Which graphics card for '09 Mac Pro cheese grate?

[Timeline]

I know some cards allow OS to load beyond Mojave out to Big Sir but I don't know which will work in my '09 machine.

Anyone here with acurate knowledge on this I would greatly appreciate some direction. Thnx, Gary Brandt

[HCMarkus]

I am going to direct you to several threads on Mac Rumors, within which you will find the information you require.

Based on your system description (12 core 3.46, indicating X5690 CPUs), your 2009 4,1 MacPro has been firmware-updated to become, for all relevant purposes, a 2010 5,1 Mac Pro. Your sig also indicates you are running macOS 10.11. You are thus in a position, if you have your original GPU and an appropriate Metal-compatible GPU on hand, to proceed thru the steps necessary to bring your Mac Pro firmware to its culmination: the last firmware released by Apple during the Mojave period of macOS.

See this: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mp ... ad.2142418
Note that the lengthy first post tells you pretty much all you need to know with regard to the multi-step firmware and OS update process you will need to proceed through to get to 10.14.6 Mojave, the last officially-supported version of macOS for the 5,1 Mac Pro.

See this: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/op ... ro.2207814
This is what you will need to do if you wish to move beyond macOS 10.14.6 Mojave on the 5,1 Mac Pro.

See this: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gp ... mp.2174600
For GPU information.

Personally, I have decided to keep my 5,1 12 core Mac Pros at 10.14.6 util they die or are retired. IMO, the hoop jumping required to move beyond Mojave is simply not worth any possible benefits. As an extremely ancient knight once said, "Choose wisely."

[apanacci]

Very wise advice Marcus. I am staying on Mojave and High Sierra with my 2009 MP I flashed to 5.1. Everything works great . I will make a change in my studio only when I have to. Then I will upgrade to a computer that works with newer systems.

[Timeline]

Big thanks HC. I'll study on that for a while. Cheers and Happy Holidays Motunationers.