External Video Cards

I am about to buy a Macbook Pro. In addition, I thought about buying an extra
video card to improve my gaming experience since this is the only part I will have
to improve. Well, my question is, will I have to buy just as regular video card as
you put in PCs, or a special video card designed for macbooks? Could I get explanation
about the the Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter too?
Thanks,
Mark
Message was edited by: MacPro,Videocards
Message was edited by: MacPro,Videocards

The MacBook and MacBook Pro computers are laptops with the GPUs fully integrated into the system board. There is no way to add an additional graphics card to them (even if there were space), and no way to replace the GPU. *You cannot buy a video card for your Macbook Pro.*
The only Mac models that have slots to add graphics cards are the Apple Mac Pro tower systems. These have PCIe slots like other tower PCs and can support up to 3 graphics cards.
DisplayPort is the Video Electronics Standards Association's (VESA) successor to DVI. The mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter is a simple 3" cable with a mini-DP male connector on one end, and a full-size DVI-I female connector on the other.

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USB 3.0 to HDMI External Video Card USB32HDE Mountain lion?

Hey!
I bought one of those USB 3.0 to HDMI External Video Card Multi Monitor Adapter (USB32HDE) and read it should work on MACBOOK Air before purchase. However at the same time i installed mountain lion and it seems nothing is happening?
Do anyone have an idea if its due the Mountain lion or it just dont work on macbooks at all?
thanks guys!

TL;DR, J5Create has a similar device to the StarTech USB32HDE called the JUA 350. So similar in fact, they use the same drivers, and J5Create distributes the OS X drivers.
Hi, I found this post through Google and thought I'd provide my solution for anyone else who runs into this. I also bought a StarTech USB32HDE for my Air, which was not my smartest purchase ever since I can now clearly see that StarTech only officially supports Windows, supplying a zip file containing drivers from a company called Trigger. Thankfully, while I was looking at alternatives in preparation to return the USB32HDE, I found the J5Create JUA 350, which looks almost identical. On a whim I decided to grab the JUA 350 drivers and give them a shot. When I opened the dmg, lo and behold, the drivers provided were also by Trigger, specifically 1.0b11 for Lion/Mountain Lion, and after a restart they're working perfectly with the USB32HDE so far. So while I wouldn't recommend it, my bet is these devices are actually the same, and hopefully this helps anyone else who makes the same inadvisable purchase.

External Video Card

I have a HP Pavilion dv7 laptop. I do quite a bit of video editing and am wondering what is the best/recommended external video card to purchase that is copmatible with my laptop?

That is an interesting question. The only "external video cards" that I am aware of are the USB to Video adapters. The major drawback of these - they tend to be somewhat laggy when being used to display video ( on some machines ). I have used them and did not notice any lag but it depends on the video being used. High action video may cause problems. I do not know of any other options, however.
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HP Pavilion 500-314: big problems adding external video card

Looking for some help.
I recently purchased an HP Pavilion 500-314. Specs are as follows:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c04293928&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en...
The unit includes integrated Radeon R7 graphics, and comes with a 300w power supply
I purchased this unit in large part because it explicitly states that "Supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards". I run a quad-monitor setup for my work, and have traditionally done this using an ATI Firepro 2450 card.
I have now tried three different external graphics cards, and can get none of them to work:
First attempt was with a VisionTec Radeon HD 5570 (item #900345). This card supports quad monitor setup, and requires a minimum 250w power supply. When I installed the card, the HP Pavilion repeatedly beeped a series of 4 or 5 (can't remember which) beeps, but refused to send an image to any video output (either onboard or the new card).
Next attempt was with an EVGA GeForce GT 610. This is a dual monitor setup, and requires a minimum 300w power supply. Got the same exact response as with the VisionTec (i.e. series of beeps...computer would not fire any monitors up).
So with both of these (new) cards, I basically gave up immediately as I couldn't even get into BIOS (b/c no monitors would work) to see what was going on. My understanding is that the series of 4-5 beeps usually means that there is a graphics card issue, or that the card that has been added doesn't have sufficient power. This is frustrating, as the HP Pavilion 500-314 supposedly has a 300w power supply, which is at least equal to the min required for each of these cards.
At this point, I pulled the ATI Firepro 2450 out of my old machine and tried it. This card at least didn't cause the series of 4-5 beeps. Windows booted. However, once I log in, Windows tries to install the new (FirePro card) repeatedly, so the screen just flashes and flashes and flashes. I then went into BIOS. The BIOS indicates that the system is recognizing the card, and that the onboard video has been disabled. However, there is still a signal coming out of the onboard video output (DVI), so it is not in fact actually disabled. My sense is that Windows is trying to control two separate video cards (onboard + external), which is what is causing the problems. I can disable the FirePro video card from w/in Windows (using Safe Mode), and leave the card installed, and things work fine. However, as soon as I try and enable the card I get the endless cycle of flashing monitors again.
I have spent a couple of long sessions with HP tech support and they have been useless. They claim that this isn't an HP issue since the onboard video works fine. I find this response extremely frustrating. I think this is an HP issue, since the BIOS doesn't seem to be properly disabling the onboard video. Not to mention that the PC can't seem to interface properly with Windows 8 compatible PCI-E cards that explicitly claim to require less power than this unit has.
I am generally pretty computer savvy, but have reached my wits end on this one. I would appreciate any help anybody could provide. I have tried all kinds of combinations of variables (i.e. enabling onboard video, setting external card to primary, etc.) through BIOS, as well as combinations from w/in Windows disabling onboard video, but nothing seems to work.
VisionTek 900345 Radeon HD 5570 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
This question was solved.
View Solution.

lordmonk3y,
Both the ATI Firepro 2450 (which never worked properly, but the system did recognize and was able to boot with when installed) and the GeForce GT 610 claim to draw right around 30w peak (closer to 20w average). Both are considered to be relatively low-draw graphics cards, and neither is a standout performer. My work requires a lot of available screen space, but not a lot of graphics horsepower. I don't do any gaming. For heavier hitting graphics cards you might want to consider a bigger power supply. Based on most of what I looked at, 300w is the bare minimum for a lot of these cards, and many of them require a larger power supply.
For what it's worth, I looked at the specs listed on the side of the PS in the 500-314, and it actually claims peak power of 300w, but only 250w at higher operating temperatures. It's kind of a catch-22, because if you're running a more powerful card it's sure to generate more heat inside the tower, thereby lowering the available power from the PS.
I did notice that there's one other nice thing about using an external card. The onboard Radeon R7 grabbed 1GB of the stated 8GB system memory for itself, thereby leaving only 7GB free for system use. Now that I'm using an external card, I get the whole 8GB available for system use.

USB32DVIPRO usb to dvi external video card

I recently bought an USB32DVIPRO to connect a second monitor to my system, but when I plug it no new screens appear in xrandr. The dmesg output is:
[16682.712967] usb 4-1: new SuperSpeed USB device number 4 using xhci_hcd
[16682.728075] usbip-host 4-1:1.0: 4-1 is not in match_busid table... skip!
[16682.728612] usbip-host 4-1:1.1: 4-1 is not in match_busid table... skip!
But as far I understood xhci_hcd is just the module for usb3.0 and it has nothing to do with video cards.
What can I try? Thanks.

The only idea that matters here is finding a linux driver for the thing. Ideally, you should have done this before buying it, but try googling its USB ID + linux.

Thunderbolt docks for external video cards. Any out there?

I am finally retiring my Mac Pro 1,1 for a stacked i7 Mac Mini. The only downside to the Mini is the onboard Intel HD Graphics 4000. I've already upgraded to the ATI Radeon HD 5770 and would like to keep that power.
To that end, I've been looking for a Mac-compatible Thunderbolt-enabled external graphics dock. Across the web, I've read about upcoming products from LucidLogix, MSI (GUS II) and Village Instruments (ViDock), but none of these seem to be available to market. I also realize that there are a lot of docks that could be used with a PCIe to Thunderbolt adapter, but that just seems like a costly pain.
Any good solutions out there?

You should check out the Silverstone T004. It can supply up to 450 watts to a graphics card and will cost between $200 and $300. Of, course I'm hoping for the $200 price.
I emailed a Silverstone representative and he said that they're hoping to be able to release it in the first quarter of 2014.
http://www.computershopper.com/computex-2013/diy-external-laptop-graphics!-compu tex-2013-preview-of-the-silverstone-t004-thunderbolt/silverstone-t004-external-t hunderbolt-graphics?thisSpeed=30000#slm

No external video from HDV timeline through Sony HDV deck.

Without buying an external video card, is there a way to view an HDV timeline on an external monitor? I can capture HDV footage easily and see it play back fine in the Canvas on my Mac Pro, but I can't see the captured HDV footage on my external monitor that's hooked up via FireWire to my Sony HVR-M25 deck.
Here are the Audio/Video Settings I'm using:
Sequence Preset is HDV - 1080i60
Capture Preset is HDV
Device Control Preset os Sony HDV Firewire
I'm also noticing that the Video Playback HDV options are grayed out, so I'm assuming I would either need an external video card to play back the capture HDV footage the timeline on my external monitor, or use another combination of codecs to (maybe) use my stock Mac Pro setup. Whew.
Thanks in advance.

No. Sorry, but the format doesn't allow it. You can send a downconverted SD signal out via firewire in realtime, but it won't be your full HD image. If you want the full HD image, you need an HD capture device. #25 HDV external Monitor Viewing
Shane's Stock Answer #25 - HDV external Monitor Viewing
To view HDV on an external monitor in high definition you are going to need to purchase a capture card, like the ones Decklink (www.decklink.com) or AJA (www.aja.com) offer. They will both play out HDV in real time. The catch is that you cannot view this on a regular TV or NTSC monitor. Since this is HD, an HD monitor will be needed. HOWEVER, both cards are capable of down converting the signal so that it can be displayed on an SD monitor. This won't be color accurate
The real reason why you can't monitor HDV through a Firewire camera is because Firewire HDV cameras don't decode incoming HDV streams and route them to their outputs like DV cameras do.
Good options for you are the Matrox MXO2 mini...$450...coupled with an HDTV. Or a Matrox MXO (DVI connection) coupled with an Apple 23" display gets you good quality.
And there are the Decklink Intensity and Intensity PRO cards as well, and the AJA I/O Express...
You can, however, view HDV out via firewire as DV...lowering the resolution to that of DV, but still viewable. This is not full quality nor should it be used to judge the quality of your footage or used to color correct to. This is just a way to view the footage on a large monitor.
Here are some examples of some of the possibilities:
- DV or HDV sequence output to an SDI signal on a third-party interface
- An uncompressed NTSC or PAL sequence output to a DV FireWire output
- An HDV sequence output to a DV FireWire output
Sequence and output formats must have compatible frame rates. For example,
sequences with a frame rate of 60, 30, or 24 fps can be output to a 30 fps device,
but not to a 25 or 50 fps device.
Shane

G505 problems with video cards.

Lenovo G505, 59-419907, AMD A6-5200, AMD Radeon R5 M230
I suffer second day. I downloaded a lot of different drivers.
several times reinstalled windows 8.1.
after installing windows in my Device Manager, there is a Standard VGA Graphics Adapter and unknown video device
when I try to install vga drivers from the Lenovo site, or from the AMD site, both graphics card become with the error icon
- Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)
Catalyst does not see the video card with an error
if I'm disable in the BIOS a discrete video card everything is OK.
as soon as I'm in the BIOS to turn on an external video card in the device manager both cards an error.
I tried to put the first driver on the onboard video card and then on the outside. nothing helps.
please help me before I killed myself.

Hi,
I have a same problem, I bought g505 (bios 3.00) but the wifi not work after few days. I think upgrade the bios, but on the official website was 2.04 version (i not understand, because i have 3.00, i think "downgrade" it), now my bios is 2.04 but the switchable graphics not work, only other option (i not remember it, maybe UMA) work, and I can't finde the 3.00 bios.
Thank for the answer, and sorry my English
Laslie

K8NGM2-FID external graphics card performance

Hello
I read on http://www.digital-daily.com/motherboard/msi-k8ngm2-fid/index06.htm that the performance using an external video card with the K8NGM2-FID is inferior to other boards.
Is this true?
Best regards
Andreas

I would look at another site since they are stating "BOTH" boards they have tested with the 6150 chipset have performance issues.
They have only tested two 6150 chipset boards, the others they are comparing it to are the 6100 chipset boards.
It may have nothing to do with MSI.

Failed Video Card

My 2009 MB Pro's video card failed. I understand this was an issue but now what. So has anyone experienced using a USB to VGA external video card, does it work, will it drive an external monitor.
Thanks

Are you in the US? If so, you could take your machine into an Apple Store, get a diagnosis and ask if they offer a flat-rate depot repair. If they do, they'll fix everything for $310 - much less expensive than a new logic board!
And if it's the GPU that has failing, I don't think that you'll be able to use a USB card to drive an external monitor.
Good luck,
Clinton

Installing new Video Card

Hi
I'm trying to install an ATI Radeon (256 Mb) video card on my MSI board (MS - 6787 Via ProSavage DDR Chipset) but when I power up the PC it doesn't boot. What should I do??
I've tried before with a Riva TNT- 2 (64Mb) but it didn't work either.
I've tried already desabling onboard graphics, but It didn't work any way. System just doesn't boot and I get no beeps whatsoever... After doing this, had to flash my bios because after uninstalling the external video card, the system booted but didn't get any video.
The video card is a Radeon 9550 256Mb
Thanks
MS-6787 VIA® ProSavageDDR™ P4M266A Chipset
Intel Pentium IV 2.80 Ghz
1 X Kingston PC2100 512MB 266MHz DDR Non-ECC CL2 DIMM
PSU: Model No. LPJ2-18 350W 3.3v/32A 5v/32A 12v/22A
MAXTOR DiamondMax ATA 133 7200 RPM 120Gb
Western Digital ATA 133 7200 RPM 20Gb
BenQ CD 52X
LG DVD - RW
Windows XP Professional SP3

I've been reading about the Radeon 9550 features but my P4MAM-L mainboard seems to support 4x AGP cards, so I think it must work with it too.
'll try to upgrade my bios and then get back to you
MS-6787 VIA® ProSavageDDR™ P4M266A Chipset
Intel Pentium IV 2.80 Ghz
1 X Kingston PC2100 512MB 266MHz DDR Non-ECC CL2 DIMM
PSU: Model No. LPJ2-18 350W 3.3v/32A 5v/32A 12v/22A
MAXTOR DiamondMax SATA 300 7200 RPM 120Gb
Western Digital ATA 133 7200 RPM 20Gb
BenQ CD 52X
LG DVD - RW
Windows XP Professional SP3

CPU & Video card Upgrade - Motherboard manual, GPIO switch settings, BIOS update or ?

According to the HP TouchSmart 600-1120 Desktop PC Product Specifications page the motherboard supports the following CPUs:
Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:
Intel Core i7 820QM Quad Core (C)
Intel Core i7 720QM Quad Core (C)
Intel Core i7 620M Dual Core (A)
Intel Core i5 5x0M Dual Core (A)
Intel Core i5 430M Dual Core (A)
I upgraded mine with the Intel Core i7 720QM Quad Core. The two Quad Cord i7 processors do not have a GPU Video chip integrated on the CPU fab like the listed Dual Core processors, and therefore neccesate the need for an external video card.
According to the HP TouchSmart 600-1120 Desktop PC Product Specifications page the motherboard supports One Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) socket MXM version: 3.0, type A.
HP offered the NVIDIA GeForce GT 230 1GB DDR3 MXM Video Card , part # 513184-001 as an upgrade option on HP Touchsmart 600's, one would assume you could simply purchase this video card, and with either of these "supported" CPUs Intel Core i7 820QM Quad Core or Intel Core i7 720QM Quad Core and you would be in business, but NOOOO, it does not work!
I tried it on mine, using the Intel Core i7 720QM Quad Core and HP NVIDIA GeForce GT 230 1GB DDR3 MXM Video Card. The display cycles through various colors, but does not actually provide a usable display. I can tell the system does boot into Windows 7 (you can hear it) , but you cannot see anything.
There's a bank of DIP switches on the motherboard labled GPIO, which I'd assume is Graphics Processor Input Output, and perhaps there's a switch combo to switch from the Intel CPU/GPU to the MXM slot GPU??? i
I'm unable to find anywhere a manual on the Pentragram motherboard, this may tell how to set said GPIO dip switch if that's what needs to happen?
HP HELP!!! Your site says the HP Touchsmart is upgradable to the above Intel Quad Core i7 and MXM Video card, BUT HOW?????

Hi,
I suspect the NVIDIA GTX 760 that you are using is expecting a different BIOS level in the motherboard. Most of the NVIDIA 760s that have experienced compatibility issues pretty much have been with HP motherboards that don't have version 8 or 80 BIOS level. The HPE h8-1075UK only has a version 7 BIOS level.
MSI has two "N" model NVIDIA GTX 750 and 750 TI graphic cards that have a switch to allow compatibility with legacy and UEFI BIOS PCs.
HP DV9700, t9300, Nvidia 8600, 4GB, Crucial C300 128GB SSD
HP Photosmart Premium C309G, HP Photosmart 6520
HP Touchpad, HP Chromebook 11
Custom i7-4770k,Z-87, 8GB, Vertex 3 SSD, Samsung EVO SSD, Corsair HX650,GTX 760
Custom i7-4790k,Z-97, 16GB, Vertex 3 SSD, Plextor M.2 SSD, Samsung EVO SSD, Corsair HX650, GTX 660TI
Windows 7/8 UEFI/Legacy mode, MBR/GPT

Can I attach an external monitor to my iMac G5 (ALS) if the video card is dead?

I don't know for a fact that the video card is dead, but the screen on my iMac (PPC/ALS) 20" gradually started flaking out over several months and is now dead. Computer boots up fine and I'm looking at it through target mode right now. I want to keep using the computer if I can, so I am wondering if I can attach an external monitor through the DVI slot even if the video card is kaput. I'd like to get an opinion or two on this before I buy a used monitor and cable. Thanks!

You have found the answer. If the video chipset is OK but there is a fault in the internal display or its cabing, an external monitor will work. However, if the video chipset--which is farther "upstream" in the system--goes bad, the option of an external monitor is off the table.

128MB vs. 256MB Video Card for External Monitor?

I may want to run an external monitor for Final Cut Pro HD. Will getting the 2.16 Processor with its 256MB Video Card drive an external monitor any better than the 1.83 w/ 128MB Video Card? TIA
BTW, I won't be "gaming" at all. Just doing a little FCP HD...
20 G5 iMac/2 GB RAM/250 GB HD Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Randy, I believe you have great technical knowledge
(much more than me) and your math is unobjectionable.
But in my opinion 16% of the graphic card's capacity
just to light up the monitors is not a low figure.
Actually, for generic 2D stuff that doesn't involve OpenGL, Randy has it correct. You'll find that VRAM makes absolutely no difference to Photoshop, for instance. A couple of big screens will happily run on 64MB VRAM.
Once you start running pro applications on those
monitors, and expect real-time responsiveness and
lower and lower rendering times; you might come to
realize that 128MB of VRAM is enough, it's a lot...
but not excessive.
You only need the extra VRAM for apps that specifically use the graphic card, through OpenGL, Core Image, Core Video or similar. Of course, there are more and more apps which leverage the graphics card this way, so 256MB is going to be more future-proof, and is what I went for.

External Video Cards

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