MP 1,1-5,1 Upgrading my Mac Pro 2009

[hotpinkpanda]

I know there are other posts about this, but in an effort to save time I was hoping you all can direct me to the best answers. I attached the specs I have for my computer. I need to make my computer faster to be able to run heavy Unity projects, Maya, editing software, etc. My computer is super slow and I don't know enough about computers to know what needs to be upgraded to fix it. I got help upgrading it to Mojave, but I want to upgrade this machine as much as possible.

1. What do I need to buy to speed up my computer and run robust software?
2. Is it easy/worth it to add thunderbolt ports? (I heard I may need a new logic board)
3. How to upgrade bluetooth?
4. How to upgrade to usb 3.0?
5. Is there some other upgrade I don't know about that would help me?

Again, I am not super knowledgeable about computers so please help me in simple terms.

 

[tommy chen]

The Definitive Classic Mac Pro (2006-2012) Upgrade Guide

The largest/most-complete guide to all possible classic Mac Pro upgrades covering OS, Firmware, GPU, CPU, Storage, USB, THunderbolt and Network upgrades.

blog.greggant.com

 

[kohlson]

As with @IndioX above, that's the best place to start. Consider, however, that you want to push an 11 year old system beyond what it was originally intended to do. There's really 3 ways to do that:
- Become knowledgeable about how to do it. The path to a more capable cMP is filled with landmines. There is a wealth of information and expertise in this forum, but it's all about helping *you* do it if you are willing to put in the work.
- Buy a fully updated cMP system off of eBay or the like.
- Buy a newer iMac/Pro, and enjoy better performance and years of Apple support.

 

[hotpinkpanda]

Ok! I’ve flashed from 4,1 to 5,1 running Mojave. I have updated my ram and GPU. I have run into a wall that I need help with.

I purchased 2 Samsung 860 EVO SSD’s with 2.5” mount sleds. My goal is to make one of them my new boot drive. I have tried restoring and also booting from USB, but each time I get an error message saying I need File Vault turned off and a metal-supported graphics card. I have both of those, but I still can’t move forward. I want to have a clean version of Mojave on this drive. Can anyone help me with that?

 

[tommy chen]

Ok! I’ve flashed from 4,1 to 5,1 running Mojave. I have updated my ram and GPU. I have run into a wall that I need help with.

I purchased 2 Samsung 860 EVO SSD’s with 2.5” mount sleds. My goal is to make one of them my new boot drive. I have tried restoring and also booting from USB, but each time I get an error message saying I need File Vault turned off and a metal-supported graphics card. I have both of those, but I still can’t move forward. I want to have a clean version of Mojave on this drive. Can anyone help me with that?

how do you install mojave before?

MP5,1: What you have to do to upgrade to Mojave (BootROM upgrade instructions thread)

Please fully read this first post, you will probably find that you have one or more problems described into the various notes below. Mojave will only install if you have upgraded your BootROM to the current release and your Mac Pro have a Metal capable GPU*. If you are trying to install Mojave...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[hotpinkpanda]

@IndioX :
We flashed it to go from El Capitan to High Sierra and just used the App Store to go up to Mojave.

 

[AlexMaximus]

We flashed it to go from El Capitan to High Sierra and just used the App Store to go up to Mojave.

Can you describe what the problem is here, where are you stuck at the moment?
After de-activation File Vault you should be fine, however I suspect your 680 to be the culprit

 

[hotpinkpanda]

@AlexMaximus :
I can erase and format my new drive, but when it comes to installing, a window pops up saying I need file vault turned off and a metal supported graphics card. I cannot continue, the only option the give me is “quit.” I don’t know if it is my graphics card because it is metal supported and I was able to use it on my current boot drive and it all works fine. I just want to start with a clean OS on this new drive.

 

[AlexMaximus]

Read the sticky threads, I am sure you will find the answer there. You need to deactivate File Vault first.

 

[hotpinkpanda]

Thanks @AlexMaximus. I watched the video and I had already turned it off. I found a work around though. I ended up having to install El Capitan, which it did just fine. Then I went down the line and installed High Sierra and then Mojave. Now it works fine.

 

[Macschrauber]

If you read the link of @IndioX there was exactly the information about nvidia kepler cards are not recognized by the Mojave usb installer. And the hint to install from High Sierra...