MP 7,1 Radeon Pro W5700X and the Mac Pro

[1147402]

Presumably the release is imminent as it appears to have been recently approved by the Korean Communications Commission: https://fccid.io/RR-APL-A2322

I checked with the local FCC-equivalent database and found that the sale started not just related to FCC approval but also other government agencies such as department of commerce. Only when all of the requirements were will can they be available to order, which some of those requirements and passing status were not available as public info.

The rack mount Mac Pro were on sale about a month after the local FCC approval.

 

[deconstruct60]

What would the system-fed DP stream pipeline look like with a Vega II and W5700X in the same machine?

Vega II solo or W5700X in the 2nd ( top ) MPX bay will help scaffold covering a 5K (or more) being connected to the top (front on rack) TB port. The two internal feeds of either card appear to be tracked to flushing out the top/front controller's DP feeds. (they both feed two DP streams to the internal system. So two can be routed to the back (from MPX bay 1 ) and two can be routed to the top/front (from MPX bay 2 ) ). If don't have an MPX module in bay 2 and plug a two stream monitor (> 4K ) monitor into the back then the top/front controller is clipped from having a single stream available. In that case, the MPX bay 2 can backfill if there is a module there with two streams.

Those two do more to adding more TB ports to the back of the MP than to enhancing the top and port on the Apple I/O card if added as a second MPX module. ( 4 DP streams out the card edge and 2 internal... probably often off to "no where" as fewer folks will plug monitor sinks into the top port's daisy chains. )

 

[Pwhy34]

Hello,
Thank you for welcoming me in this forum.
I just got my new Mac Pro7.1. I mainly use Davinci Resolve 16 for video editing, compositing...
I have a Deck Link Studio card for video feedback via an external video monitor.
I have the AMD Radeon Pro 580X 8 GB card and I want to upgrade my Gpu to have better performance sunder Resolve 16. As the Radeon Pro W5700X won't be available for 1-2 months, see more.
what would be the best alternative for a card at a reasonable price and not too noisy.
I've seen the XFX+Radeon+VII+16GB+HBM+2 , which would be an interesting alternative, but it's very noisy when fully loaded.
Should I keep my Radeon Pro 580X? or can I remove it and simply install a new card?
thank you in advance for your advice

 

[CMMChris]

It's not. You simply have to undervolt it and fan noise will be much more reasonable.

 

[zhpenn]

Just have a question, why everyone waiting for the W5700X

base on this test

2019 Mac Pro - GPU options

real world speed test results for performance minded Macintosh users

barefeats.com

Isn't the Radeon VII have overall better performance than W5700X? and it is Cheaper.

I know Radeon VII has a max fan problem when sleeping, and fan may be noisy when fully loaded.

But, If we can bear with those two cons, is the Radeon VII is better?

I know 5700 is the new Navi 7nm card, but how big benefit can we get from the new Navi?
Is the H264 export will be a lot faster?
thanks a lot

 

[richinaus]

I have a w5700 installed in an Razer core eGPU and works great. I definitely notice the performance improvement over my Vega 64 [in my imac Pro]. my use is 3D Cad and real time visualisation, so I cant comment on video.
it is also very quiet and have been more than impressed how well my system is working [16“ MBP + egpu + 4K monitor].

 

[zhpenn]

is all the non-reference 5700XT cards will be compatible with Mac Pro 7,1?

 

[bsbeamer]

is all the non-reference 5700XT cards will be compatible with Mac Pro 7,1?

There's no way to tell that ALL are compatible unless you're willing to test them. There have been reports of specific models mentioned with MP7,1 already. If you're looking for verified cards, stick with those.

If you're willing to test on your own, I'd first check against the Sonnet eGPU compatibility list. If the GPU is Mac compatible with eGPU, it almost certainly will be compatible with MP7,1.

https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/Compatibility_Graphics_Cards.pdf

The exceptions are cards that are too big for eGPU "housings" and would fit inside MP7,1 via PCIe without an issue. These are usually still noted as macOS compatible on this list, but just wouldn't have a CHECK in one of the columns for eGPU models. (Models themselves are mostly broken down by PSU limitations.)

One specific example is the GV-R57XT-8GD-B. It's been reported on this forum within the past week that it works with MP7,1. It is notated on the Sonnet compatibility list as macOS compatible, but it is too large to fit into the eGFX 650 OC breakaway box.

Radeon™ RX 5700 XT 8G Key Features | Graphics Card - GIGABYTE U.S.A.

Discover AORUS premium graphics cards, ft. WINDFORCE cooling, RGB lighting, PCB protection, and VR friendly features for the best gaming and VR experience!

www.gigabyte.com

Also will note, just because a card is "compatible" does not mean every single port can be utilized at the same time within macOS effectively or that they will function correctly. The Sapphire Pulse RX 5700 XT is one example. My personal card that I've been testing in eGPU with Catalina 100% does not work with DP3 connected in any capacity. The machine shuts down, freezes, or goes into a boot loop until it's disconnected. This MAY be resolved with newer drivers, but no guarantees. DP1, DP2 and HDMI work 100% fine.

 

[zhpenn]

There's no way to tell that ALL are compatible unless you're willing to test them. There have been reports of specific models mentioned with MP7,1 already. If you're looking for verified cards, stick with those.

If you're willing to test on your own, I'd first check against the Sonnet eGPU compatibility list. If the GPU is Mac compatible with eGPU, it almost certainly will be compatible with MP7,1.

https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/Compatibility_Graphics_Cards.pdf

The exceptions are cards that are too big for eGPU "housings" and would fit inside MP7,1 via PCIe without an issue. These are usually still noted as macOS compatible on this list, but just wouldn't have a CHECK in one of the columns for eGPU models. (Models themselves are mostly broken down by PSU limitations.)

One specific example is the GV-R57XT-8GD-B. It's been reported on this forum within the past week that it works with MP7,1. It is notated on the Sonnet compatibility list as macOS compatible, but it is too large to fit into the eGFX 650 OC breakaway box.

Radeon™ RX 5700 XT 8G Key Features | Graphics Card - GIGABYTE U.S.A.

Discover AORUS premium graphics cards, ft. WINDFORCE cooling, RGB lighting, PCB protection, and VR friendly features for the best gaming and VR experience!

www.gigabyte.com

Also will note, just because a card is "compatible" does not mean every single port can be utilized at the same time within macOS effectively or that they will function correctly. The Sapphire Pulse RX 5700 XT is one example. My personal card that I've been testing in eGPU with Catalina 100% does not work with DP3 connected in any capacity. The machine shuts down, freezes, or goes into a boot loop until it's disconnected. This MAY be resolved with newer drivers, but no guarantees. DP1, DP2 and HDMI work 100% fine.

WOW, thanks a lot for such a detail explaination!!
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One more question, the Radeon™ Pro W5700 Workstation Version and RX 5700XT, they have the same 8GB RAM, but Pro W5700 has fewer Stream Processors and Compute Units, why more expensive? will it really faster in Video Editing or Photo Editing or Gaming?

I also saw some non-reference OC version with higher clock speed, also some of them with "game mode", it is a windows software tweak? if only use on mac will be the same? or higher base clock will perform better in mac?

 

[zhpenn]

I actually quite like the look of the reference card, but it has only one fan
will those 3 fans non-reference perform better when fully load?

 

[bsbeamer]

Many of the RX 5700 XT GPUs I've seen have a DUAL BIOS switch to change between "silent" mode (which usually is the reference BIOS) and the "performance" mode of some kind (which usually is the vendor modification).

Finding a GPU with this option gives you additional options in the future, or a way of troubleshooting if you're running into a macOS-specific issue. Occasionally switching to the silent/reference BIOS will solve those issues. Usually at the cost of the OC performance tweaks the vendor did to modify from reference.

The Sapphire Pulse RX 5700 XT has this switch. There is no audible sound difference between the modes. There is no performance difference between them. (DP3 still doesn't work in the silent mode.) The fans truly are some of the quietest operating I've ever heard. It is more quiet than the RX 580 version.

 

[zhpenn]

Many of the RX 5700 XT GPUs I've seen have a DUAL BIOS switch to change between "silent" mode (which usually is the reference BIOS) and the "performance" mode of some kind (which usually is the vendor modification).

Finding a GPU with this option gives you additional options in the future, or a way of troubleshooting if you're running into a macOS-specific issue. Occasionally switching to the silent/reference BIOS will solve those issues. Usually at the cost of the OC performance tweaks the vendor did to modify from reference.

The Sapphire Pulse RX 5700 XT has this switch. There is no audible sound difference between the modes. There is no performance difference between them. (DP3 still doesn't work in the silent mode.) The fans truly are some of the quietest operating I've ever heard. It is more quiet than the RX 580 version.

Thanks a lot!
As you mentioned before
Sapphire Pulse RX 5700 XT has this switch

Is the switch is a hardware switch or a software switch? if it is a software switch can control it in macOS?

 

[bsbeamer]

Physical switch on the card itself. Easy to change without physically removing card, or can use a thin long flathead computer screwdriver to reach.

This is the best photo from quick search:

https://bit-tech.net/media/image/2019/8/25709c93-e2a6-4849-b7ed-2925c9eb3747.jpg

 

[1147402]

One more question, the Radeon™ Pro W5700 Workstation Version and RX 5700XT, they have the same 8GB RAM, but Pro W5700 has fewer Stream Processors and Compute Units, why more expensive? will it really faster in Video Editing or Photo Editing or Gaming?

The driver for W series is different than the RX series. W series was optimized for professional use such as CAD and AFAIK they got their driver certified by certain authorities to make sure it works as intended and meet certain standards. Those extra process and validation cost more money. So in theory W series would perform worse than those RX counterparts in games while cost a lot more, but have better performance in other "pro" stuff. Apple's W5700"X" is a custom version which is likely to be based on the XT variant of 5700 that has 40CU instead of 36CU. It also has 16GB of VRAM instead of 8GB.

Also, here's a related video:

 

[flowrider]

is all the non-reference 5700XT cards will be compatible with Mac Pro 7,1?

As I have posted, I'm running a Gigabyte Aorus RX 5700 XT without issue. Needed the Apple Belkin cable kit. I have the physical switch in the performance mode, and IMO it's pretty quiet. The Aorus is Gigabyte's top of the line build. A bit faster, has more ports and is a bit more expensive ($20) than their Gaming OC card. And yes, this card is too big for an eGPU box. Fits fine in the 7,1. I also get a boot screen

 

[AlexMaximus]

Thanks a lot!
As you mentioned before
Sapphire Pulse RX 5700 XT has this switch

Is the switch is a hardware switch or a software switch? if it is a software switch can control it in macOS?

Here are some more details for you regarding the 5700 XT platform, based on tested facts and comparisons.
I found it helpful in the past.

 

[straightMacin]

What options are there for connecting an XDR display to a non-MPX module card? The W5700 has a USB-C input which has been reported to work. Any other options?

It seems the 5700 XT only has DP and HDMI inputs, which won't work with the XDR? Or will they? If so, what would the dongle situation be like going from the display to the card?

 

[zhpenn]

The driver for W series is different than the RX series. W series was optimized for professional use such as CAD and AFAIK they got their driver certified by certain authorities to make sure it works as intended and meet certain standards. Those extra process and validation cost more money. So in theory W series would perform worse than those RX counterparts in games while cost a lot more, but have better performance in other "pro" stuff. Apple's W5700"X" is a custom version which is likely to be based on the XT variant of 5700 that has 40CU instead of 36CU. It also has 16GB of VRAM instead of 8GB.

Also, here's a related video:

Thanks a lot for such useful info
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As I have posted, I'm running a Gigabyte Aorus RX 5700 XT without issue. Needed the Apple Belkin cable kit. I have the physical switch in the performance mode, and IMO it's pretty quiet. The Aorus is Gigabyte's top of the line build. A bit faster, has more ports and is a bit more expensive ($20) than their Gaming OC card. And yes, this card is too big for an eGPU box. Fits fine in the 7,1. I also get a boot screen

thanks a lot, btw, is all 5700 will crash after wake up from Mac pro sleeping ? how does it look like? freeze completely? Or just an error popup?
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Physical switch on the card itself. Easy to change without physically removing card, or can use a thin long flathead computer screwdriver to reach.

This is the best photo from quick search:

https://bit-tech.net/media/image/2019/8/25709c93-e2a6-4849-b7ed-2925c9eb3747.jpg

Thanks a lot, very useful information
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Here are some more details for you regarding the 5700 XT platform, based on tested facts and comparisons.
I found it helpful in the past.

Thank you ?

 

[flowrider]

thanks a lot, btw, is all 5700 will crash after wake up from Mac pro sleeping ? how does it look like? freeze completely? Or just an error popup?

I don't really know, I don't use sleep. I use screen saver during the day, shut it down at night. However, it's been reported on Bare Feats that the freeze doesn't happen with the MPX 580X removed. I did remove my 580X. And as I say, I have not experienced a crash or freeze and the 5700XT has been in my machine for the past 8 days now.

Lou

 

[zhpenn]

I don't really know, I don't use sleep. I use screen saver during the day, shut it down at night. However, it's been reported on Bare Feats that the freeze doesn't happen with the MPX 580X removed. I did remove my 580X. And as I say, I have not experienced a crash or freeze and the 5700XT has been in my machine for the past 8 days now.

Lou

Thanks a lot, btw, When removed the 580x, is the usbc port on top of mac pro still working for normal device like hard drive etc?or just not working for display?

 

[flowrider]

^^^^Yes, the two ports on the top and the 4 ports on the I/O card all work as USB ports. I also have a Highpoint RocketU USB 3.0 card just below the Apple card. All ports are live including the 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Lou

 

[zhpenn]

^^^^Yes, the two ports on the top and the 4 ports on the I/O card all work as USB ports. I also have a Highpoint RocketU USB 3.0 card just below the Apple card. All ports are live including the 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Lou

Nice, thanks a lot!

 

[flowrider]

^^^^BTW, the headphone jack is driving 2 powered Klipsch speakers with a Klipsch powered sub.

Lou

 

[zhpenn]

I Found this non-reference Card
Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 5700 XT Special Edition, 8GB

Sapphire NITRO+ RX 5700 XT Special Edition Specs

AMD Navi 10, 2035 MHz, 2560 Cores, 160 TMUs, 64 ROPs, 8192 MB GDDR6, 1800 MHz, 256 bit

www.techpowerup.com

Base Clock 1605 MHz 1840 MHz (+15%)
Game Clock 1755 MHz 1965 MHz (+12%)
Boost Clock 1905 MHz 2035 MHz (+7%)
Memory Clock 1750 MHz 1800 MHz (+3%)

Clock speed has about 10% improve than the reference card

it also has bios switch, which can back to normal reference clock speed.

Very curious When using on Mac Pro, will it have a 10% GPU performance improvement?

Is there any history that an aftermarket card added extra V RAM than a Reference card?

 

[ChromeCrescendo]

Does Apple not releasing the W5700x have something to do with the coronavirus disrupting the supply chain?