MP 7,1 Its up and running: 2x VII + 580X

[Passingby]

It's the fastest compute card AMD has, so it has its place.

Do you have sales figures on Mi50 and Mi60?

I looked for those sales figures some months ago when Linus mentioned something like how they sold badly and the dead stock were rebadged as VII/Vega Series II, but I couldn't find them. Very hard to find a retailer who wanted to stock it. All the retailers I saw listed it as 'pre-order' and then delisted it.

The Instinct cards aren't even mentioned in this video comparing performance of professional apps on all GPUs. Nvidia won the majority of these tests very comfortably.

 

[Pressure]

I looked for those sales figures some months ago when Linus mentioned something like how they sold badly and the dead stock were rebadged as VII/Vega Series II, but I couldn't find them. Very hard to find a retailer who wanted to stock it. All the retailers I saw listed it as 'pre-order' and then delisted it.

The Instinct cards aren't even mentioned in this video comparing performance of professional apps on all GPUs. Nvidia won the majority of these tests very comfortably.

Do you know who the customers were for those cards?

They are data center and HPC GPUs with support for SR-IOV (Single-Root I/O Virtualization). Google Stadia uses them for example.

 

[Passingby]

Do you know who the customers were for those cards?

They are data center and HPC GPUs with support for SR-IOV (Single-Root I/O Virtualization). Google Stadia uses them for example.

I don't know where that information comes from. Stadia is using a custom AMD processor that doesn't have remotely the same specs as Vega 20. If they used Instinct cards their electric consumption would be off the charts and not suitable for this.

It looks and performs like low power custom silicon based on the Vega 56 but clocked much higher.

'Google Stadia Features Configuration Processor GPU Streaming Gaming and chip clocked at 2.7 GHz, with 9.5 MB cache L2 + L3 .'

Google Stadia Features Configuration Processor GPU Gaming Requirements

Officially Google Stadia features with processor clocked at 2.7 GHz with AVX2 with 16 GB of RAM. AMD GPU with HBM2 memory, 56 computing units and 10.7 TFLOP & SSD storage

googlestadiamobile.com

Google Stadia GPU To Be Based on 14nm AMD Vega Architecture

The Details of Google Stadia GPU has been leaked online. The streaming console from Google will use a Vega Graphics from AMD instead of the speculated Navi. The information comes from the Khronos' Vulcan API product listings. The Google Stadia is listed as "Google Games Platform Gen 1 AMD GCN 1.5)".

fossbytes.com

Google scores a custom AMD GPU to power its Stadia cloud gaming hardware | TechCrunch

Google's new Stadia game streaming service may be great for people who don't own a powerful PC or console, but those games have to run somewhere — specifically, in a Google datacenter. And the hardware they run on will be largely powered by a custom graphics card from AMD that, on paper at...

techcrunch.com

 

[MarkC426]

One thing to remember is that the Radeon VII is not on Apple’s GPU support list. Probably for reasons like this.

I’m sure they’ll fix it and get it on the supported list. And we know it works well enough in the drivers. But worth repeating at present the Radeon VII is _not_ an officially supported card by Apple in any configuration.

If I actually get a 7.1 at some point, personally I will stick with the Apple branded gpu’s and take the hit.
(the bonus of all Apple hardware usually means no issues)

This is like the old 5.1 days, when Apple sold all extras (hdd/ssd/gpu) I would only buy the official stuff.
It was only once no more upgrades existed I moved to the RX580 (which was approved).

 

[shuto]

This Radeon vii not being fully supported sadly is one more reason for me not to get a Mac Pro.

no nvidia and not quite working Radeon vii. Sad times.

 

[tomwildcat9]

My 7,1 arrived a few hours ago. 16 Core/580X/32GB RAM/2TB

Since launch day on the 10th, I've been heavily debating on whether I should order with the Vega II, or save some money and add a pair of VIIs instead (and potentially have GPU power approaching a Vega II duo for 1/5th the upgrade price).

I ended up going the VII route. It all fits fine and there doesn't seem to be any issues with power. I spaced them out a bit to allow sufficient airflow.

View attachment 884930

So far I've barely had a chance to try anything out. Unfortunately my 3rd party RAM didn't arrive today (I have 6x32GB Micron DIMMS that will be here tomorrow).

I'm doing my best to try some benchmarks that people with Vega IIs have tried. I've tried the Unigen Heaven "Extreme" preset, and was pretty happy how it compared to the Vega II that Max Tech tried last week. I'll note that the 2nd VII was completely idle for this test, so this is only one of them at work. Its also interesting to note that the single VII was only using about 20% of its memory throughout the test (but spiked to 100% processor use at times).

VII - Score: 2351
Max Tech's Vega II - Score - 2936

As far as the Geekbench 5.1 Tests go, I'm getting the following
VII #1 - 63749 Metal
VII #2 - 63169 Metal

The 16 Core scores in Geekbench 5.1
1167 Single
14095 Multi

Based on the GB5 GPU tests I'm pretty happy with my decision to go the VII route. The performance seems to be knocking on the door of the Vega II.

I'd love to find a few benchmarks that utilize both GPUs. I've never really been one to run benchmarks on anything, so I'm open to any suggestions on some things to try.

This is the most high end computer that I've ever owned. Once I get all the "new system benchmarks" out of my mind, I'll be putting it to use with video editing in Davinci Resolve and Premiere. I'm confident it'll serve me well for many years to come. Very excited to do some real work with it (and will be glad to not have to think about another computer purchase for many years!)

@Z28McCrory I am having the except same issue with adding 1 Vega II card to my new Mac Pro (considering adding a second).

I set up the Mac Pro and installed the Vega II and went to dinner and then came home and my wife said "Something sounds like it is taking off in your office", lol

I think Apple ignored this issue since the MPX modules are fanless, hoping they fix it soon.

I went with the 12 core option and upgraded the Ram from 32GB to 192GB I bought from Amazon. Also, I got a 2 TB Samsung m.2 970 Pro, I was able install macOS on it and then use the hard drive that came with the computer for windows since the m.2 is faster.

Absolutely love this machine, Apple killed it!

 

[tsialex]

@Z28McCrory Also, I got a 2 TB Samsung m.2 970 Pro, I was able install macOS on it and then use the hard drive that came with the computer for windows since the m.2 is faster.

I saw that you are using the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 card, did you get it working with more than one M.2 blade? This card don't work with MP5,1 at all and we want to know if it works for more than one blade with MP7,1.

 

[tomwildcat9]

I saw that you are using the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 card, did you get it working with more than one M.2 blade? This card don't work with MP5,1 at all and we want to know if it works for more than one blade with MP7,1.

I only have one drive in it right now. I was going to add more soon, I might do it sooner than later now that you said that and googling about it, seeing a lot of issues from people in the hackintosh community. Will let you know if I get another one in it in the next week.

 

[tsialex]

I only have one drive in it right now. I was going to add more soon, I might do it sooner than later now that you said that and googling about it, seeing a lot of issues from people in the hackintosh community. Will let you know if I get another one in it in the next week.

I'm expecting that it won't work for more than one, since the PCIe slots are behind a switch and this Asus Hyper M.2 x16 card requires Intel PCI Express Lane Partitioning support.

Please test and see if you can get it working.
[automerge]1577592020[/automerge]
Btw, it works with one blade with any slot?

 

[Z28McCrory]

@Z28McCrory I am having the except same issue with adding 1 Vega II card to my new Mac Pro (considering adding a second).

I set up the Mac Pro and installed the Vega II and went to dinner and then came home and my wife said "Something sounds like it is taking off in your office", lol

I think Apple ignored this issue since the MPX modules are fanless, hoping they fix it soon.

I went with the 12 core option and upgraded the Ram from 32GB to 192GB I bought from Amazon. Also, I got a 2 TB Samsung m.2 970 Pro, I was able install macOS on it and then use the hard drive that came with the computer for windows since the m.2 is faster.

Absolutely love this machine, Apple killed it!

Nice configuration.

I’m still waiting for my Ram (I also have 192 GB on the way, had a bad experience with Newegg where I paid for 1 day air, yet they shipped ground). The system is so fast in general though, that even with the 32 GB it’s so much faster than my 6,1 that I’ve been loving it so far.

Sorry to hear you’re having the same experience with the VII (btw, it’s officially called VII instead of Vega II). I hope enough people use the VII cards that Apple can’t ignore this fan issue.

How do you like the 970 Pro? I’m considering adding one (or two...or four...) to use as a dedicated media cache/scratch/optimize drive simply so I can keep it separate from my 2TB T2 SSD.

 

[zhpenn]

got one question
about the reference video card and the non-reference video card.
are they all compatible with apple?

because there are aftermarket cards with higher clock speed but the same chip or less fan, but cheaper price etc.

will it compatible with mac? or if I want the best compatible with mac will need to use a reference video card?

for example, if II want to get a VII, is that I just need to search online and buy any brand with VII chip cards on the market will be compatible, or I need to find an OEM(reference card) one to make it work in Mac without problem?

thanks a lot.

 

[Z28McCrory]

got one question
about the reference video card and the non-reference video card.
are they all compatible with apple?

because there are aftermarket cards with higher clock speed but the same chip or less fan, but cheaper price etc.

will it compatible with mac? or if I want the best compatible with mac will need to use a reference video card?

for example, if II want to get a VII, is that I just need to search online and buy any brand with VII chip cards on the market will be compatible, or I need to find an OEM(reference card) one to make it work in Mac without problem?

thanks a lot.

From my understanding, all Radeon VIIs are essentially “reference cards”, regardless of the brand. Unlike some GPUs, the VIIs were all limited from the original manufacturer in terms of clock speed, etc.

My VIIs are branded as XFX. An article I found via a google search prior to buying them (I think I searched for someone like “which VII is best” or “what are the differences between different branded VIIs”) again stated they’re basically all the same though.

 

[Average Pro]

Z28Mc,
I want to thank you for providing so much useful information. As one of the first to acquire the Mac Pro you're providing so much important feedback which will only benefit everyone else who buys the Mac Pro in the coming weeks and months. Please keep it up.

 

[zhpenn]

From my understanding, all Radeon VIIs are essentially “reference cards”, regardless of the brand. Unlike some GPUs, the VIIs were all limited from the original manufacturer in terms of clock speed, etc.

My VIIs are branded as XFX. An article I found via a google search prior to buying them (I think I searched for someone like “which VII is best” or “what are the differences between different branded VIIs”) again stated they’re basically all the same though.

how about 5700 xt? are they essentially “reference cards”?
or if future other model video cared that non-reference, will it working ok in Mac, or need to sitck to reference? thanks a lot

 

[Z28McCrory]

Z28Mc,
I want to thank you for providing so much useful information. As one of the first to acquire the Mac Pro you're providing so much important feedback which will only benefit everyone else who buys the Mac Pro in the coming weeks and months. Please keep it up.

This forum was a huge help to me in the weeks/months leading up to this purchase, so I was glad to be able to post this. Happy to hear it’s helpful.
[automerge]1577641771[/automerge]

how about 5700 xt? are they essentially “reference cards”?
or if future other model video cared that non-reference, will it working ok in Mac, or need to sitck to reference? thanks a lot

I don’t know about the 5700s. I admittedly only researched the VII (it especially interested me when I discovered it was essentially the same as the Vega II, just with less VRAM), so I didn’t look much beyond that.

 

[tomwildcat9]

Nice configuration.

I’m still waiting for my Ram (I also have 192 GB on the way, had a bad experience with Newegg where I paid for 1 day air, yet they shipped ground). The system is so fast in general though, that even with the 32 GB it’s so much faster than my 6,1 that I’ve been loving it so far.

Sorry to hear you’re having the same experience with the VII (btw, it’s officially called VII instead of Vega II). I hope enough people use the VII cards that Apple can’t ignore this fan issue.

How do you like the 970 Pro? I’m considering adding one (or two...or four...) to use as a dedicated media cache/scratch/optimize drive simply so I can keep it separate from my 2TB T2 SSD.

I know, I keep calling it the Vega II (which it should be called) instead of VII like it is actually named.

I am seeing about a 10 to 12% improvement in read and write speeds with the 970 Pro and easier to expand with. My only worry is with what @tsialex pointed out with the ASUS card I got. Planning on getting another stick of memory next week sometime and hoping for no issues.

 

[Z28McCrory]

I know, I keep calling it the Vega II (which it should be called) instead of VII like it is actually named.

I am seeing about a 10 to 12% improvement in read and write speeds with the 970 Pro and easier to expand with. My only worry is with what @tsialex pointed out with the ASUS card I got. Planning on getting another stick of memory next week sometime and hoping for no issues.

Yeah the naming is confusing. Especially since the VII supposedly got its name because it was “Vega Series II”, and then people started saying it as 7 instead as a nod to the 7nm chip architecture. When the new Mac Pro was first announced this summer, and I started trying to research the “Vega II” it came with, I just assumed VII and Vega II meant the same thing... didn’t realize it was even a different card until I noticed the different amount of VRAM.

I also found it interesting that people refer to the VII as a discontinued card... but in reality it wasn’t really discontinued for normal reasons... it was only discontinued because they didn’t have the capacity to produce enough of the processors to keep making it while also starting production for the Apple version...the Vega II (which is the same processor). So that further adds to the confusion. In my mind there are basically just 2 versions of the Vega II. The 16GB version they sold as the stand-alone VII, and the 32GB MPX version they made for Apple.

That’s at least how I justified the purchase, and why the VII seemed liked it made so much sense to go with (and why I’m so baffled that it has this weird fan bug...)

I’m curious what you find out about the M.2 card. I’m mainly interested in adding two in a striped raid to use as a fast cache/scratch/optimized media drive. 4 would be overkill, but 2 seems just about right.

 

[Xteec]

I am seeing about a 10 to 12% improvement in read and write speeds with the 970 Pro and easier to expand with. My only worry is with what @tsialex pointed out with the ASUS card I got. Planning on getting another stick of memory next week sometime and hoping for no issues.

I am also extremely interested in the answer to this. I have this ASUS card in a box that I intend to return because of this potential issue. My problem is my Mac Pro has still not been shipped 😂 so I also can’t test it.

it would be awesome if you could post your findings in this pinned thread which has a wiki post about which pci adaptor cards work with each Mac Pro model.

PCIe SSDs - NVMe & AHCI

This is a general info thread for blade SSDs that can be used in the Mac Pro. This is a WikiPost so anyone with the proper credentials may edit it. NVMe SSDs can be used as a boot drive in the MP5,1 and MP6,1 with the latest firmware installed (beginning with version 140.0.0.0.0 for MP5,1 and...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[bxs]

Yeah I’m sitting here trying to think of anything.

None of the 3rd party fan control apps seem to be able to even see anything about the VIIs (downloaded a couple to see if there was any chance of finding a setting in there that could help).

I love the performance, but this was a real punch in the stomach when I realized what was happening (after spending the entire day getting everything transferred over, setup, etc). Things were going so smooth that I didn’t think of this as a possibility (I didn’t even unopen the 2nd VII until after I had checked everything I could think of with the first one, just in case I had to return both or one of them... so that I wouldn’t be charged restocking fees)

I figure since Apple chose to use a Vega II as their official BTO upgrade card, that the Radeon VII would be a safe alternative (since the Vega II is essentially a VII with more VRAM).

Time to get some sleep and try to continue forward with this tomorrow.

One approach to this issue would be to send in a Problem Report to Apple along with some screen shots, explanation of the steps to reproduce the issue and a sysdiagnose report. From my experience, Apple tends to push the new MAC system issues to the top of the problem list for quick attention.

 

[GamerZer0]

I also bought a Radeon VII for my new Mac Pro... and faced the same issues noted in this thread. Am using the Mac Pro with a 55" LG OLED as monitor. Display shows "No Signal" waking the Mac Pro from "Sleep". have to reconnect HDMI cable most of the times. DP to HDMI cable doesn't work at all. So... am back to stock GPU 😒
[automerge]1577649915[/automerge]
580X vs Radeon VII

 

[Z28McCrory]

I also bought a Radeon VII for my new Mac Pro... and faced the same issues noted in this thread. Am using the Mac Pro with a 55" LG OLED as monitor. Display shows "No Signal" waking the Mac Pro from "Sleep". have to reconnect HDMI cable most of the times. DP to HDMI cable doesn't work at all. So... am back to stock GPU 😒
[automerge]1577649915[/automerge]
580X vs Radeon VII

View attachment 885454View attachment 885455

I haven't ran into the issue with HDMI.

I have two LG 4k monitors hooked up via a DP to DP cable. I have a 3rd 4k display (a Samsung TV) hooked up via an HDMI to HDMI cable. Everything wakes up properly.

I'll also note that when I first tested everything, I was only using the 4k Samsung TV (I still had my old Mac Pro hooked up to the 4k LG monitors) and via HDMI, and it also woke up fine when it was the only display.

So maybe you just have a cable thats buggy?

 

[GamerZer0]

Seeing that Apple doesn't support the Radeon VII (in name 👉 Apple eGPU support) AND as noted by one member here the Sonnet document highlighted this bug... I will return the Radeon VII and get an RX 5700 XT instead.

 

[goMac]

Seeing that Apple doesn't support the Radeon VII (in name 👉 Apple eGPU support) AND as noted by one member here the Sonnet document highlighted this bug... I will return the Radeon VII and get an RX 5700 XT instead.

For graphics the 5700 XT _seems_ like a better option than the Radeon VII anyway. It frequently benches as well or better for a fraction of the price.

Radeon VII/Vega 2 looks like the king of compute though.

 

[aerialbyte]

Display shows "No Signal" waking the Mac Pro from "Sleep". have to reconnect HDMI cable most of the times. DP to HDMI cable doesn't work at all. So... am back to stock GPU 😒

I have 2 x LG Ultrafine 27" via TB3 and one LG 34UC88B (Ultrawide) via USB-C to DisplayPort. When I restart the Mac Pro, none of the monitors will work. Even if I unplug all the monitors and plug them back in, I get no signal on all three monitors. After many restarts and trying different monitor configurations, the root cause ended up being the USB-C to DisplayPort cable I was using with the Ultrawide. I replaced the cable with an HDMI cable directly to the Pro Vega II from the Ultrawide and the problem went away.

The no signal problem was not there when waking from sleep though, only when restarting or doing a cold boot.

 

[GamerZer0]

I am having zero issues connecting the Radeon Pro 580X to the LG OLED. Works PEFECTLY. Running at 2560x1440... sitting around 1m away from the display. Once I tried this setup... I don't think I would ever buy another display. The image quality on this OLED is AMAZING!!!

Not sure why it says 72"

Important thing is to setup the HDMI port settings to PC in TV settings.

Apple sells in the Online Store two Belkin HDMI cables now... one 4K and an 8K. Am using the 8K one. I tried the 4K... no difference. The 8K is just a thicker cable.

I REALLY wanted the Radeon VII to work... but I guess we can't have everything 🤷‍♂️