Pixlas 4.1 Mac Pro mod

[IanK MacPro]

I highly recommend using the Positap connectors instead of the scotchlock splices, the Positap connectors can be tightened by hand, no pliers needed, plus you can easily tap 2 wires on to each psu wire if you want to install 2x of the ModDiy cables.

I’ve used these on all 3 of my MacPros without a single problem, they work first time every time.

Posi-Tap Yellow (10-12 Gauge) - 2mm to 2.6mm wires https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00WODULSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a6sBEbTND5R7V

 

[tommy chen]

it is impossible to get the yellow tosi here in europe at a reasonable price and the delivery costs are not acceptable

 

[Joka80]

I did the mod with the brown splice taps so in essence there is no way for me to tell if the connections are ‘sound’.

I presume they are as the Mac Pro powers on fine and so far everything is being displayed correctly both in the profiler and anything to do with graphics. Is there any stress test software I can install or benchmark software that I can install which will test the graphics card to the full? It’s a 1080Ti that I have.

Surely this is a good way of telling if there is good power going to all aspects of the card?

 

[Ondřej Zdobinský]

Hello, I have 4,1 flashed to 5,1. Running Mojave.

Currently running:
2x 3,46 X5690 TDP 2x130W
48GB RAM 1333Mhz
Radeon RX 580 8GB
1TB SSD SATA2 in bay 1
500GB SSD SATA2 in bay 2

Can I use Pixlas mod to run safely Vega 64 8GB and RX 580 together? I'm using Mac mostly to render archviz in Twinmotion and Unreal.

I have all parts already, ready to do the mod. I'm just not sure if I can power both cards. RX 580 from motherboard 2x 6pin (Sapphire, TDP 235W), and Vega 64 (Vega 64 MSI, blower, TDP 295W) from Pixlas mod 2x 8pin.

What's gonna happen if mac will be using to much power from PSU?

EDIT: Yes, works. No shutdown so far.

 

[h9826790]

I did the mod with the brown splice taps so in essence there is no way for me to tell if the connections are ‘sound’.

I presume they are as the Mac Pro powers on fine and so far everything is being displayed correctly both in the profiler and anything to do with graphics. Is there any stress test software I can install or benchmark software that I can install which will test the graphics card to the full? It’s a 1080Ti that I have.

Surely this is a good way of telling if there is good power going to all aspects of the card?

CUDA-Z heavy load is the best for this test.

 

[Snow Tiger]

I did the mod with the brown splice taps so in essence there is no way for me to tell if the connections are ‘sound’.

I presume they are as the Mac Pro powers on fine and so far everything is being displayed correctly both in the profiler and anything to do with graphics. Is there any stress test software I can install or benchmark software that I can install which will test the graphics card to the full? It’s a 1080Ti that I have.

Surely this is a good way of telling if there is good power going to all aspects of the card?

You might want to grab a watt meter and perform a delta test of System power consumption , between GPU idle and load . Everything else staying the same .

 

[DigitaLife]

My Pixlas Mode. I can also drive the cable back. So I think it's more beautiful.

Beautiful job, extremely clean and professional! Can you indicate the link where I can buy the black plastic part that covers the connectors on the card? Thanks in advance!

 

[duecedrvr]

contemplating a 4,1 ... I have found one locally but I would think a 5,1 would be easier from a lidded vs delidded perspective.

what is the consensus on best practices for building the 4,1 up

I am debating the x5680 v x5690 from what I am reading even in final cut the difference isn't noticeable ?

lidded vs delidded... I would think that delidded would run cooler? and a safer mod as far as getting pressure right and VRM thermals?

one system I found has 64gb of memory already which I think for me would probably be overkill even for video but its slower 1066 vs 1333 .. any real world benefit ?

ideally a 5,1 2x x5690 with 128gb would be a dream.. hard finding it at a cost I can afford?

 

[mattspace]

contemplating a 4,1 ... I have found one locally but I would think a 5,1 would be easier from a lidded vs delidded perspective.

what is the consensus on best practices for building the 4,1 up

I am debating the x5680 v x5690 from what I am reading even in final cut the difference isn't noticeable ?

lidded vs delidded... I would think that delidded would run cooler? and a safer mod as far as getting pressure right and VRM thermals?

one system I found has 64gb of memory already which I think for me would probably be overkill even for video but its slower 1066 vs 1333 .. any real world benefit ?

ideally a 5,1 2x x5690 with 128gb would be a dream.. hard finding it at a cost I can afford?

The 4,1 will be cheaper, but getting delidded processors (if you want to buy them delidded from a reputable supplier) will be more expensive than ordinary lidded ones for a 5,1 if you need to upgrade it.

I've always thought a 5,1 would be easier to own and service, just due to little things like the lidded processors having more room for the thermal grease etc - the delidded xeon isn't a very large area.

You're probably going to only buy one cpu upgrade for the machine, ever, so IMHO for the 4,1 it's better to do it properly with delidded chips, than mess around with spacers etc.

The 4,1 can also have the PCI fan issue on cold boot, which seemed to be worse in Mojave than it was in Sierra or High Sierra (in my machine).

That said, once you do build one up, you'll have a productive machine, albeit the computing equivalent of a vintage tractor, that can also make a wonderful space heater in a mild winter - it's 17c at night where I am, I have the windows open, and the room is a very pleasant temperature with the machine more or less idling a pair of x5675s.

Part of the question, is how hardcore do you want to go with the buildup? Are you thinking Pixlas mod, or a second power supply to power multiple GPUs, or just sticking to the standard RX580?

Do you want stuff like Airdrop / continuity, so you can fling files to and from iOS devices? in which case, you'll want a bluetooth & wifi upgrade.

1333 RAM is so damn cheap now for these systems - 3x16gb sticks in 2015 cost US$537, just under a year ago another 3x16gb was US$122 from the same supplier.

 

[duecedrvr]

The 4,1 will be cheaper, but getting delidded processors (if you want to buy them delidded from a reputable supplier) will be more expensive than ordinary lidded ones for a 5,1 if you need to upgrade it.

I've always thought a 5,1 would be easier to own and service, just due to little things like the lidded processors having more room for the thermal grease etc - the delidded xeon isn't a very large area.

You're probably going to only buy one cpu upgrade for the machine, ever, so IMHO for the 4,1 it's better to do it properly with delidded chips, than mess around with spacers etc.

The 4,1 can also have the PCI fan issue on cold boot, which seemed to be worse in Mojave than it was in Sierra or High Sierra (in my machine).

That said, once you do build one up, you'll have a productive machine, albeit the computing equivalent of a vintage tractor, that can also make a wonderful space heater in a mild winter - it's 17c at night where I am, I have the windows open, and the room is a very pleasant temperature with the machine more or less idling a pair of x5675s.

Part of the question, is how hardcore do you want to go with the buildup? Are you thinking Pixlas mod, or a second power supply to power multiple GPUs, or just sticking to the standard RX580?

Do you want stuff like Airdrop / continuity, so you can fling files to and from iOS devices? in which case, you'll want a bluetooth & wifi upgrade.

1333 RAM is so damn cheap now for these systems - 3x16gb sticks in 2015 cost US$537, just under a year ago another 3x16gb was US$122 from the same supplier.

thanks for the reply matt

I currently have a hackintoshed w3680 and yeah.. heat, some noise but not bad.. but getting tired of the hackintosh game in my old age.. but I do have that chip running at 4ghz .. so no overclocking in real macs but dual x5680s or 90s would be hella more than I need.. I don't edit RED footage but 4k drone footage which is already pretty compressed so that with a vega58 that I already own should make a nice edit machine

just for giggles anyone measure what one of these dual x5690s pull at the WALL ...

only machines I have found locally unfortunately are old dual quad 2.x machines so I would definitely have to upgrade the processors at some point.. and thought yeah... only going to to it once.. but if I use delidded and the 4,1 dies and I get a 5,1 replacement keeping the lids might not be a bad idea...

any really DELTA temp between lidded and de in the 4,1... xeons usually have good lids that are soldered vs the crap paste that intel uses on desktop chips so the lidded might actually cool better.. more surface area to the fan sink

 

[eicca]

Completed this mod on my 2010. It didn't end up being the solution to my problem, but that's another story that thankfully ended happy. I sourced all my stuff from Amazon because I didn't want to wait a month for the modDIY cable.

The only minor hiccup I ran into was inserting the spade connectors into the taps. A few of them were twisted a little funny inside and the spade was slipping above the metal prongs instead of into them. Be careful of that so you don't end up with flaky connections.

Links (not affiliate or anything, just here to be helpful):

Wire taps:

Nilight - 50004R 120 Pcs/60 Pairs Quick Splice Wire Terminals T-Tap Self-stripping with Nylon Fully Insulated Male Quick Disconnects Kit, 2 Years Warranty

Product Includes: 60 X T-Tap Wire Terminals (Red:20piece, Blue:20piece, Yellow:20piece ) Red: AWG 22-18; Wire range: 0.5-1.0mm; Blue: AWG 18-14; Wire range: 0.75-2.5mm; Yellow: AWG 12-10; Wire range: 4.0mm; 60 X Male Spade Connector (Red:20piece, Blue:20piece, Yellow:20piece ) Red: AWG 22-18; Wir...

www.amazon.com

8-pin PCIe cable:

COMeap PCIE Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

COMeap PCIE Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

www.amazon.com

Ratcheting wire crimper:

TITAN 11477 Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper Tool for Insulated Terminals, Fixed Jaw Crimper

Value-priced, high quality tools - leading the market by ensuring that products are rugged, reliable and reasonably priced.

www.amazon.com

Wire strippers:

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper, 8 inch, Cuts 10-22 AWG, Plier Style Nose, ProTouch Grip for Maximum Comfort (2078309)

The Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter is a must-have for anyone performing electrical work. With an induction hardened cutting edge, this single tool combines a wire stripper, wire cutter, and crimper into one tool that strips and cuts 10-22 AWG, crimps insulated and non-ins...

www.amazon.com

 

[KeesMacPro]

The 4,1 can also have the PCI fan issue on cold boot, which seemed to be worse in Mojave than it was in Sierra or High Sierra (in my machine).

I'm recently testing a lot of fans ,and with some I noticed some issues, because of the rpm range etc.
Testing with a MP4,1>5,1 Dual and High Sierra.
Could you tell me what you're referring to?
Thanks a lot in advance

 

[h9826790]

I'm recently testing a lot of fans ,and with some I noticed some issues, because of the rpm range etc.
Testing with a MP4,1>5,1 Dual and High Sierra.
Could you tell me what you're referring to?
Thanks a lot in advance

AirOut: A solution to the racing fan bug

Introduction The racing fan bug is a well known issue that affects certain cMP systems with upgraded video cards, particularly systems with SMC version 1.39f5. On these systems the PCI, PS, and booster fans spin abnormally fast at idle, causing unnecessary noise. Although the issue appears to...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[rmcluesman]

Did this wire work properly? I was about to get the exact same wire but was slightly concerned that it says

"NOT Compatible with Seasonic Sentey and Corsair Power Supply"

Was that an issue at all? Thanks!

8-pin PCIe cable:

COMeap PCIE Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

COMeap PCIE Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

www.amazon.com

[automerge]1591051639[/automerge]

Completed this mod on my 2010. It didn't end up being the solution to my problem, but that's another story that thankfully ended happy. I sourced all my stuff from Amazon because I didn't want to wait a month for the modDIY cable.



Did this wire work properly? I was about to get the exact same wire but was slightly concerned that it says

"NOT Compatible with Seasonic Sentey and Corsair Power Supply"

Was that an issue at all? Thanks!

8-pin PCIe cable:

COMeap PCIE Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

COMeap PCIE Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

www.amazon.com

 

[NothinButZ]

I used this cable on 2 of my Mac Pro 4,1's, they work great and look good. They look kinda like Apple factory cabling.

COMeap PCIe Cable for Corsair, ATX CPU 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male Power Cable for Corsair Thermaltake ARESGAME Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

COMeap PCIe Cable for Corsair, ATX CPU 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male Power Cable for Corsair Thermaltake ARESGAME Power Supply 25-inch(63cm)

www.amazon.com

 

[Chips Stephens]

Tried something new with pixlas mod,
Instead of folding wire over, just buss two separate 8 pins at the spade.
Sounded like a good idea, to start, requiring complete disassembly to get all three wire looms through, two 8 pins, and the cdrom loom.
not recommended....lol
But should be set for the Vega now?
Anyway it’s another take on this.

 

[Frank Boothe]

Hi All,

Please forgive me if this question has already been addressed elsewhere on the forum. And feel free to refer me to another part of the forum if appropriate. I am flashing my 4,1 to 5,1 and just can't get it to work. Everything goes as its supposed to but when when I check my model number it still reads 4,1. I am following the instructions on Ifixit.

Any thoughts?

 

[KeesMacPro]

@Frank Boothe
I assume it has to do with the B04 BootRom version.
Here's another thread about this issue:

Another Mac Pro 4,1 to 5,1 EFI Update Problem

Hello all, longtime browser, first time poster. I recently acquired a Mac Pro 2009 (4,1) 2.66 Quad Core for upgrade and I have been failing to be able to get the EFI updater to take the model from 4,1 to 5,1. I have read every post I could find between here and Netkas over the past few weeks...

forums.macrumors.com

I recommend also to read the thread on netkas:

Mac Pro Firmware Upgrade Utility Released!

Mac Pro Firmware Upgrade Utility Released!

forum.netkas.org

 

[dingdini]

Wanted to report another successful “Pixlas mod”. Ended up finding some references Vega 64s and now have them installed and running.

This was my previous install that had been running well for the last three years. Been using it with Blender to do amateur cgi movies for my church. Started out using cou renders over 6 years ago, then moved to dual gtx 570s with a optical bay supplemental power supply that eventually failed. Decided to reuse the cables from that to do this mod.

This was a test fit for the cards with the cables mostly run. The cables are connected to a 14 pin adapter that splits into a 2-8pin and 2-6pin connectors. Decided to use the EVGA powerlinks that I had laying around to help deliver power from the cables to the 2x8pins connectors on the cards.

Decided to use some additional connections between the taps and the 14-pin connector in the PCI bay. I got really tight with all of that in there.

Last shot before I powered it back on for the first time. I’ll get a final shot later of everything installed.

thanks for all those that went before me and blazed this trail. The information here has been invaluable.

 

[nofxrs]

Wanted to report another successful “Pixlas mod”. Ended up finding some references Vega 64s and now have them installed and running.

View attachment 934604
This was my previous install that had been running well for the last three years. Been using it with Blender to do amateur cgi movies for my church. Started out using cou renders over 6 years ago, then moved to dual gtx 570s with a optical bay supplemental power supply that eventually failed. Decided to reuse the cables from that to do this mod.
View attachment 934605
This was a test fit for the cards with the cables mostly run. The cables are connected to a 14 pin adapter that splits into a 2-8pin and 2-6pin connectors. Decided to use the EVGA powerlinks that I had laying around to help deliver power from the cables to the 2x8pins connectors on the cards.

View attachment 934606
View attachment 934607
Decided to use some additional connections between the taps and the 14-pin connector in the PCI bay. I got really tight with all of that in there.

View attachment 934608
Last shot before I powered it back on for the first time. I’ll get a final shot later of everything installed.

thanks for all those that went before me and blazed this trail. The information here has been invaluable.

is the POWERLINK necessary when doing pixlas?

I dont get it - since they're projected to balance and not overdraw from the backPlane.


Thanks

 

[tsialex]

is the POWERLINK necessary when doing pixlas?

I dont get it - since they're projected to balance and not overdraw from the backPlane.


Thanks

Nope. You use eVGA Powerlink just when powering from the PCIe AUX backplane power outputs, to link/balance both.

 

[nofxrs]

Nope. You use eVGA Powerlink just when powering from the PCIe AUX backplane power outputs, to link/balance both.

thanks mate

 

[Chips Stephens]

The power link has filters, “capacitors” that work well in the Mac Pro, to keep power draw more balanced, Using the mini 6 pins...
But with pixlas uneven power draw does not happen, it’s all bussed together..
So Pixlas bypasses that whole mess...
That said, capacitor smoothing of ripple is a good thing...
I use the evga mainly though just to help hide wires, truth be told.
Not needed, but does not hurt anything..

 

[nofxrs]

The power link has filters, “capacitors” that work well in the Mac Pro, to keep power draw more balanced, Using the mini 6 pins...
But with pixlas uneven power draw does not happen, it’s all bussed together..
So Pixlas bypasses that whole mess...
That said, capacitor smoothing of ripple is a good thing...
I use the evga mainly though just to help hide wires, truth be told.
Not needed, but does not hurt anything..

got you! Thanks

 

[dingdini]

is the POWERLINK necessary when doing pixlas?

I dont get it - since they're projected to balance and not overdraw from the backPlane.


Thanks

In my mod, the power cables had one 6-pin and one 8-pin wrapped in blue and the same setup wrapped in red. I didn’t have a way to turn the into two 8-pin connectors required by each Vega 64. I used the powerlinks to convert them into the needed two 8-pin connections.

with the cable from “moddiy” you won’t need the powerlinks.

On a side note: here is everything plugged in and working.