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Upgrading cMP

macpro00

macpro00

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 7, 2016
83
7
I already did the following:

flashed 4,1 to 5,1
upgraded quad processor with 6 core
added ram to 24gb -- slots 1-3
added 256 ssd as startup disk

I am running the MP with original graphic card (GT 120). Should I upgrade graphic card? If so, which graphic card that can be had for under $200? Does any of the graphic card require additional power? GTX 760? I mainly use photshop and design programs. I may look to adding ssd pcie but my system startup seems to be plenty fast for now.
 
The Geforce GTX680 would fit within your budget, and can be easily flashed to give a boot screen. If you sell your GT120, the upgrade shouldn't cost you very much at all. It does not require additional power, just two 6-pin cables to go from the graphics card to the motherboard.

If you do want a PCIe SSD card later on, the OWC Accelsior S is quite cheap (http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/SSDACL6G.S/) and would double the speed, I can recommend it.
 
macpro00 said:
Thanks for the response! evga.com has some "B" stock cards available:

http://www.evga.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?type=8

I see some around the $99 mark... GTX 760, GTX 750? Thoughts to any cards as additional options versus the recommended GTX680?
Click to expand...

The 760 is an older generation than 750 (Ti) but has generally better specs. It also has native support in OS X but will require the mini-6 pin power cables.

The GTX 760 is a good card, I was happily using one before upgrading to the 970.

750 Ti will run off PCIe power only but needs the Nvidia web drivers to work. See the sticky at the top of the page. The EVGA b-stock price isn't that much lower than a new one FYI.
 
Yes.

I don't do anything that needs more graphics power than the GT120 or more screen space than the 24" Cinema LCD that hasn't died yet (although it's getting very cranky about starting back up from a power-off; fortunately, that's rare, and display sleep-off doesn't bother it).
 
Which graphic card will not require additional power, 2gb, and cheap? I figure to keep GTX 120 (for boot screen?) installed and add another graphic card that will be plug and play. GTX 750ti?
 
I know I've already said this, but if you can get a hold of a 2GB GTX680 (ideally EVGA), the flashing is quite straightforward and it means you can sell your GT120 to subsidise the purchase - I did it the other day and it was the first time I flashed anything.
 
macpro00 said:
Which graphic card will not require additional power, 2gb, and cheap? I figure to keep GTX 120 (for boot screen?) installed and add another graphic card that will be plug and play. GTX 750ti?
Click to expand...

750Ti is not plug and play, it require Nvidia web driver. Anyway, it should be pretty easy with the GT120 installed.
 
Can I have both my GTX 120 and another card (e.g., GTX 750Ti) installed at the same time? I don't plan on using boot camp and/or installing Windows. Original GTX120 will be connected to one monitor and the other card connected to second monitor?

(sorry.. newbie here)
 
macpro00 said:
Can I have both my GTX 120 and another card (e.g., GTX 750Ti) installed at the same time? I don't plan on using boot camp and/or installing Windows. Original GTX120 will be connected to one monitor and the other card connected to second monitor?

(sorry.. newbie here)
Click to expand...

Yes, you can
 
There are so many versions of the same video card. For example, GTX 760 has MSI, EVGA, PNY, etc. Is there any recommendation for a seamless fit for cMP 5,1?
 
macpro00 said:
thanks for the response! Recommendation between GTX 750Ti FTW vs. GTX 750Ti for cMP?

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Display-Graphics-02G-P4-3757-KR/dp/B00J0ISHMQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455926563&sr=8-1&keywords=EVGA+GeForce+GTX+750+Ti+FTW+w/+EVGA+ACX+Cooling
Click to expand...

At those prices I'd get the 'SC'. Better specs than the plain 750 Ti and only very slightly behind the FTW.

You'll also need a 6-pin power cable if you go with the FTW; the SC looks like it runs on PCIe power only.
 
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Any given OS build only has 1 Web Driver. (usually) So almost impossible to get wrong one. We have them listed on our site.

That isn't right cable. Search for "Mac PCIE POWER" on Amazon, you'll find plenty.
 
awww-- thanks for sharing the info! GTX 750Ti vs GTX 760? I keep going back to the GTX 760.... thoughts? I would assume both cards will need web driver and power cable? Is that it?
 
Last edited:
Will having GTX 760 draw too much power from logic board / PSU? I will keep the GTX 120 installed in slot 1 and the second card in slot 3.
 
That is not a good plan, because slot 3 and 4 are only PCIe x4 ("only" for GPU), and first two are x16. Power wise I don´ see the point of splitting power from one mini 6-pin connector if you won´t use the second one.
 
will GTX 120 (slot 1) and GTX 760 (slot 2) fit within the cMP? I thought I had to leave some space for the graphic card fan to circulate?
 
macpro00 said:
will GTX 120 (slot 1) and GTX 760 (slot 2) fit within the cMP? I thought I had to leave some space for the graphic card fan to circulate?
Click to expand...

Yes, but the GTX 760 will block slot 3 and possibly 4 depending on its height.

I really don't think you need to keep the GT 120 installed. The GTX 760 will have native support in OS X. No boot screens, but you previously wrote that you won't be installing Windows so I don't see why that matters. The GTX 760 is powerful enough for two displays. (By all means though, keep your GT 120 around for troubleshooting.)

These (or ones like them) are the cables you need.
 
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