Need to replace original Video card
Moderator: James Steele
Need to replace original Video card
Hey guys, I need to replace my original video card in my 2009 Mac. I flashed it to 5.1. Can I run a new video card with Sierra/High Sierra? Not ready to move up to Mojave or Catalina. Also I know this has been talked about but I need a suggestion of a video card just to run my music programs. Also should I get a flashed card ? I have 3 hard drives in the computer with systems on them. Thanks !
2012 6 Core 5.1, MacPro , (32 gigs Ram) Monterey, Radeon 570, 2013 MacPro #1 12 Core, (64gigs ram) ,2013 MacPro #2, 8 Core .(64 gig ram), Monterey, MacBookPros 2011, 2017 , 828MKIII Hybrid, 828X, MicroBook II, 8Pre, Nuendo 8ch A/D converter, PreSonus DigiMax LT , DP11 , PT 2024 , Cubase Elements 10.5, Peak 7, Logic 9 ,WaveLab 11, Reason 12, DSP-Quattro 5 ,many plugins , mics and synths. http://www.panaccimusic.com
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HCMarkus
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Re: Need to replace original Video card
Let me refer you to MacRumors: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gp ... p.2174600/
If you are not doing video editing, you don't need a higher-end GPU. Less powerful (and less expensive) GPUs use less power and won't require as much cooling, so quieter overall operation results.
I am running an AMD RX460 under Mojave; it worked under Sierra before I migrated, but an active DP to HDMI Adaptor was required for me to get 60Hz on my 4k TV monitor. I will say that the video driver appears to have improved from Sierra to Mojave, as graphic performance with DP9.52 was MUCH improved when I upgraded my OS to Mojave. The 460 drives my 4k display, plus a second 1080 display very nicely.
No need for a flashed card unless you know why you need it. Do get a card that is Metal-compatible, for the day you decide to migrate to Mojave. FYI, Mojave has been rock-solid for me on a Mac very similar to yours, a 2010 5,1.
EDIT: Just thought of a reason you might need a flashed card someday... unless you have a working Mac EFI (i.e original Mac GPU like ATI 5770 or Nvidia GT120) card on hand, you WILL need a flashed card should you decide to migrate to Mojave. Doing so requires a Mac Pro (computer) EFI update that can only be performed while a Mac EFI GPU is installed. If you have a Mac EFI GPU on hand, be sure to save it. Alternately, you can do all the computer EFI updates now without installing Mojave if you want to put this hurdle behind you. Info about this can be found at MacRumors in the Mac Pro Forum.
If you are not doing video editing, you don't need a higher-end GPU. Less powerful (and less expensive) GPUs use less power and won't require as much cooling, so quieter overall operation results.
I am running an AMD RX460 under Mojave; it worked under Sierra before I migrated, but an active DP to HDMI Adaptor was required for me to get 60Hz on my 4k TV monitor. I will say that the video driver appears to have improved from Sierra to Mojave, as graphic performance with DP9.52 was MUCH improved when I upgraded my OS to Mojave. The 460 drives my 4k display, plus a second 1080 display very nicely.
No need for a flashed card unless you know why you need it. Do get a card that is Metal-compatible, for the day you decide to migrate to Mojave. FYI, Mojave has been rock-solid for me on a Mac very similar to yours, a 2010 5,1.
EDIT: Just thought of a reason you might need a flashed card someday... unless you have a working Mac EFI (i.e original Mac GPU like ATI 5770 or Nvidia GT120) card on hand, you WILL need a flashed card should you decide to migrate to Mojave. Doing so requires a Mac Pro (computer) EFI update that can only be performed while a Mac EFI GPU is installed. If you have a Mac EFI GPU on hand, be sure to save it. Alternately, you can do all the computer EFI updates now without installing Mojave if you want to put this hurdle behind you. Info about this can be found at MacRumors in the Mac Pro Forum.