Which model GTX 970 should I get?

[rxse7en]

Good GOD! It's been years since I've upgraded the GT120s in my 4,1 and I've obviously been out of the game too long after looking at the amount of cards now available. After researching, I've decided on a GTX 970 (keeping a GT120 for Boot Screen) and I have NO clue which one to get. Here's my parts list for review—any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks, all:

Card:
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Super Clocked ACX 2.0 4GB GDDR5 Graphics Card

6-pin cables:
Apple PCIe PCI Express PCI-e Power Cable for Mac G5 nVidia ATI Video Card

6 to 8-pin cable:
StarTech PCI Express 6 pin to 8 pin Power Adapter Cable (PCIEX68ADAP)

 

[pastrychef]

Based on the pictures of the video card, you only need two 6 pin cables. No need for the 6 to 8 pin.

 

[rxse7en]

Based on the pictures of the video card, you only need two 6 pin cables. No need for the 6 to 8 pin.

Good catch! Didn't realize that different models of the 970 had different power connectors. Thank you.

EDIT: The additional 6-pin cables are to extend to the MOBO easier, correct?

 

[MacVidCards]

The MOBO? Heh, my surfer buddy in 2001 called them that.

Mac Pro has specific power plugs, you either get right cables or create a mess of adapters coming down from above.

BTW, I would recommend a 970 with 3 @ DP outputs. The one you linked only has 1. PNY makes one with 3 MDP ports, and MSI has one with 3 DP. If you ever decide to get a 5K or more then 1 @ 4K you will be glad to have more options.

 

[rxse7en]

The MOBO? Heh, my surfer buddy in 2001 called them that.

Mac Pro has specific power plugs, you either get right cables or create a mess of adapters coming down from above.

BTW, I would recommend a 970 with 3 @ DP outputs. The one you linked only has 1. PNY makes one with 3 MDP ports, and MSI has one with 3 DP. If you ever decide to get a 5K or more then 1 @ 4K you will be glad to have more options.

Yeah...I'm old. So old, that I remember being excited when I was able to get a 3DFX Voodoo card for my PowerMac and play Quake TeamFortress. I can go back a lot further than that but that was a particularly exciting time for graphics cards. I'll go check PNY now. Thank you!

EDIT: This one? PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 Graphics Card VCGGTX9704XPB Looks like it's also a 6-pin—which is nice.

 

[pastrychef]

Yes, the 6 pin cable you linked to looks fine.

 

[rxse7en]

Ordered the PNY and additional cabling. Thank you, all.

 

[rxse7en]

Install was a breeze. Ended up pulling the GT 120 out of the loop and just running all monitors off the GTX 970 due to kernel panics. Hoping new drivers will address this issue.