Best way of running 3 monitors on Mac Pro 2.66Ghz, 10.8.4,

Hi Guys,
I just wanted some advice if you can help. I have a Mac Pro, 2.66GHZ, OSX 10.8.4, (Early 2009) and it has a NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512 MB. It has a Mini Display port and also a DVI output. I wanted to run a third monitor. I have a home recording studio, where I currently have one Main screen (Let's call it screen A) and in the vocal booth I have screen B (let's say). I ideally now want two main monitors in the main room which will become A&B, but keeping the other monitor (let's say it's now C) in the vocal booth. It doesn't matter if C can only mirror A or B - That's fine.. The monitor in the vocal booth is only for when I'm recording myself and need to control logic. In fact if it does mirror the main monitor A, that would be a bonus, rather than just an extended desktop.
Just wondered how you Wizzo's would do this. Would it be a case of adding a second graphics card to the machine, or just getting some sort of doubler box for Monitor A..
Any advice appreciated!
Thanks Guys

be sure you get a graphics card that already has Apple Firmware (such as the genuine Apple card) or it will not show a picture:
a) Under Mac OS X at all.
Some third-party display cards are better supported under 10.8.3 and later, and will show a picture once the login screen appears, but generally NOT before. If you are willing to put up with this annoyance, you have a sligthly wider selection of graphics cards, especially for the Mac Pro 2008 and later.
b) as your Mac starts up, until you get to the login screen or auto-login. This makes alternate booting, debugging, and Disk Repair a problem.
This is not readily fixed in third-party cards, as it is dependent on the graphics card's ROM, which cannot just be flashed in the usual way.
Mac OS X is prepared to do Extended Desktop and/or Mirroring in any combination of the displays you desire. It is less work for your Mac to Mirror displays if they are on the same card, but that is not a requirement.
If the displays to be mirrored have vastly different resolutiuons, a "comman denominator" resolution will be used, which may compromise picture quality.

Similar Messages

  • What is the best way to run windows on my mac?

    What is the best way to run windows on my mac?
    I have a particular program that i need to run, and it only runs on windows. I have a macbook pro

    As Templeton noted, it depends and will at least be somewhat subjective. 
    There are basically three options out there.  You can use a Windows emulator (Wine or the commercial version of it, Crossover Office), use Boot Camp to "dual boot" or use virtualization software (Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or VirtualBox).  Each has its advantages or disadvantages.
    The Windows emulators have the advantage of being the one option that doesn't need the purchase of a copy of Windows.  Unlike Boot Camp, but like the virtualization options, this allows you to run Windows programs and OSX programs side by side.  The big problem, though, is that it is the least compatible option--a lot of Windows software either has "issues" or will not function at all.  The Crossover website has information on which programs are known to work and how well they are known to work. 
    Boot Camp is the option that Apple ships OSX with.  You'll need a copy of Windows to install into the partition.  You'll effectively divide your disk into two parts and have two machines.  The major advantages are, first, you don't need to acquire separate software *AND* the Windows license.  As well, it's the highest performance Windows system.  What you have is truly a Windows machine.  That's both the good and the bad--you aren't going to be able to use OSX software at the same time, and you have to reboot to get back to OSX.  I've always thought it was best for someone who likes the Apple hardware and wants to use it for a Windows box--in that case Boot Camp is clearly a great solution.
    Finally there's virtualization which seems to be the most popular way to handle Windows, especially if you need to run one vertical market package.  It has the advantage of allowing you to use your OSX software at the same time, and the virtualization gives an extremely high level of compatibility.  About the only thing that won't run is a virtualization package (and there's not a lot of reason to run that in a Windows VM).  There is a performance hit compared to Boot Camp, but it's minimal for all but the most demanding applications (that being high end games). 
    It will chew up RAM on the OSX machine, but if you have at least 4 GB of RAM it will probably be manageable, especially if you only need to run one Windows program.
    You will need both a virtualization program (there are three major ones) and purchase Windows.  Two of three programs are commercial packages (Parallels and VMWare Fusion), while the other is an open source option (VirtualBox).  Virtual Box has the advantage of being free, but it's by far the least polished of the group.
    Which way is best?  As was noted, it depends.  I run VMWare Fusion on my machines, and I have used CrossOver Office for limited purposes.  I've not yet seen, in my use pattern, a reason to go to Boot Camp but I certainly can see cases where it might make sense.

  • Best way to run open source/GNU programs on Mac

    Hi folks,
    I'm kind of new to Macs, coming from the linux/unix world.   I'm working on reinstalling the OS on my macbook (after finding out the hard way that it itsn't prudent to use a case-sensitive file system on a Mac), and thought this would be a good time to ask if anyone has an opinion on the best way to run linux-y programs on a Mac.   For instance, I find myself wanting to use "zim" and keep it synchronized with my linux computers, but I can't get it to install on my mac.   I can see a few options:
    1) run linux in a virtual machine, but this is a problem since I only have 4 GB of memory.
    2) use mac ports, but most of the ports I tried in the past didn't work, and my questions to the community were ignored (I tried to be friendly, but perhaps I came across wrong...?)
    3) use fink, but I gather it is out of date and not really used any more.
    So, I'm curious what other people use if they want to use open source programs?   Ideally I wouldn't have to compile each program myself, but maybe that is the best option?
    Thanks.

    I think Fink has install binaries (and if it has a ZIM port that works for you, what do you care if Fink is a bit out-of-date as a package manager?).
    From my observations of MacPorts.com, it compiles the ported package on your system (so you need to have XCode (free from Mac App Store) installed on your system.  If MacPorts has a binary option, I have not dug deep enough to find it (as I mostly use the minimum to get something I want installed).
    The other option is to download the Open Source package and build it yourself.  There are some that think this is the ONLY way to go about it (me I'm lazy and only do that for Vim which I desire specific options not always included in canned Vim packages).
    If you want OpenZIM on your Mac and you only use it once in a while, then a virtual machine might be the way to go.  However, if your use of OpenZIM is extensive, then a virtual machine can be a bit heavy weight, adn for that you might want to either find a working port or build it yourself.
    Whatever you do, DO NOT replace a standard Mac OS X installed Unix side program with your own.  Put your stuff in /usr/local/bin, or a personal local tree (Fink uses /sw/... and MacPorts uses /opt/local/...), then modify PATH in your shell initialization file.  Replacing standard Mac OS X Unix programs may break Mac OS X maintenance scripts, GUI programs that get an assist from a Unix command, etc...
    NOTE:  Chances are you Mac can go up to at least 8GB of RAM, and if you look at Crucial.com you might find it will not cost you much at all (for example, the MacBook Pro I just got was upgraded from 4GB to 8GB for only $43).  With 8GB of RAM you will not notice that you have a virtual machine locking down 2GB.  Also I'm not telling you to spend money, just pointing out possible options should you find your need for OpenZIM demands the use of a virtual machine.
    With respect to a case sensitive file syste, if you need one, then create a partition (or perhaps a disk image (.dmg) via Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility) for that purpose (an external disk is also an option).  But as you have discovered Mac OS X and many of its GUI applications have assumptions based on a case-insensitive file system.

  • What is the best way to run Sage on a MacBook Pro?

    What is the best way to run Sage on a MacBook Pro?  I am a first time Apple user.

    There's a lot of Sage out thete so fill us in with information. If it runs on Windows then you'll need to create a partition on your mbp using boot camp and install Windows. So what is Sage for you?

  • What is the best way to run windows on my Mac? And What are the pitfalls I should watch for?

    What is the best way to run windows on my Mac?   What are the pitfalls/

    If you need Windows as your main operating system you would be better off buying a Real Windows PC.
    Running windows on a Mac is always a compromise. Whether in a Boot Camp partition or in a Virtual Machine.
    In boot camp you can't easily Re-Partition and or Re-Size the drive it is installed on. You can't use both graphics cards as Apple has limited Windows to use the discrete graphics only, that is if your mac has 2 graphics cards (15" MBPs), which will shorten the battery run time in Windows.
    The trackpad only has limited functions in Windows, less then is available on the Mac side and a real Windows PC.

  • What is the best way to run .exe files on my mac?

    What is the best way to run .exe files on my mac? I need to run some updates for my john deere gps and the downloads i get can only be run on windows.

    There are several options for running Windows software (*.exe files) on a Mac, depending what your program is, how often you use it, and your personal preferences.
    One way that does not require Windows is an open source effort called WINE.  Check out winehq.org.  You may find that that's all you need for your programs.  There is also a commercial effort that has grown from WINE, and you will find info about it on the site mentioned.  These DO NOT require that you have and install Windows.
    If you want to run sessions devoted only to Windows software, and want programs to run as fast as they do on a PC, the Apple's Bootcamp program is useful.  With it you dedicate a partition on your hard disk to windows, and on startup choose to either boot into OS X or Windows.  Each runs without any connection to the other.  This requires you have a copy of the Windows software as well as the applications you want to run. 
    If you want to be able to easily exchange data between your Windows and Mac programs, and skip back and forth between the two, there are several emulators available that run on Mac OS X and create a Windows environment where many Windows programs can operate along side Mac programs.  Parallels and VMwear are two comercial packages available for purchase and Virtual Box is an open source effort available for free.  Google will find all three for you.
    My only experience is with Virtual Box.  It is slow and a bit clunky, but it is free and meets my needs for the very few "just got to have" windows programs I sometimes use.
    Google is your friend on this and can provide a lot more, and better, information than I can.
    Best of luck,
    Ray

  • Best way to scan from office jet pro 8600 to mac pro and attach to email

    What is the best way to scan from an officejet pro 8600 printer to a mac pro desktop, attach and scan?

    dunno if you can do it directly, but, assuming the drivers are up-to-date, use Image Capture*, which should get you  a scan, then save it, then when sending the email, click on the paperclip,  and choose whatever it was that you scanned, wherever you saved it....
    and then send it.
    JB
    *Preview might work, but I don't recall 100% if it does...
    don't recall seeing anything that'd let you scan something in, then have it go directly to email and send it out, one-step

  • Best Multifunction Printer (with FAX) for Mac Pro running OS 10.4.11?

    What is the Best Multifunction Printer (with FAX) for Mac Pro running OS 10.4.11? thanks for your advice.

    sad to say, the mininum MAC osx version for the printers should be at least 10.6

  • What's the best way to run Logic Pro from external hard drive.

    What's the best way to run logic from external hard drive

    Hi
    Organism wrote:
    Logic is designed to run from your Applications folder. I suspect if Logic was moved to an external drive, it might not be able to locate its assets, like loops and libraries.
    As long the necessary files are in the correct places on the boot disc, you can run the Logic application itself fom wherever you like. It would not be recommended however, and there would be very little benefit (if any) in doing so.
    CCT

  • What is the best way to back up my MacBook Pro (OSX 10.9.5) before taking it in for service?

    What is the best way to back up my MacBook Pro (OSX 10.9.5) before taking it in for service?

    While I have nothing against Time Machine (and I do use it on some of my systems), I always make a bootable clone before taking a Mac in for service (2 actually), and I verify that clone boots before I let the Mac leave.
    SuperDuper is free for a full clone (you only pay for incremental features).
    <http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html>
    Carbon Copy Cloner provides a 1 month fully enabled demo mode before you have to buy the product or stop using it.
    <https://www.bombich.com/>

  • What is the best way to 'clean up" a Mac that has been going for about 2 years.  I reset safari frequently but need to be sure stuff I don't want is gone.

    What is the best way to 'clean up" a Mac that has been going for about 2 years.  I reset safari frequently but need to be sure stuff I don't want is gone.

    I'd gather by your "reset Safari"  and "clean up" you mean by sites you rather not have your mom see.
    Hidden Flash cookies are stored in "Macromedia" Folders on your computer, can delete using the free Easy Find first, but need to reinstall Flash again here
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/11076/easyfind
    http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
    OnyX run All the cleaning and maintenance steps followed by a reboot, followed by a Disk Utility erase free space.
    http://www.titanium.free.fr/
    CCleaner is in beta for OS X, can combine the cleaning and secure erase in the same steps if properly configured.
    http://www.piriform.com/mac/ccleaner
    Every web site knows your apx location.
    http://www.whatsmyip.org/more/
    To be sure to have a clean machine, a
    Restoring OS X - 10.6  "fresh install method"
    Restoring OS X - 10.7 - wipe and install
    is the only way as you only bring files back to the machine that you know what they are, everything else is removed.
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/16276201#16276201

  • What is the best program to run on my MacBook Pro to clean it up?

    can anyone tell me what the best program to run on a MacBook Pro to clean it up, make it run faster?

    When you next have the problem, note the exact time: hour, minute, second.
    If you have more than one user account, these instructions must be carried out as an administrator.
    Launch the Console application in any of the following ways:
    ☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
    ☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
    ☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Console in the icon grid.
    Make sure the title of the Console window is All Messages. If it isn't, select All Messages from the SYSTEM LOG QUERIES menu on the left. If you don't see that menu, select
    View ▹ Show Log List
    from the menu bar.
    Each message in the log begins with the date and time when it was entered. Scroll back to the time you noted above. Select the messages entered from then until the end of the episode, or until they start to repeat, whichever comes first. Copy the messages to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C. Paste into a reply to this message (command-V).
    The log contains a vast amount of information, almost all of it useless for solving any particular problem. When posting a log extract, be selective. In most cases, a few dozen lines are more than enough. It is never necessary or helpful to post more than about 100 lines. "The more, the better" is not the rule here.
    Please do not indiscriminately dump thousands of lines from the log into this discussion.
    Important: Some private information, such as your name, may appear in the log. Anonymize before posting.

  • What is the best way to transfer iPhoto from MacBook Pro to iMac?

    What is the best way to transfer iPhoto from MacBook Pro to iMac?

    the only way is Connect the two Macs together (network, firewire target mode, etc) and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac and it will open the library and convert it as needed and you will be ready move forward.
    LN

  • How many Monitors on Mac Pro 2.1?

    Hello and Merry Christmas everyone!!
    I'm curious to know what is the most number of monitors/displays anyone has ever been able to run on their  Mac Pro 2.1?
    Right now I'm running 4, but am curious if you can go higher?  
    Thanks!!

    You can drive nine displays using the internal PCI-e slots.
    One ATI Radeon HD 5770 (three displays)
    <http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC742ZM/A/ati-radeon-hd-5770-graphics-upgrade- kit-for-mac-pro-mid-2010>
    and three Nvidia GeForce GT 120 (two displays per card)
    <http://www.amazon.com/Nvidia-GeForce-120-Graphics-Upgrade/dp/B001V3DZD4>
    For more cards you can use a PCIe Expander.
    <http://www.magma.com/catalog/basic-pcie-expansion>
    If you don't care about performance you can add four more displays via USB
    <http://www.newertech.com/products/viddu2dvia.php>

  • What is the best blue-ray drive for my Mac Pro????

    What is the best blue-ray drive for my Mac Pro????
    I wanted a BWU-200S but it says windows only i called apple
    and all they could tell me was logitech....wouldn't tell me a model
    or anything.
    I would really like one that does all the formats and feature that the
    Sony BWU-200S does.
    I read that the BWU-200S might work in the mac pro it just only comes with
    windows software. If anyone has tried this let me know please i need this soon.

    This site makes Mac compatible Blueray drives:
    http://store.fastmac.com/index.php?cPath=10252
    The questions to ask them is:
    1. Which applications can be used to burn bluray movies from it?
    2. Which applications can be used to playback commercial bluray from it?
    3. Does it let you burn DVDs from iDVD, iTunes and the Finder as well as CDs and CD-RWs?
    4. Does it support both DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL for burning and playback?
    5. Does it allow for booting from the system installer that shipped with the machine and running the hardware test that shipped with the machine?
    6. Do you get to keep the original optical drive in case you want to troubleshoot if system issues are due to their drive?
    Some of these may already be on the website, I just haven't taken the time to look it completely over.
    Message was edited by: a brody

Maybe you are looking for

  • Ical & iphone sync problem

    Each time I sync my iphone to my macbook all new appointments are transferred, but the times on the iphone are reset 4 hours earlier. The appointments and times stay are correct on the macbook. I have made new appointments on the iphone and they are

  • Hard drive crash, errors 10031 & 10007. What do I do next I have no ideas?

    We had a hard drive crash yesterday that was unrecoverable.  I have installed a new hard drive and software (windows ME).  I also reinstalled the labview version 5.1.1 and ni daq 6.9.1.  I keep getting an error (10031) that the specified scxi chassis

  • T-codes to get payment run report for different company codes?

    Hello sap gurus, I have a scenario like - > use of IDocs to process vendor and employee payments. Both bank transfers and checks will be processed through interface. Now, What is the t-code to get report for payments for different customer, comp code

  • Exchange 2007 Public Folder Database cannot be deleted

    We are in the process of decommissioning exchange 2007 server from 2007 <-> 2013 coexistence. All user MailboxDatabases have been sucsessfully removed, however PF Mailbox databases return an error.  "The public folder database 'Public Folder Database

  • No auto-save

    Hello...  Would anyone know why my auto-save function does not perform (CS6)?  I have it checked in preferences for every fifteen minutes, 6 versions.  No folder is created, and no auto-save window pops up while editing.... ever.  I've tried changing