Mac Pro 3,1 Supported Graphics Cards?

[Yamcha]

Hi Guys,

I've got a Early 2008 Mac Pro and am wondering what Graphics Card should I opt for? I plan on getting a PC Graphics Card since the Mac based ones are insanely expensive. I'm aware of the no boot screen but I don't mind that issue.

My Options
- Radeon 7870
- Radeon 7950
- GTX 650Ti
- R9 280X
- Radeon 6870
- GTX 660

If anyone could give me confirmation on what PC GPU's worked for them that would be great. I already tried my brothers XFX R280 and ASUS 6950 without any luck, only booted in safe mode.

 

[h9826790]

The R9 280 should work OOTB, unless you are using a very old OSX. Anyway, for 3,1 may be better to consider 680.

 

[DeltaMac]

There's several threads in this forum about that, too.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/a-good-gaming-graphics-card-for-mac-pro-3-1.1905064/

 

[Twimfy]

I'm using a GTX 650. No issues with it whatsoever.

 

[MacVidCards]

The XFX 280 may have only had 1 @ MDP port or may have just been a dud for OSX. I no longer use XFX non-reference cards, they are frequently junk. They are so cheap that they leave off the dual position BIOS switch to save $.50. They are even cheaper in that they still use the PCB that has the place for the missing switch so you know you got gipped.

Avoid the AMD cards for 3,1. There is a thread at Netkas about the issue, the cards run at 60% of speed possible, until you junk some system files. This is Apple not caring.

GTX680 a good card, you can flash at home if you are adventurous.