Confused about upgrading Video card on 1st Gen Mac Pro

When looking in the Apple store under video cards it looks like the 8800 or even the ati 2600xt say :
PCI Express 2.0 but under the reviews for the ati card there are a few posts that say they used this card to upgrade their '06 ' and '07 Mac Pro from the Nvidia 7300 ...
But if the older Mac Pro's dont have pci express 2.0 how can this be ?
I also have read that a nvidia 8800 for the 1st gen mac pro may come out but what if it does not ? Whats the deal ? Will there be a video upgrade path for the 1st gen mac pro or not ?
Why are we being " left out " in the cold for buying a machine a year and a half ago ?
So basically there is the 7300 or the ati 1900 and thats it for the 1st gen mac pro's ?
Even my 4 year old PC has video options and its agp !

If you are bored you might be able to find an early post of mine from the early MacPro days when I commented that MacPro buyers should only buy if they can live with never being to upgrade the graphics card. Apple is Apple and if you know the history of Apple you know that graphics cards are all but ignored. I remain hopeful that Apple, through nVidia, comes out with an 8800 for older Mac Pros, but I don't count on it. The MacPro line has glaring strengths and glaring weaknesses and the dearth of video cards is a glaring weakness. Still better a MacPro with this weakness than a PC box, but with no official word from Apple and all this expectation from a single comment by an nVidia PR person (PR for gosh sakes!), I don't find the rumor to be terribly credible. Hope I'm wrong. Very much so. Hope the oft quoted email by steve j. regarding it being looked at is on the money and we have an announcement tomorrow. Holding my breath till then....

Similar Messages

Video card for 1st generation Mac Pro

My X1900 card in the Mac Pro 1st generation has died. I've searched the board and the replacement cards seem to be older and not sold any more. Does anyone know what will work? I went to an Apple Store today and the "genius" said I needed a new X1900. I told him I didn't think they were made any more. I did a Web search and it seems Apple has known about this problem and was replacing them up to January 2011. Wish I was contacted about this by Apple; they have records that I purchased the card. I've had problems with this for quite some time. I thought upgrading to Snow Leopard would help but I seemed to get more crashes after the upgrade.

If this image attached is what you have that died you can have this to bolt on to your original graphics card, it should work just fine as a GPU replacement. It worked fine for me, it's just that the X1900 for me when I used the 1st gen Mac Pro didn't suit my needs.
I've never wanted to throw it away. The board and copper cooling system it was attached to was too cumbersome.
Let me know and I'll ship it to you.

What displays WILL work with 1st gen Mac Pro & 4870 video card upgrade?

I've been reading these discussion threads for hours.
I, like so many others, have a 1st gen Mac Pro with a 1900XT that is taking a dump on me.
My only/best option for replacing it is the 4870...
But SO many folks with 3rd party displays have had problems, though almost no one is commenting on which 3rd party displays DO work.
Can anyone help? Do you have this configuration and a 3rd party display that IS working?
I don't want to buy this card and find out I have to shell out another ton of $$$ to buy Cinema Display.
I have an LG Flatron Wide...
Can anyone confirm a 3rd party display that DOES work? I'd be VERY grateful!

I have the Acer 24". been fine for 18 months. I know several people using them

Choosing a video card for 1st gen (1,1) mac pro

Hey all,
Buying a video card for my mac pro to upgrade from the stock 256mb nvidia, and have narrowed it to these three cards.
ATI X1900 XT
Nvidia 8800GT
ATI 4870
I know to make sure I buy the versions compatible with my generation mac pro etc, but they're all relatively close in price (within $100), so barring comparison in that area, which of these cards are the best? Or are they all pretty equal? I know very little about video cards.
Also, as an aside, does the ATI 4890HD work with 1st gen mac pros? I've seen ebay auctions claiming they do, but I know better than to take them at face value.

I wouldn't touch the X1900 overpriced and old.
The 8800GT is hard to find but can be on ebay even for 1st gen
ATI 4870 from Apple is safe bet.

1st Gen Mac Pro - Graphics card upgrade options?

Hi guys,
I have the 1st gen Mac Pro with 2 x 3GHz dual core xeons and a Radeon X1900 graphics card. I have wanted to upgrade to a new card for a while, however, I can't find any that apple say are compatible. I wanted to upgrade to a 5870 but on apples website it said this wasn't compatible with the first gen.
What is the limiting factor here? Is it the software or hardware?
What is the best card I can get for my machine?
Please help!
Thanks Guys
Tom

Your post has been added to a thread regarding Mac Pro Xeon Tower computers. These have nothing in common with your MacBook Pro.
To get an answer that is meaningful, you need to post on the MacBook Pro forums, here:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=190

Can you have 2 ATI 3870 cards in a 1st gen Mac pro

I have a first gen Mac pro my system specs is 2 x 2.66 Ghz Dual Core Xeon. I was wondering if its possible to install 2 graphics. Does anyone have any information on if this is possible and if so can you get cross fire to work on the pc side for gaming.

Yes you can. I have a 1st Gen Mac Pro with 2 ATI 3870s and crossfire mode when I run Windows with Bootcamp.
On the mac side install the drivers BEFORE you put the hardware in.
Install them in the two lower pcie slots and connect them with both crossfire cables. You have to go into the expansion slot utility (HD>System>Library>CoreServices>Expansion Slot Utility) and change the configuration of the two lower slots (slots 1 & 2) to be 8 lanes each.
In bootcamp: After you physically install the cards you need to remove all current gpu drivers from Windows and then install the new drivers for the 3870s.
I just did this myself not even a month ago after several days of frustration of trying to make it work. The key is to make sure the pcie slots are both equal at 8 lanes. Nothing worked until I did that.
Works great but is quite loud. I'm looking into passive cooling systems now...

Buying a 1st Gen Mac Pro nVidia GeForce 8800 GT 512MB from Applemacanix...

_*Hi to All:_*
_First of all thanks for taking the time to read my post._
I am going to buy a 1st Gen Mac Pro nVidia GeForce 8800 GT 512MB Video Card from ebay to applemacanix, it looks like they give good service and I wont recive a bad product but I wannt to know from mac user what they think about this ebay user? I put the link [here|http://cgi.ebay.com/1st-Gen-Mac-Pro-nVidia-GeForce-8800-GT-512MB-Video-Ca rdW0QQitemZ270514929671QQcategoryZ3762QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparm sZalgo=DLSL%2BSIC&its=I%2BC&itu=UCI%2BIA%2BUA%2BFICS%2BUFI%2BDDSIC&otn=20&po=&ps =63&clkid=8899382923051298334#ht_5840wt1167]
Second I wannted to know what you think about the card? Has it worked ok for you? Any strange issue I should be aware?
Thanks in advance
Message was edited by: Chocorito

Applemecanix are the Microsoft of card flashers.
There are at least 5 other flashers on Ebay who will sell you the EXACT same card, with the EXACT same ROM flashed on it for around $100 less.
For that matter, a little time on MacRumours and you could figure out how to make one yourself for $200 less.
However, if you have money to burn, by all means give it to them.

8800 GT crapped out, 1st-gen Mac Pro

When I tried to turn on Mac Pro today, the monitor didn't appear to be receiving any video, and the fan on my GPU was at full speed without stopping. The computer otherwise seemed to be working fine (startup sound played, could hear hard drives working). I ruled out the monitor as the issue, and upon replacing the Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT with an old ATI X1900 XT I had lying around, the computer started working fine. The ATI was the original card that came with the Mac, which I replaced with the Nvidia about 3 years ago.
The problem now is that I need a replacement for the 8800GT. Unfortunately, I have a first-gen Mac Pro (2006) and my warranty ran out, so a free repair is not likely. I called the local Apple store, who forwarded me to Apple support, who told me that Apple doesn't have any 1st-gen Mac Pro compatible 8800s lying around. They suggested I check Newegg, but after some time trying to struggle through the site I don't believe they have any either.
So, I guess my question is, what now? My Mac functions fine with the X1900XT, but the reason the card was replaced was because it performed terribly, overheated often, and had artifact issues, so I'd rather not keep it.
This is my first experience trying to replace hardware out of warranty, and coming from PCs it's hard to imagine there are no replacements out there. Do I have to live with the ATI, or does anyone know if/where I can find a replacement 8800?
I have a MacPro1,1, dual Intel Xeon 2.66GHz, 4GB RAM, latest version of Mac OS X.

BTW, 9.5 Minutes in a 425F oven has about 50/50 odds of reviving your 8800GT. You need to remove fan first. There are multiple "how tos" on web. I have done this with MANY 8800GTs and can report odds really are about 50% that card can resume normal life.
Issue was early Lead Free solder.

Use of NVIDIA 8800GT Card in 1st Generation Mac Pro

I just visited my local Apple store to inquire about the "1st Gen. Mac Pro" 8800GT card. They have some with p/n MB 560Z/A on the box. But no one knows anything in detail about the card, or possible installation/operation problems. Is the MB 560Z/A the card version that should work in my 1st gen Mac Pro (purchased 29Aug06)?

That's the right card. The Mac Pro (early 2008) uses the MB137Z/A

A few questions with SL & 1st gen Mac Pro

Hey everyone. I just got Snow Leopard for Christmas and I've installed it on my harddrive. (I have the latest update as well now) The problem I'm seeing is my EFI is 32bit. I can't boot into 64 bit mode. Is there a firmware or something I can type into the Terminal to put it in 64bit mode? I see all my apps are 64bit in the Activity Monitor. Is it hopeless for me to think I can run in full 64bit mode on my 1st gen Mac Pro? Also, I've noticed to that when I double click on an icon it doesn't open until I double click it 3-4 times and it becomes frustrating. And where is my "Mac HD" in the top right hand corner that I'm used to seeing??? Anyway, any help would be great. Thanks.

airwolfhelicopter wrote:
Hey everyone. I just got Snow Leopard for Christmas and I've installed it on my harddrive. (I have the latest update as well now) The problem I'm seeing is my EFI is 32bit. I can't boot into 64 bit mode. Is there a firmware or something I can type into the Terminal to put it in 64bit mode?
no, your mac is not capable of booting in 64-bit mode.
I see all my apps are 64bit in the Activity Monitor. Is it hopeless for me to think I can run in full 64bit mode on my 1st gen Mac Pro?
yes. but you are not missing much. you still run all 64-bit apps as 64-bit. only the kernel is 32-bit. to get actual advantage of 64-bit kernel you need loads of RAM (more than 8GB) and some 64-bit apps that are optimized to take advantage of a lot of RAM and have actual need to do it.
Also, I've noticed to that when I double click on an icon it doesn't open until I double click it 3-4 times and it becomes frustrating. And where is my "Mac HD" in the top right hand corner that I'm used to seeing???
go to finder preferences->general and check the box to show hard drives on the desktop.
Anyway, any help would be great. Thanks.

Upgrading my 1st Gen Mac Pro

I have a Mac Pro 1.1, Dual-Core Intel Xeon, 2.66 GHz with 11GB of RAM. Graphics card is ATY,RadeonX1900.
I mainly use it for video/photo work, FCP, After Effects, Photoshop. It's starting to run quite slow. In Final Cut Pro I have trouble playing anything back smoothly within the timeline. I am assuming this is because as video technology improves (HD, higher bit rates etc) by Mac Pro has not kept up.
What is the best way to upgrade my Mac Pro so that it runs more smoothly and does not cost as much as buying a new machine? Should I get the processor changed? Is that possible? If so, which one? Or would changing the graphics card do the job?
Any advice would be great.
Thanks.

Hi fferrari,
I find it sad that The hatter is right that so many view without any suggestions. I have a similar issue that I'm dealing with and my budget does not alow me to purchase a new MacPro. I'm also looking for a new graphics card to edit High Def video on my 1st Gen MacPro 2006. I tried the ATI 5770 but somehow forgot to notice that it requires Snow Leopard 10.6.x to work properly. I need something that works with Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard due to software issues and also with Windows XP SP2 via Bootcamp witch is on the Tiger HDD.
I'm so confused as to what to purchase since it's all so very technical for me but I may need to find an Nvidia 8800GT because I want two DVI port on the same card that would work on Tiger (10.4.x) and at least 512 MB on the card.
Anyway, good luck at making a decision at your end.
Rio

Well its been about 7 weeks - Any news on a 8800Gt for 1st gen Mac Pro's ?

It was January when the masses were pacified with the announcement of a 8800gt card for us old timers - you know those super out of date , non-upgradeable video 1st mac pro's .....
Why are we being ' dead ended ' like this on video ? The 7300 and 1900 are not at all ' modern ' video cards - why are we being treated like this ? Did we do something wrong ? Did not enough people buy the first gen mac pro ? I the first gen mac pro so under engineered it cant handle the 8800gt or ati2600 ? (2600 is not officially supported by Apple for older mac pro's) ....
Why did my Mac Pro have slots ? Next time just solder the video on ... because thats what I feel like you did to me Apple...... Thanks alot....

+1 for that. Just looking for the answer to two things: will the 8800GT upgrade be available -- as promised -- for 1st generation Mac Pros; if so, what's the ETA?

1st Gen Mac Pro: Graphics Card Needed Urgently

My mac pro is first generation (Model Identifier: MacPro1,1) Not the 2008 Mac Pro.
I have Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1900
This card is failing. Pram reset, SMC reset, and/or repair permissions do not work. I cleaned the fan intake area as well... card is still failing (won't wake from sleep, no display on reboot, etc etc).
I have searched these forums high and low. Can anyone please provide me with a good option for a replacement card?
The closest I have gotten is the "Apple nVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT Graphics Upgrade Kit for 1st Generation Mac Pro" which is now discontinued (?)
I am getting really frustrated here, please help!

Hey,
I am having the exact issue with my Mac Pro (2.66 gig first gen intel). I have a discussion (unresolved) that you can find here.
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=9666490#9666490
I wonder how many folks are having this particular card die early on them. I think the problem is more widespread than Apple would indicate on the phone.
Anyway, my concern is whether or not the replacement card will be able to use the Open CL (sp?) protocol that will come with Snow Leopard. This will allow the computer to use free cycles on the graphics card to boost processing power. The guy on the phone and at the Apple store I went to was fuzzy on this. The last thing I want to do is upgrade to an antiquated card.
He suggested the Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT which I cannot find (discontinued).
Does anyone know if the 4870 will take advantage of the new Snow Leopard features?
Thanks,
G

1st Gen Mac Pro Graphics Card replacement??

I have a 1st generation mac pro and the nvidia geforce 7300 GT graphics card died.
what can I replace this with that is relatively inexpensive? Does it need to be 256 or 512 MB?

Thank You. That isn't quite my situation. There is a back on April 11th. 2010 and still unsolved. That is very disappointing considering there are a lot of people who are genius with technical issues on this forum.
It booted up OK from a long power down time but if I have to restart for any reason or power down and start up within a few minutes, I will have nothing on the display (black). The little light is on and if you touch the button the light will goes to sleep but nothing on the display. I checked everything and tried every combinations. What I ended up with is; 1. to leave the computer on forever until the end of time but I can't because sometimes the fan would come on high and stay on., 2. if I have to restart, I have to unplug both power chords and wait at least half an hour to forty five minutes then plug everything back in and start. Most of the time it will work. This puzzled me.
Everywhere I posted this problem, I've had zero answer. There must be some one who knows this issue and solved it before. Hello! Are you out there? Help me please!

1st Gen Mac Pro Xeon vs Nephalem-Advise,Opinions,Votes

I know a guy willing to sell me his Mac Pro for 1500. Its about two years old, 1st gen Xeon Processor, quad core,750gig hd,plus 3-10k 160gig hard drives, don't know how much ram, 4 gigs I think, and upgraded video card. I was just about to buy a new Mac Pro Quad Core with the Nephalem processor for 2300(student discount), when the deal came my way. What should I do? Planning to run Final Cut Pro and Protools on it mostly. Will I wish I had gotten the newer version in a year or two? Will it be a significant difference in performance of the newer computer vs the older version? Can the processor be upgraded at a later date? Tell me what you can, cast your vote, throw me some advise and opinions and help me make a decision. For the record, I am leaning towards the computer with the regular xeon(older) over the nephalem(newer) processor. 800 hundred dollar difference...hard to beat, unless you know something that I need to know. Talk to me folks

I said 2008 model, last year, "Penryn."
Read Barefeats for starters.
More choices for graphics.
There was an 8-core 3GHz 1st generation but I doubt that is what they are offering. But again, if you don't say 'what' then everyone will assume stock 2.66GHz / 4-core 1st gen.
Snow Leopard and Windows 7 64-bit will work better.
This gets asked a lot and no I am probably not the one to give the surface or simple answer. As I said, the $2399/2.8GHz makes for best bang-4-buck.
Everyone things there is a magic bullet and that 8 cores/ 16 threaded processes, will be unleashed and programs will what? run better? only as code is written, compiled, and that it can benefit.
The cost of anything above base 4-/8-core Nehalem is premium. And the 4-core is proving to be hard to upgrade RAM and maxes out at 4 DIMMs.
You can take what you save and put it into RAM, SSDs or other drives will be more important.

Confused about upgrading Video card on 1st Gen Mac Pro

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for