Overwhelmed: Video Card Options for MacPro 2008

[hSersland]

Recently after a bit of trouble shooting a faulty power supply I took my apple to the shop. The shop agreed the issue was the power supply, I preceded to order a new power supply, while waiting for the power supply to arrive, I tired booting up my Mac Pro only to get a "No Signal" message on my monitors. The video card was functioning prior to the tower going to the shop so I'm a bit peeved but maybe it was just a coincidence.

So now I'm searching for a new video card and I'm totally overwhelmed. I need a card that supports 2 monitors. I use the computer for Photoshop & HD video editing/rendering. Currently I'm running Snow Leopard but I'm thinking of updating to Lion in the future. I don't dual boot, I've got a PC for PC things.

I'm not looking for the top of the line Apple fix, I just want something that will get the job done for a year, 1.5 before I upgrade to a newer system.

Hardware Overview:
Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro3,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP31.006C.B05
SMC Version (system): 1.25f4
Serial Number (system): G88490AYXYL
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT

 

[ColdCase]

There have been a few recent threads on this subject, the problem could have been the video card issue to begin with.

There are two cards that are 3,1 and 10.6.8 compatible out of the box and available new, either from Apple or some of the mac vendors like OWC; The Radeon HD 5870 for about $450 and the Radeon HD 5770 for about $220. Both are upgrades over the 8800GT and both work in the 3,1. (I have a 3,1 close to your serial number running a 5870, plug and play)

There are a number of flashed PC card alternatives, some work better than others.

You could try to repair your 8800 by baking it, several sites on the web with instructions.

Oh, if the machine can't boot up (like no power to the logic card) you may get a no-signal display on the monitor. That is not necessarily a video card issue.

 

[hSersland]

Thanks for the quick reply. I did a search and found a few of the threads that your thinking about. After reading them over, I got a bit overwhelmed ;p And definitely didn't want to pick up a card that ended up being a down grade from the one I'm currently using or buy one that was more expensive thinking it was a better card. The Radeon HD 5770 might be the answer.

The computer powers up, diagnostic lights all light up, fans start extra. I also replaced the old power supply with a new one yesterday.

I am also thinking of trying the baking method.

 

[RasmusJensen]

I upgraded my 2008 Mac Pro 8x2.8 two years ago with the ATI Radeon 5770 from Apple - easiest install ever. It made a real difference in graphic-performance - and a lot less noise. Definitely worth the money...

You can plug in 3 displays at 2560x1600 with this card.

 

[hSersland]

I've got a new card on the way, You guys (and this forum) have been most helpful.