Reviews for ATI Radeon HD 4870 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro?

There's no review at the Apple Store on this [ATI Radeon HD 4870 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009 or Early 2008)|http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB999ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=NDE4NDMx OA]. Googled and found nothing related to the Mac kit. Mostly PC based.
Should I consider this card? I need a spare/replacement graphics card for my Mac Pro (early 2008). The NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT card has failed me twice.

Just came out on barefeats:
http://www.barefeats.com/nehal14.html
Shows new drivers with 285, also compares 4870.
If you play a lot of games on the windows side, you might also want to consider the 4890. I has recently became flashable (if you're into that kinda thing). It has a lot more leeway to be overclocked. Close to (or if your lucky) hitting the 1 Ghz core clock speed, gives very close comp to the 285, and at fraction of the price. You can get an XFX 4890 on newegg for $195.

Similar Messages

  • Is it worth it?  ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics Upgrade Kit

    Hey all. After several frustrating hours scouring the forums for information relating to graphics cards for early 2008 MP's, I thought I would just ask my question. Is it worth buying the ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics Upgrade Kit from the Apple store? What I mean is, is there a new graphics card option coming soon seeing as the 5870 seems to be "Unavailable" for ages.
    I have heard rumours that Apple bought up all the ATI 5870's and ATI is re-branding and it's cheaper to buy a PC compatible card and flash it but I don't want to mess around with all that (I would have a windows machine if I did). I've checked newegg and OWC and they both only have the quadra card and there is no way I'm paying that much. I currently have the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT so any upgrade is good I suppose, I just always seem to buy something right before Apple releases the new version!
    Any suggestions is appreciated thanks.
    D

    Hi-
    Welcome to Discussions!
    Is the 5770 worth it?
    It's not a bad price for a card that runs circles around the 8800:
    http://www.barefeats.com/wst10g6.html
    Would be nicer if the 5870 was available.
    It is billed as the Top Gun for Macs (currently), but the reported price makes it a dear upgrade.
    As for the future, the 67xx and 68xx cards are in the pipeline, but, if as with the 57xx and 58xx, it may be almost a year before we see a Mac version....

  • ATI Radeon X1900 XT Graphics Upgrade Kit?

    Now that the Mac Pro computers are out, I notice this item on the Apple Store:
    http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6024003/wo/yM1ak LtbCNWR2gglp2xhMfPwmyk/10.0.19.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3
    Someone please tell me that this will work in pcie based PowerMacs like my Quad G5.
    please...

    Nope.
    It will not work on your Quad.
    Physically, the hardware is there and works. The card would be fully functional to a hardware extent with your Quad- but it is missing the Openfirmware PROM code in the ROM on the graphics card, so the G5 won't know how to initialize it nor will it recognize it as a Radeon X1900.
    These cards have the EFI code on them for the new MP's. I believe it really comes down to an issue of EFI versus OpenFirmware code in the card's ROM, and Big Endian versus Little Endian byte ordering.
    Apple just needs to get the OF compatible firmware and stick it in the X1900 card. Shouldn't take them too long to do that.
    -S'Captain

  • MLink X + ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics Upgrade Kit

    I am a great fan of the thunderbolt expansion chassis but a little bit doubtful because i don't have infinite money recourses and not a thunderbolt expansion news follower.
    recently mLogic announced the mLink X which is a sort of cheaper less decorated mLink R as it seems, though a very good candidate for what i have in plans for it. I want to boost mu MBPr 13" with this expansion chassis using what every graphics card that is compatible. now I know Apple isn't the biggest supporter of external or by default any other graphics card they do not pick or sell them self, though their are a couple that do work with the Mac Pro.

    Hi and thanks for replying.
    You have the same hardware? MacPro 2,1, 8-Core Xeon, 3GHz with 30" Cinema Display???
    Roland

  • What is a good replacement for the ATI Radeon X1900 XT on a late 2007 Mac Pro

    I recently took my late 2007 Mac Pro to the Apple Store because it was running quite loud.  They diagnosed the problem as the fan on the ATI Radeon x1900 XT video card.  Whie the card works fine otherwise, I was thinking of replacing it.  I noticed some online recommendations that I need to upgrade to perhaps the Radeo HD 4870 if I want to install FCP X on this machine.  I do use the Mac Pro for video editing, but haven't switched yet to FCP X.  Anyone have a suggestion on a replcement video card that will work both on this machine and will be compatible with FCP X. 
    Thanks for any advice.

    <http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC742ZM/A/ati-radeon-hd-5770-graphics-upgrade- kit-for-mac-pro-(mid-2010)>

  • ATI RADEON X1900 XT GRAPHICS UPG KIT

    Hi all,
    I was wondering if the Mac Pro ATI RADEON X1900 XT GRAPHICS UPG KIT compatible with the G5. I ordered two of these cards one for my office computer and home studio computer. But i also have a G5 i use.

    No. They are different. Apple has a tech note on the subject. the Mac Pro is/requires EFI ROM, PPC G5 use Open Firmware.

  • ATI Radeon X1900 XT, Apple Upgrade Kit vs. BTO Option (Mac Pro 1,1) - Same?

    This question pertains to the ATI Radeon X1900 XT Video Card, which Apple offered as a BTO Option for the Mac Pro 1,1.
    In September 2007 I purchased my Mac Pro 1,1 (2x Intel Xeon 3GHz Woodcrest) and configured it from Apple with the ATI Radeon X1900 as a BTO Option.
    Now I know that a number of people initially experienced some problems with this card, but mine has worked perfectly all along. I run FCP, Aperature, and Adobe CS3, and the X1900 has performed excellent.
    Leading to my question:
    I own more than one Mac Pro 1,1. But the other two machines were not configured with the X1900. And for the past couple of years, I've been regularly searching to find (one or more) Genuine, Original Apple ATI X1900 XT Video Cards - either for sale by someone who has pulled out the X1900 from their Mac Pro 1,1; or, from an Official Apple Reseller. However, all that I've been able to find are - what appear to be either a "knock-off" third party version of the X1900 (flashed for Mac Pro), or; people and/or resellers who claim they are selling a Genuine, Original Apple ATI X1900 XT; except there's one major difference between all of those other video cards, and my X1900 (BTO from Apple, Mac Pro 1,1).
    My X1900 does not have an S-Video Port. However, all of the other X1900 cards I've seen advertised for the Mac Pro are pictured with an S-Video Port - which again, mine does not have one.
    I've spoken with both Apple Technical Support and Apple Care Representatives (Sr. Advisors), and I've asked them whether it's possible to identify a Genuine, Original Apple X1900; either by the serial number, or possibly by an Apple Part Number.
    The Mac Pro 1,1 "Tech Specs" are listed on Apple's Support Site (support.apple.com/kb/SP30). Here, Apple does provide an Apple Part Number for the X1900 as an upgrade (MA631Z/A); however, nobody from Apple can tell from that part number - whether that Apple Part Number corresponds to an X1900 with an S-Video Port, or whether it's identical to the X1900 that was offered as a BTO Option for the Mac Pro 1,1; or whether that particular X1900 was part of an "Upgrade Kit" for the X1900 - which would've been available to purchase from Apple (Apple Store), sometime late in 2007 and/or early 2008. Further, I also know that Apple changed the actual Service Part Number a few times for the X1900.
    What I'm trying to find out:
    Has Apple ever directly sold, or, has Apple ever officially offered the X1900 w/ S-Video Port - under one of the following Apple Service Part Numbers (661-3297, 661-4335, 661-4911)??
    Sorry for the super-long post.
    It's just that this has been bugging me for like two years.
    Thanks,
    John

    When I write, I often find that I end posts with what I wanted to say. Put summary at top helps.
    What I'm trying to find out:
    Has Apple ever directly sold, or, has Apple ever officially offered the X1900 w/ S-Video Port - under one of the following Apple Service Part Numbers (661-3297, 661-4335, 661-4911)??
    I don't know. I do know some X1900s are being replaced even if out of warranty, as are 2600s also.
    For $249 the ATI 5770.

  • Multiple ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT cards in a Mac Pro

    I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with screen spanning with multiple ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT cards. What I'm looking to do is super widescreen presentations with keynote and I need more pixels. Right now I use the Matrox Dual and Triple head to go GXMs to achieve this because they make the computer see multiple monitors as one giant display but I am limited to 3840x1200 (dual 1920x1200) I was wondering if multiple video cards would also see the displays as one giant desktop?
    It works on a PC but then I have to use PowerPoint (ugh). Any help or suggestions with this? Thanks in advance.

    Multiple graphics cards will make the displays act as one large desktop, but when an application is set to full screen mode, it usually will just use one display. If the application is run in window mode, you should be able to move and enlarge (by dragging the lower-right corner) the window to use all displays, but there will be a window border (and menu bar on one display). You could zoom the display slightly to move the border off-screen. There is a setting in Zoom Options of "Universal Access" system preference to stop the zoomed image from moving unless the pointer reaches an edge.

  • Is there a ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphic card for 2-monitor use?

    Hi, I just purchased a ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro only to discover that there is only one VGI port for a monitor. I have been using two monitors for Final Cut work since I bought my MacPro tower in 2006. I need this new card to work with fxfactory 'pan and zoom' as a plug-in in Final Cut Studio. Does anyone know if Apple makes one with two VGI ports?
    Thanks very much, Bob

    What is VGI?
    If you mean VGA - VGA is a VERY old connection type and the 5770 does not have a VGA port.
    Do you mean DVI?
    The card has a dual link DVI and two mini DisplayPorts. If you mean you need a second DVI connection, get a Mini DisplayPort to DVI connector from Apple or a 3rd party converter supplier.
    x

  • ATI RADEON HD 4870 Mac

    Cam the ATI RADEON HD 4870 run in the 06 Mac Pro?

    Yes it's an pc XFX 4890 (regular stock clocked model; not XXX version). I have it working in osx via injectors. I've been trying to flash it recently, as a rom has become available, however things aren't going very well... It seems possible that my later version xfx 4890 is not very compatible with the rom. Seems like people with earlier versions, had better success.
    If I can't get it to flash correctly, might just change to a more compatible brand.
    This thread can help answer all your questions:
    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=713428
    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=751062
    Word to the wise though, if you're not comfortable fiddling around with stuff inside your comp, it might not be a good idea. It can cause a lot of headaches~

  • ATI Radeon HD 4870 vs ATI Radeon HD 5870

    I have an early 2009 Mac Pro with 8 cores and the upgraded ATI Radeon HD 4870 graphics card. I see that the 2010 Mac Pros have an option for the ATI Radeon HD 5870. Apparently this card will eventually be available as a kit that will work in my computer.
    Do you think there will be a significant performance boost using the 5870 over the 4870 with Aperture if I purchase this upgrade? Apple says the 5870 is great for "motion graphics, 3D modeling, rendering, or animation", but not sure if I should expect much improvement using it with Aperture. I am pretty happy with the 4870, so don't want to spend the cash for minimal improvement.
    Any thoughts or speculation?
    Thanks,
    Dave

    No response here, but I posted the same question on the Apple Store Product page for the 5870 kit and received the following reply:
    "You won't see a noticeable difference unless you are running heavy 3D applications or gaming. What I would suggest if you want to see an improvement in Aperture 3 is to add more ram to your mac (have at least 8 Gigabytes of ram ) boot up your mac to 64 bit (if running Mac OS 10.6) and run Aperture 3."
    This supports my suspicions that this card may not be much of an improvement for Aperture users that currently use the ATI 4870.

  • Need Power Connector Cable for ATI Radeon X1900 XT

    I need the 6pin power connector/cable for my ATI Radeon X1900 XT to work with my Mac Pro.
    I can't use the card as I lost the small cable pior to installation and now I can't find one anywhere.
    It is the 6 pin cable that connects into the Radeon X1900 XT and the other end into the Mac Pro motherboard.
    Can someone help me?
    Thank you

    Worst service ever at the local(Canada) Montreal/Laval Apple Store........''go ask ATI or call Apple, etc....''
    that was helpfull
    I go to Apple because it is an Apple card and I get service like I was asking for a PC.
    Typical of Apple, you buy their stuff then they turn your back on you in case that you need some help.

  • GeForce 7300 GT Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro?? G5?

    Hi,
    Just found this on the apple store:
    http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=1643C421&nplm=M A567
    "NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro"
    Why is it only for mac pro? its PCI express & my g5 is one of the late 2005 models and it has PCI Express so am i wrong in thinking that this should work fine or is it something to do with the new intel architecture?
    If i remember correctly i could have chosen this card or a very similar one when i configured my G5.
    Thanks

    That card is only for the Mac Pro, as it says.
    When you ordered your G5, you had the choice of the nVidia 6600 (or 6600LE), nVidia 7800GT, or the Quadro FX 4500.
    The 7800GT that you could have ordered with your G5 is close in performance to the ATi X1900XT that is an option on the Mac Pro. The 7300GT that you're looking at is an entry level card, which the 7800GT definitely is not.
    The 7300GT and the X1900XT are both Mac Pro only due to the ROM on the card, which is designed to work with the EFI booting hardware that the Mac Pro uses. The G5s used Open Firmware, which requires a different ROM on the video card. So, even though both your G5 and the Mac Pro are PCI-Express based, these video cards are not compatible.
    Now, most PCI-Express cards that you look at for, say, external SATA, will probably work in both the G5 and the Mac Pro. You'd still want to check the specs to be sure, however.
    If you're looking for a new video card to replace your (presumably) nVidia 6600, your only real option is the ATi X1900 G5 edition. This is a different card than the X1900XT that's offered for the Mac Pro.

  • Upgrading 2006/2007 Mac Pro to 8800GT

    Hi All,
    I want to upgrade the graphics card in my Mac Pro with the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro as sold on the Apple Store. I have two questions:
    1. Will the card sold on the store work? The person I spoke to said it would but have heard rumours on various forums that this might not be the case.
    2. Will there be any firmware updates required?
    Any help on this would be really appreciated, as I'd like to upgrade the 7300GT in my machine with something that has a bit more power!
    Thanks
    Sean

    There is not a 8800GT now, but one is in the works with the proper firmware to work on 2006/7 model. No ETA. But probably in a month??
    The 2600 Radeon is known to work if you have 10.5.2. $149.
    People are playing around with flashed units on their own (to be expected, some have burned through a couple test cards in the process!)
    http://www.barefeats.com has benchmarks and more.

  • ATI Radeon HD 4870 1GB for Mac Pro 2.66 Quad Core Xenon

    I have the option of picking up an ATI Radeon HD 4870 1 GB graphics card to go with my soon-to-be-new MAc Pro 2.66 Quad core. I see know that Apple can upgrade to ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB, but that card is not available to me at the moment. Will the 1GB do the job without overheating the system? Am new to the Mac Pros. Need it for the Windows gaming portion of the system. Am using the rest for graphics and photography.

    If the MAc Pro 2.66 comes with Snow Leopard, why would I have to upgrade my OS?
    OK. So, if got the MAc version, it would work A-OK without overheating?
    Thanks for your input!

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