MP 1,1-5,1 Simple GPU upgrade on 5,1 advice needed

[bdavid32]

I am looking to upgrade the GPU on my 5.1 cMP. After reading the GPU Compatibility List for cMP topic, I am still unable to figure out what GPU upgrade would be easier in my situation, taking into account the following:

- I don't need boot screen
- I need metal compatibility and at least 8GB VRAM
- here in Romania getting any mini 6 pin connectors (or PIXLAS kits) in a timely manner is close to impossible, but:
- I already have two mini 6 pin to 6 pin + 8 pin cables (they are mini 6 pin on one end, and the other end has two connectors, a 6 pin and an 8 pin)
- I can easily get SATA to 6 or 8 pin cables (if those in the image attached would be compatible)

I'm leaning towards the following options:

There's a used Sapphire Radeon RX 580 PULSE for about $125 in my area.
Problem – It only has one 8 pin connector, so if I'm not mistaken it might need a "dual" mini 6pin to 8 pin connector to run it. (?)
Or would the power from one simple mini 6pin to 8pin (which I already have) be enough?
If the answer is NO, are there other compatible RX 580 cards with two connectors (MSI, XFX, ASRock) ?

There's also a used Vega 56 for about $185 in my area.
A bit over what I am willing to spend, but if there's an easy way with this one and SATA cables, I'll go for it (all my SATA slots are empty).

Thanks in advance!

 

[MarkC426]

I am biased, but RX580 is best ‘no hassle’ GPU.
I am assuming your on HS or Mojave.

Can you not order a dual mini 6 pin to 8 pin cable from Ebay or Amazon.
Even from China only takes about a week.

 

[bdavid32]

I am biased, but RX580 is best ‘no hassle’ GPU.
I am assuming your on HS or Mojave.

Can you not order a dual mini 6 pin to 8 pin cable from Ebay or Amazon.
Even from China only takes about a week.

Thank you! Yes, I am on Mojave.
The average shipping time for orders from China is one month (shortest was two weeks, longest was 2,5 months). I don't think I have the patience for that, but that's what I'll do if there's no better way

I'm curios how drawing power from sata is done, and if other cables than the one attached are necessary. I'll need to look more into it. Thanks!

 

[MarkC426]

When I ordered mine it said something similar but came in about a week, but that was a couple of years ago. I would get one ordered now and if you find something local you will have a backup.

Why not order this from UK

Dual Mini 6 Pin PCI-e Male to 8 Pin Graphics Card Power Cable Mac Pro 18AWG GPU | eBay

Compatible with for 18AWG Dual Mini 6pin male to 8Pin male PCI-e For Mac Pro Video Card Power Cable. Connector A: Dual Mini 6 Pin Male. Suitable For: For Mac Pro Video Card Power Cable. Connector B: 8 Pin Male.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[bdavid32]

When I ordered mine it said something similar but came in about a week, but that was a couple of years ago. I would get one ordered now and if you find something local you will have a backup.

Why not order this from UK

Dual Mini 6 Pin PCI-e Male to 8 Pin Graphics Card Power Cable Mac Pro 18AWG GPU | eBay

Compatible with for 18AWG Dual Mini 6pin male to 8Pin male PCI-e For Mac Pro Video Card Power Cable. Connector A: Dual Mini 6 Pin Male. Suitable For: For Mac Pro Video Card Power Cable. Connector B: 8 Pin Male.

www.ebay.co.uk

Thank you, just placed an order, getting it from UK seems like the best idea as so far my experience with the Royal Mail has been great.

So I'll stick with the RX580.
At some point I got a bit confused by the info from the Sapphire website:
RADEON VEGA 56 (not the PULSE version) – 210W
RX580 PULSE – 225W
RX580N+ – 235W
But it seems like the real world tests tell a different story (see attached).

 

[yurc]

Alternatively for another simple card, if you had chance spotting reference RX480 8 GB in Romania, it also viable option because is only using single six mini pin and silent (only making slight noise when first booting MacOS) but silent afterwards. I had one of my machine with that card installed, running without hitch.

Pic for reference :

Performance wise, it might be slightly slower than RX580 probably around 10%. But if you need more aggressive cards, RX580 is only your choice, or Vega 56 is also can run without Pixlas, just make sure it was reference model, not custom PCB one.

 

[bdavid32]

Thank you!
Yes, I need good performance for editing 4K video in Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Vega 56 is also can run without Pixlas, just make sure it was reference model, not custom PCB one.

According to the specs yes, it could run without Pixlas and yes, the one I found is the "reference" RADEON model. Unfortunately I can't find enough evidence of MacPros using them without problems, so I'll probably stay on the safe side, even if this means a drop in performance.