So Many 5770's - Which are Genuine Apple and how to tell??

[TableSyrup]

First I have to appologize for yet another GPU post, but can't seem to find concise info on this

Ok, I want to go to the 5770 video for my 1,1 mod project, but am confused as to which to use.

I want: AT LEAST Dual Monitors for extended desktop
(3 Monitors would be nice, but not absolutely necessary)

I also want to get the Boot Screen from DVI - which, as I understand, is not possible with flashed cards (unless done with a DVI/VGA adapter on SOME)

I don't want any work arounds.
I want at least two monitors connected, and want boot screen.
(Would be nice if both monitors were connected via DVI, 3rd -if possible- can be other)

So... what to get.

I see cards like this - single card:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Mac-P...eo_TV_Cards&hash=item35bcc153a1#ht_500wt_1413

I also see cards like these - two cards???
Says 'Packaged Quantity - 2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-APPLE-M...o_TV_Cards&hash=item5893402855#ht_1775wt_1139

So I'm confused a bit....

Are the only OEM Apple 5770's these cards? - the size/shape/enclosure?
Why is one long and the other short?

I'm lost... sorry....
I know that the flashed cards can be used, but I want the boot screen for selecting boot disks (Multiple OS installs on separate drives)

I am not apposed to a different card option - but was trying to follow the recommendations of this forum by grabbing the 5770
If anyone has an alternative solution that would be good.

I will also be running FCP X on this machine

 

[initialsBB]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone)

Why not get it direct from Apple ? Search the online Apple Store for "graphics update".

 

[TableSyrup]

Nice... didn't realize it would be the same price from Apples Store - didn't even think to look

But... dual DVI ones are still different cards? Different ROM? No boot screen?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-DELL-GA...o_TV_Cards&hash=item27c77fcd97#ht_1333wt_1163

Not trying to beat the dead horse and keep on this regurgitated topic, but so much 5770 discussion, and so many different 5770 appearances, that I want to verify if maybe the one posted above is plug and play?

And also - why are there pictures of two different sizes on the one at apple.... but only appears to be fore one card????
While the same photo on the previously posted ebay listing says Package Quantity 2 ?????

Am I missing something????

If it comes down to it, I'll grab one right from apple, but trying to find one used for less.... shoot.... the cost of the card new is 1/2 what I paid for the machine before mods

ha.

 

[strwrsfrk]

I also want to get the Boot Screen from DVI - which, as I understand, is not possible with flashed cards (unless done with a DVI/VGA adapter on SOME)

This is where you branch into one of three camps (without having to even read any further into your post)

1) Get a genuine Apple 5770 from their site or a trusted parts reseller

2) Get a modded 5770 from MacVidCards which specifically supports EFI boot screens

3) Get a card on eBay and throw a DVI-->VGA adapter on it

Option 1 is most expensive. Option 2 is less expensive, but not cheap, and is pending MacVidCard's store's availability. Option 3 works great except for that little DVI-->VGA issue, and you can usually get the card (I prefer XFX 5770 ZHFC or ZNFC from experience) and a 6-pin power cable for under $100.

And if you keep the original 7300GT or X1900 XT, you can still have a boot screen.

 

[TableSyrup]

EDIT: the 7300GT is not going to be campatible in FCPX

The majority of my work is Pro Tools - so video there doesn't really matter - aside from needing at least dual monitors.

FCP is going to be new to me - have done a little video, but nothing extensive - just getting into it - and don't want to be suffering through it.

If I'm not mistaken the XFX 5770 ZHFC or ZNFC's need to be flashed?
Also, can a DVI/VGA Splitter be used to feed the same monitor?
Therefore providing boot screen? But then switch to DVI in when booted?


I will be running PT10HD, FCPX, Lion (Latest combined update, 10.7.4?)

I feel like a complete noooooooob....
I've built all my PC's over the years, but first time modifying a Mac.

 

[strwrsfrk]

I'm just concerned that the 7300GT is going to be wimpy in FCPX

The majority of my work is Pro Tools - so video there doesn't really matter - aside from needing at least dual monitors.

FCP is going to be new to me - have done a little video, but nothing extensive - just getting into it - and don't want to be suffering through it.

If I'm not mistaken the XFX 5770 ZHFC or ZNFC's need to be flashed?
Also, can a DVI/VGA Splitter be used to feed the same monitor?
Therefore providing boot screen? But then switch to DVI in when booted?


I will be running PT10HD, FCPX, Lion (Latest combined update, 10.7.4?)

I feel like a complete noooooooob....
I've built all my PC's over the years, but first time modifying a Mac.

Yes, the 7300GT will be a poor choice for running FCPX. Again, it boils down to what you need. Do you really need the EFI boot screen? If not, ditch the 7300GT and put in a flashed 5770. If so, boot the Pro with the 7300GT driving the display and switch over to the 5770 once you've satisfied yourself that the boot screen came up okay.

There are many cards which will work without flashing (the 6870 among the more popular), but I've always chosen to flash my cards. It's an extra step (again, which you've specifically mentioned trying to avoid), but ultimately, it's a simple one. You just need a PC with an open PCIEx16 slot and (in my preferred ATIFLASH method) a usb thumb drive.

I'm not sure how using one DVI port to feed a monitor via VGA and using the other to feed the same monitor via DVI would work. I've never done it.

 

[CaptainChunk]

Even flashed 5770s won't throw a boot screen unless the card is sending an analog VGA signal. The official Apple card is the ONLY 5770 that will display a boot screen on all ports. This has to do with the port mapping on Apple's version of the card, which is different from the reference PC design.

MacVidCard's 6870s will display a boot screen over the lower DVI port (provided it's the only display connected), but those cards require an EFI-64 Mac, which the 1,1 is not.

If the OP doesn't care about having a boot screen, even an unflashed 5770 would suffice. But FWIW, B&H Photo/Video seems to have the best price on the official Apple 5770.

 

[gpzjock]

If you absotively, posalutely have to have a boot screen the Apple store 5770 is the only one that will do the deed for sure. Alternatively, sourcing a Sapphire HD4870 1GB Vapor-X card and flashing it with Zeus would probably work and cost a fraction of the price. 4870 = 5770 in power too. Check it out, I did back in 2009 and even ran HDMI thru it as well.
Replaced mine in 2010 with a Sapphire HD5870 but that has no boot screen. Big jump in power though!

 

[ReallyRedCobra]

I actually just took an Apple 5770 out of my mac pro and I was planning on putting it on ebay. Let me know if you are interested. Shoot me a PM.

 

[Hunter5117]

If you don't end up doing a deal with RRC, then I would highly recommend B&H Photo in NYC. They are the supplier of choice for many people in the photo/video production industry and are Apple authorized reseller. I just got my 5770 from them. Official Apple product in white Apple box with all the Apple product literature inside, power cable, etc. Plugged in and worked 100% on my MP 2,1.

Plus I saved about $40 vs buying from my local Apple store (price plus tax). B&H is also free shipping.