Page 1 of 1
Replace graphics card in 2009 mac pro 5.1
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2018 4:20 pm
by apanacci
Hey guys, I am thinking of replacing my graphics card in my early 2009 Mac flashed to 5.1. The card is a NVIDIA GE Force GT 120. I have 2 monitors running off of it. Do they make a "dark" graphic card that has the same connections like the card I have. Any suggestions. I do not use it for games, just my recording studio programs, DP, PT etc, thanks.
Re: Replace graphics card in 2009 mac pro 5.1
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:06 pm
by dix
Here's a recent thread on this topic. Based on info there I bought a Nvidia GeForce GTX 680 for my 2009 MP, which works well and provides a boot screen. It does slow down redraws in DP under any OS later than El Cap, but I have a feeling this might be the case with any/all cards.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=65587
Re: Replace graphics card in 2009 mac pro 5.1
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:50 pm
by HCMarkus
Save that GT120... you'll need it if you plan to migrate to Mojave in the future.
The path to Mojave requires installation of High Sierra first (which does a Mac Pro Firmware Update requiring a Mac EFI GPU like your GT120) then you must install the Metal-capable card of your choice (see other thread) and install Mojave, which will perform another firmware update.
Re: Replace graphics card in 2009 mac pro 5.1
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 8:14 am
by apanacci
Thanks! One more thing, I am on Sierra. My system is on a SSD drive. What would be the best way to move up to High Sierra, thanks
Re: Replace graphics card in 2009 mac pro 5.1
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 8:34 am
by HCMarkus
Absent any developments that discourage it and after Mojave get another couple of point updates, my plan is to move thru High Sierra and into Mojave immediately. Sierra is working just fine for me at this point.
Re: Replace graphics card in 2009 mac pro 5.1
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2018 8:55 am
by HCMarkus
Here's how to upgrade a Mac Pro Cheesegrater to Mojave:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mp ... ve.2142418