What do I need to know before getting an RX580?

[bwillwall]

I have a Mac Pro 2008, I know it's old but I really think the thing would be a beast if I upgrade its GPU. I use it for Final Cut, Motion, and other creative software. I might play some basic games on it if I had more power but that's not a primary need.

I think I decided that an RX580 seems like the best deal, but what do I need to know before getting one? I've seen lots of conflicting information, i.e. that any kind will work OOTB and that only one model will work properly. Linus Tech Tips recommended this cheaper model by this obscure brand for instance: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131719&cm_re=rx_580-_-14-131-719-_-Product

Will this work properly with the latest version of High Sierra? I should add that I used this patcher to put Sierra and High Sierra on this machine despite it not being officially supported. It runs great without bugs. http://dosdude1.com/highsierra/

 

[StuAff]

The only difference between the Sapphire Pulse 8GB model and every other RX 580, as regards Mac compatibility, is that the Pulse shows up correctly identified in System Profiler etc. Nothing else, it won't work 'better'. As long as the model you pick physically fits OK in your setup (if you are using all your free slots you'll want a 2-slot card, not a 2.5, in other words) and you can power it correctly, you won't have any issues. Apart from that, just a case of finding stock at the right price.

 

[Synchro3]

RX 580
- needs macOS 10.12.6 or 10.13.x
- no boot screen
- works ootb

 

[Squuiid]

And make sure you get a card that has a SINGLE 8-pin connector.
Some, like Sapphire’s Nitro+ card, require more power and consequently can’t be easily powered in a cMP.

 

[TheStork]

And make sure the ports are like AMD's Reference Card > 1-DVI, 2-HDMI and 2-DP.

 

[fatespawn]

And make sure the ports are like AMD's Reference Card > 1-DVI, 2-HDMI and 2-DP.

So the one he posted has 3 DP, 1 HDMI, and 1 DVI. That would be a problem?

 

[h9826790]

So the one he posted has 3 DP, 1 HDMI, and 1 DVI. That would be a problem?

Generally not a problem, but higher chance to have incompatible card.

 

[zemaker]

Is there any way to get around the no boot screen issue?

 

[bwillwall]

Generally not a problem, but higher chance to have incompatible card.

Is there any way to know other than by trying?

 

[orph]

do a search in the forum for rx580 and look for posts with ppl talking about using them, check what models they have and maybe send them a pm asking for advice and if they had any problems.
there's a been a few topics on it so you will be able to get a lot of info just from reading old posts.

 

[h9826790]

Is there any way to know other than by trying?

Unfortunately, no.

Either try it yourself, or have review from other users.

As general rule, apart from XFX card, +90% the card can work properly. And from memory, rarely see anyone complain PowerColor card doesn't work. However, it seems not much members here use PowerColor card as well.

Is there any way to get around the no boot screen issue?

There is a possibility to show the boot screen by installing Clover / rEFInd. But the project is still on the way.