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Mac Pro 5,1 GTX 970 GPU questions

DJC631

DJC631

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 1, 2011
139
584
Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Hey MR, I just got a 2012 quad-core Mac Pro. Absolutely love it. Big step up from a 2011 Mini.

I have a new ASUS gtx 970 'strix' OC edition and wanted to know a couple things:
1. What are my options to flash EFI onto it, I have zero experience in this area.
2. Can I just keep the 5770 in and get the EFI boot screen?
I use windows a lot and would prefer to be able to boot without having to swap startup disks.

Here's my specs just in case:
521969-c6fcc2efc76030b60ec708459feeba45.jpg


Thanks for any help y'all can provide!
 

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DJC631 said:
Hey MR, I just got a 2012 quad-core Mac Pro. Absolutely love it. Big step up from a 2011 Mini.

I have a new ASUS gtx 970 'strix' OC edition and wanted to know a couple things:
1. What are my options to flash EFI onto it, I have zero experience in this area.
2. Can I just keep the 5770 in and get the EFI boot screen?
I use windows a lot and would prefer to be able to boot without having to swap startup disks.

Here's my specs just in case:
521969-c6fcc2efc76030b60ec708459feeba45.jpg


Thanks for any help y'all can provide!
Click to expand...

1. You can send it to Macvidcards. That's the only way at present.
2. Theoretically, yes, BUT:
a. There aren't enough power connections. You need three (2 for the 970, 1 for the 5770) but only two are available. You can try an auxiliary power supply or splitting one of the connections, but the cost/risk probably isn't worth it. A GT120 might be a better option, but there will be driver issues running both it and the 970 in Windows.
b. You'll still need to do the boot-arg/web driver dance whenever there is a system update. This is unavoidable with the 970 and other Maxwell cards.
c. It will take up a lot of physical space. You'd lose slot 3 at least, maybe even 4 depending on how tall your card is.​
 
scott.n said:
1. You can send it to Macvidcards. That's the only way at present.
2. Theoretically, yes, BUT:
a. There aren't enough power connections. You need three (2 for the 970, 1 for the 5770) but only two are available. You can try an auxiliary power supply or splitting one of the connections, but the cost/risk probably isn't worth it. A GT120 might be a better option, but there will be driver issues running both it and the 970 in Windows.
b. You'll still need to do the boot-arg/web driver dance whenever there is a system update. This is unavoidable with the 970 and other Maxwell cards.
c. It will take up a lot of physical space. You'd lose slot 3 at least, maybe even 4 depending on how tall your card is.​
Click to expand...

What are the risks associated with flashing?
Why would the 970 need two since it only has a single 8-pin power slot? And it is only 2 slots high.
 
DJC631 said:
What are the risks associated with flashing?
Why would the 970 need two since it only has a single 8-pin power slot? And it is only 2 slots high.
Click to expand...

I've never had a card flashed, so I don't know. But Macvidcards is very respected.

I never heard of a single-connector 970 before. In that case I'd be worried that too much power will be drawn from the connection on the motherboard. It's only rated for 75W if I recall correctly.

A second two-slot card will take up slots 2 and 3... Depending on the height of the fans and shroud it could make it difficult to use slot 4 as well. (I used to have a Gigabyte GTX 760 that was like that.)
 
scott.n said:
I've never had a card flashed, so I don't know. But Macvidcards is very respected.

I never heard of a single-connector 970 before. In that case I'd be worried that too much power will be drawn from the connection on the motherboard. It's only rated for 75W if I recall correctly.

A second two-slot card will take up slots 2 and 3... Depending on the height of the fans and shroud it could make it difficult to use slot 4 as well. (I used to have a Gigabyte GTX 760 that was like that.)
Click to expand...

I certainly hope not, otherwise I spent that cash for nothing. But I definitely don't want to damage my new MP either.
Suggestions?
 
Single 8pin equals dual 6pin, both are rated @ 150W.
The 970 shouldn't draw that much, but technically you'll exceed the limits with a 970 and 5770 installed.
 
From my experience, you'll be fine getting single 6-pin to 8-pin PCIe cable for your 970 (e.g: http://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-E..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1H96TTBFS2J4SHH3FJD1). I'm running a 2010 MP with dual EVGA SSC 970 (http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-...8&qid=1450886007&sr=1-1&keywords=evga+ssc+970) cards each using a 6-pin to dual 6-pin cables (http://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-E...450885816&sr=1-2&keywords=6+pin+to+dual+6+pin). Ran them very hard over the summer rendering blender scenes for my church's VBS production this year.

There are reports from several others on this board that have similar experiences with running 970s off of the built-in 6-pins and everything being fine. There is also this thread that was put together with a way to provide even more power if needed from the MP power supply (https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/pixlas-4-1-mac-pro-mod.1859652/).

Congratulations on your new MP. Hope you enjoy it.
 
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dingdini said:
From my experience, you'll be fine getting single 6-pin to 8-pin PCIe cable for your 970 (e.g: http://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-Express-6-pin-8-pin-Video/dp/B00OSLGQGE/ref=pd_sim_23_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41p5SK6eAeL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1H96TTBFS2J4SHH3FJD1). I'm running a 2010 MP with dual EVGA SSC 970 (http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-...8&qid=1450886007&sr=1-1&keywords=evga+ssc+970) cards each using a 6-pin to dual 6-pin cables (http://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-E...450885816&sr=1-2&keywords=6+pin+to+dual+6+pin). Ran them very hard over the summer rendering blender scenes for my church's VBS production this year.

There are reports from several others on this board that have similar experiences with running 970s off of the built-in 6-pins and everything being fine. There is also this thread that was put together with a way to provide even more power if needed from the MP power supply (https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/pixlas-4-1-mac-pro-mod.1859652/).

Congratulations on your new MP. Hope you enjoy it.
Click to expand...

This gives me hope, I have a cable like that in the mail already.

Would a SATA-to-6/8-pin cable work as an alternative or supplement? I only use two for hard drives.

Fl0r!an said:
Single 8pin equals dual 6pin, both are rated @ 150W.
The 970 shouldn't draw that much, but technically you'll exceed the limits with a 970 and 5770 installed.
Click to expand...

It sounds like the best bet for me is just to do the 970 by itself to be safe. I'm only going to use it for gaming and some digital art in Photoshop so I don't expect to push it too hard.
 
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Update:
So far, so good. Got the 970 working with a single power cable for now.
However, I don't have any audio over HDMI, is there a way to correct that?
 
DJC631 said:
Update:
So far, so good. Got the 970 working with a single power cable for now.
However, I don't have any audio over HDMI, is there a way to correct that?
Click to expand...


Hi, I think we have exactly the same setup and Im unable to get my GTX970 working. Im also running 10.11.2 (2010 Mac Pro), downloaded the latest Nvidia drivers but its still not working.

Could you tell me what Nvidia driver version your using?
Are you using both the GTX970 and Radeon 7700?
What PCI slots are your cards in?
What PCI cables did you end up connecting with? Ive got a 6pin to 6pin, the fan intermittently spins so its getting power, enough power though Im not sure?
Are you running OS 10.11.2? I assume from your first post you still are.

I tried step 24 from this thread but it didn't work. https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...out-nvidia-pc-non-efi-graphics-cards.1440150/

Any other tips to help me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
camrb2016 said:
Hi, I think we have exactly the same setup and Im unable to get my GTX970 working. Im also running 10.11.2 (2010 Mac Pro), downloaded the latest Nvidia drivers but its still not working. Could you tell me what Nvidia driver version your using? Are you using both the GTX970 and Radeon 7700? What PCI slots are your cards in? What PCI cables did you end up connecting with? Ive got a 6pin to 6pin, the fan intermittently spins so its getting power, enough power though Im not sure? Are you running OS 10.11.2? I assume from your first post you still are. I tried step 24 from this thread but it didn't work. https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...out-nvidia-pc-non-efi-graphics-cards.1440150/ Any other tips to help me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...

My driver version is 346.03.04f02 (as of Jan 19).
I'm currently just using the GTX by itself. I've tried it in both the 1st and 2nd x16 slots with no issues in either, but I keep it in the bottom slot.
Power-wise I had no problems using a single Mini-PCI to 8-pin cable, but I ended up using both power ports, 2x 6-pin cables, and a 2x 6-pin to 8-pin cable just to be safe. The fan on mine rarely ever even spins up.
 
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I just replaced Apple Radeon HD 5870 with ASUS STRIX GTX 970 4GB OC. One single 8-pin power connector from mini 6-pin to 8-pin adapter. No issues, fan are not spinning at idle, PCIe fan runs as before at 800 rpm.

GTX is connected via HDMI cable to LG 40UB800V, 2160p (3840x2160) @ 30Hz. In bootcamp 3840x2160@60Hz no problems. Anybody with combo like this with 4K running via HDMI at 60 Hz ? Is it possible at this time, Maxwell 4K@60Hz via HDMI ?

24399124692_cac32a1843_o.png


24425202331_7ac43e21b6_k.jpg


24139820089_d75ea99eca_b.jpg
 
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MR just released a buyers guide detailing 4K and 5K displays to use with Macs. I pointed out that covering 4K TVs should be a priority as that is going to be how MANY homes first get 4K.

They claimed they only wanted to cover official Apple recs.

Until Apple allows 4K HDMI you are out of luck. I got a Panasonic 4K TV with DP, only way to avoid this issue right now. It is a pity that MR doesn't want to share this useful info with their readers instead of just towing the official Apple line.
 
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Fl0r!an said:
Did you try patching the pixel clock limit?
Click to expand...

For some reason script (command) does not give me a warning "detected unpatched IOKit and NVIDIA driver on (your OS X version)".

This brings up a question: ReadMe says: Updated with El Capitan support!, and there are instructions below. This is clear. Below that is: "Instructions for updating the command for newer versions of IOKit". So, is the script (command file) enough or do we need to patch IOKit manually ?
 
Last edited:
Fl0r!an said:
Bad timing I guess, yesterday it has been updated to 10.11.3.
Click to expand...

10.10.5 - patched pixel clock limit, and added exactly the same spec resolution that works in Windows and nothing - no signal.

Left side, screenshot from Windows and working 2160p resolution, right side: SwitchRes X and same specs - not working.

24218099419_02cfb142a6_h.jpg
 
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