it down to the ATI HD4870 graphics card.

I still have the original NVidea GT8800, so that one is back in the MP and it is now running fine. However, I have to use an old monitor, because the 8800GT does not have DisplayPort.

Here in Denmark it is not easy to find an ATI HD4870, but I can get the ATI HD5770 and the HD5870, and I see from numerous posts that will work. I.e. I will not have any boot screen issues, and no compatibility in Mountain Lion.

But, what about the power cables? I already have two of the 6-pin connection, which used to supply the HD4870. And, what about space inside the cabinet? Will the HD5870 fit straight in? And finally, is there anything I am missing?

/Bo

 

[bax2003]

It will work just fine and fit perfectly. If you get Apple one, you will get all the cables inside the box, but if you are getting a second hand one, look for the description. Quite a few sellers do not send mini PCIe 6pin cables with the card, just the card in antistatic bag. Be careful.

About Apple 5870, I described everything in my thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1375544/

 

[Killerbob]

Hi,

Thanks for the confirmation. I'm ordering the Apple HD5870 this week!

Going back to my HD4870 card. What can happen to a card, after two years (almost to the date) of running just fine, that causes these Kernel Panics? It has been a few very warm days, and initially I figured it was the RAM, which was running at 85 degrees celsius, but all 8 sticks tested fine. And, after I installed the original GT8800 card it is working just fine.

I even tried the HD4870 in the other 16x slot, but it crashed the MP in a few minutes. Also, it couldn't finish the AHT with the HD4870, so it was obviously the graphics card that was the culprit.

So, what can it be on the card, and it is simply a write-off?

/Bo

 

[MacVidCards]

blast it out with compressed air.

Electronics die in a direct line with how hot they are.

 

[Killerbob]

Are you saying it could work afterwards?

 

[bax2003]

Are you saying it could work afterwards?

No, he meant that dust can affect cooling performance of the card.
4870 is very powerful card and should have best possible cooling.

So, dust off the cooler first.