Video card Mac Pro 1,1

[hanHans]

Hi.
I´we got a Mac Pro late 2006 modell and a ATI Radeon x1900 video card. I’m running OS 10.5.8.
My problem is that my video card is starting to wear out (problems with overheating, stripes on screan etc.), and I would like to replace it.

However, anyone knows which current video card are supported for the Mac Pro 1,1 with OS 10.5.8? Would like to not spend a fortune on a machine this old.

I´we also heard that "flashing" a PC card could be an option. Anyone got experience with this? And what kinds of cards are supported?

- Hans

 

[666sheep]

What do you mean by current? These you can buy brand new with full warranty? If so, none will work with 10.5.8. You need at least 10.6.4 to run ATI 5770 which is cheapest of these that meet above criteria.

If you want to go flashing route and do not upgrade your OS, I'd recommend to get second hand 4870 512MB, exactly like this one (sticker may be different but it should have red PCB):

and flash it with unmodified Mac ROM (you'll find it in appropriate 4870 flashing thread on this forum –> search "race to dump 4870 ROM").

Other cards that will work in your MP with 10.5.8 are:
– 7300GT – performance downgrade in comparison to X1900
– 2600XT – same as above
– 8800GT – bad reputation due to high failure rate
– Quadro FX4500 – good and reliable card, however still expensive

 

[slughead]

5770 is a good option, you can flash a PC one. There's also a 4870 that you can flash really easily.

 

[TonyK]

OWC has Apple boxed 5770's. Given I have an Apple store close by the price between Apple and OWC came out about the same (sales tax vs higher price and shipping).

I'm running 10.7.4 and it boots and runs well.

 

[GXPvince]

On the subject of 5770's do I need any extra power cables for this? Or is there anything I need to know to put this card in my 1,1? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129268

 

[TonyK]

On the subject of 5770's do I need any extra power cables for this? Or is there anything I need to know to put this card in my 1,1? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129268

My card from OWC did not need a power cable. Have no idea if the card from NewEgg will. The OWC card is a Apple boxed video card so there is that to consider.

Okay, I just looked at the NewEgg item and the power cable it has is a converter type. My suggestion is if you get this, also get a true power cable. The one in the NewEgg item probably will not work inside your OS X system.

 

[slughead]

On the subject of 5770's do I need any extra power cables for this? Or is there anything I need to know to put this card in my 1,1? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129268

You need a 6 pin cable to use this in your mac pro. It should work fine after that.

http://www.amazon.com/PCIe-Power-Cable-nVidia-Video/dp/B002UR1654

 

[Snowshiro]

However, anyone knows which current video card are supported for the Mac Pro 1,1 with OS 10.5.8? Would like to not spend a fortune on a machine this old.

Honestly, I think you'd be better off looking around for a cheap copy of Snow Leopard. It would make much life easier without having to flash a card and risk it not working. Apple have kinda screwed us to a degree with this download only nonsense and then withdrawing old OSs as soon as the new one comes out. Especially since MP 1,1s can't even run the only OS they now sell.