View Full Version : SLI for Mac Pro under windows
Cindori
Jul 22, 2010, 05:39 PM
Anyone wanna give it a try?
http://xdevs.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.30
macest
Jul 22, 2010, 07:07 PM
2 x GTX 480 in SLI sounds mighty tempting :D
The Rominator
Jul 22, 2010, 07:18 PM
oh god, now the children will come and paste their photoshopped "Fermi on Fire" pix in earnest again.
I may try this soon, but probably with 8800GTs.
My Windows install is currently set up for ATI cards (only place to enjoy the 5870 :( ) so I hate to switch it over to Nvidia. All that driver removing/reinstalling, could take hours...gotta love windows !!!
jav6454
Jul 22, 2010, 07:26 PM
Anyone wanna give it a try?
http://xdevs.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.30
I thought SLI was hardware dependent and that's why Mac Pros couldn't have it, even at Windows level.
2 x GTX 480 in SLI sounds mighty tempting :D
No it doesn't. Sounds like a jet engine is running, feels like a giant heat furnance is pushing 2000W of dissipated heat and you can see the lights dimming through out the neighborhood.
oh god, now the children will come and paste their photoshopped "Fermi on Fire" pix in earnest again.
I may try this soon, but probably with 8800GTs.
My Windows install is currently set up for ATI cards (only place to enjoy the 5870 :( ) so I hate to switch it over to Nvidia. All that driver removing/reinstalling, could take hours...gotta love windows !!!
I wasn't going to say it but you... well forced me to. New pics fresh of /g/.
The Rominator
Jul 22, 2010, 07:52 PM
....yawn.....
when does school start again in the fall?
The yellow buses are a nuisance but i'm looking forward to some quiet.
Cindori
Jul 22, 2010, 07:56 PM
I thought SLI was hardware dependent and that's why Mac Pros couldn't have it, even at Windows level.
no its not, neither is xfire
Roman23
Jul 22, 2010, 10:08 PM
IS HARDWARE DEPENDENT.. Mac pro doesn't support it.. I stand firm on this one.. so, yes.. its not supported and never will be because Apple doesn't see the need for it on the mac pro.. want a gaming machine. go with a PC!
I thought SLI was hardware dependent and that's why Mac Pros couldn't have it, even at Windows level.
No it doesn't. Sounds like a jet engine is running, feels like a giant heat furnance is pushing 2000W of dissipated heat and you can see the lights dimming through out the neighborhood.
I wasn't going to say it but you... well forced me to. New pics fresh of /g/.
Roman23
Jul 22, 2010, 10:11 PM
Again, pure PC.. no mac at all and I would be hard pressed to get no answer from them as they are using PC's to get SLI working.. the mac pro simply doesn't have the imbedded hardware to make use of this.. Windows will only support crossfire with unlocked pc flashed cards.. Apple's OEM cards like the Radeon 4870 HD have crossfire disabled and I take it with the 285 its the same thing..
Apple doesn't want us to have this.. Windows, does allow this as you already know.. See? I used the multi-quote this time.
I thought SLI was hardware dependent and that's why Mac Pros couldn't have it, even at Windows level.
No it doesn't. Sounds like a jet engine is running, feels like a giant heat furnance is pushing 2000W of dissipated heat and you can see the lights dimming through out the neighborhood.
I wasn't going to say it but you... well forced me to. New pics fresh of /g/.
Anyone wanna give it a try?
http://xdevs.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.30
jav6454
Jul 22, 2010, 11:15 PM
....yawn.....
when does school start again in the fall?
The yellow buses are a nuisance but i'm looking forward to some quiet.
Yeah, fall, but guess, what I'll still be here.
Roman23
Jul 22, 2010, 11:30 PM
You do sound kind of young though.. I was wondering..
....yawn.....
when does school start again in the fall?
The yellow buses are a nuisance but i'm looking forward to some quiet.
Mackilroy
Jul 23, 2010, 12:36 AM
You do sound kind of young though.. I was wondering..
Rominator is an adult male. ;)
I wouldn't mind trying SLI, but I don't use my Mac Pro anymore.
The Rominator
Jul 23, 2010, 12:45 AM
Rominator is an adult male. ;)
Curious how you know that.
I may very well be some young punk.
I never explained my Avatar.
Velin
Jul 23, 2010, 03:51 AM
Gonna throw my two cents in:
SLI sucked on PCs. Problems galore with SLI machines. Heat and power consumption problems were ridiculous with SLI rigs. Don't get me started on the clipping and interleaving issues that plagued SLI rigs trying to run pro apps and games, since the two cards couldn't properly sync (this happened a LOT).
We had to return so many SLI rigs due to failure. We swore off SLI in our offices, and instead upgraded single video cards to the latest release when necessary. (Didn't help when Nvidia released those garbage 76XX+ through the 79XX model series video cards that failed at an unbelievably hight rate a few years back, but there was no good alternative because ATI was sucking bad too.)
Then we got smart, ditched Vista, and moved to Macs. Never looked back.
Hellhammer
Jul 23, 2010, 04:36 AM
IS HARDWARE DEPENDENT.. Mac pro doesn't support it.. I stand firm on this one.. so, yes.. its not supported and never will be because Apple doesn't see the need for it on the mac pro.. want a gaming machine. go with a PC!
How do you know? Have you tried this? SLI is not hardware dependent but NVIDIA limited the software for only their chipsets. Now it looks like that it can be hacked to work in any motherboard. OS X does not support this but Windows does and thus we need someone to be our guinea pig to test this. I wouldn't be surprised if it worked as Mac Pro is just a computer among others.
Cindori
Jul 23, 2010, 06:14 AM
SLI is most certainly not hardware dependant as it was done back in 2006 with two Nvidia 7600's in Mac Pro under windows.
As the link states this could enable SLI for any motherboard, even AMD boards.
I did not mean for anyone to go this route of performance perspective, more like showing that it could be done
Pressure
Jul 23, 2010, 10:05 AM
SLI is most certainly not hardware dependant as it was done back in 2006 with two Nvidia 7600's in Mac Pro under windows.
As the link states this could enable SLI for any motherboard, even AMD boards.
I did not mean for anyone to go this route of performance perspective, more like showing that it could be done
Good luck cracking the authentication process in the drivers to enable SLI in Windows on a Mac Pro.
cooljoe349
Jul 23, 2010, 01:11 PM
I thought SLI was hardware dependent and that's why Mac Pros couldn't have it, even at Windows level.
No it doesn't. Sounds like a jet engine is running, feels like a giant heat furnance is pushing 2000W of dissipated heat and you can see the lights dimming through out the neighborhood.
I wasn't going to say it but you... well forced me to. New pics fresh of /g/.
I gotta admit the graphics card taking off like a rocket ship made me lol.
nanofrog
Jul 23, 2010, 01:13 PM
Good luck cracking the authentication process in the drivers to enable SLI in Windows on a Mac Pro.
Don't forget the firmware is EFI, using BIOS emulation in order to boot Windows or Linux. This will add a further level of difficulty in cracking SLI authentication on the MP.
EGOvoruhk
Jul 23, 2010, 01:22 PM
Good luck cracking the authentication process in the drivers to enable SLI in Windows on a Mac Pro.
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=60844
Roman23
Jul 23, 2010, 05:16 PM
Not windows.. I am sure it can be hacked in windows.. but the mac pro doesn't support the imbedded hardware to do this.. but you all think it will work.. I am game on it as I am a gamer myself..
So, how would I enable SLI should I decide to get the 285 or pc flashed 460 nvidia?
Also, I am not spending any money on extra power supplies or what not.. just want it plug and play.
....yawn.....
when does school start again in the fall?
The yellow buses are a nuisance but i'm looking forward to some quiet.
How do you know? Have you tried this? SLI is not hardware dependent but NVIDIA limited the software for only their chipsets. Now it looks like that it can be hacked to work in any motherboard. OS X does not support this but Windows does and thus we need someone to be our guinea pig to test this. I wouldn't be surprised if it worked as Mac Pro is just a computer among others.
SLI for all intent and purposes is useless on a mac pro as the bios or EFI doesn't support it.. and probably never will.. as for the 2006 mac pro? I am shocked that the same procedure can't be duplicated on the 2009.
Don't forget the firmware is EFI, using BIOS emulation in order to boot Windows or Linux. This will add a further level of difficulty in cracking SLI authentication on the MP.
Hellhammer
Jul 23, 2010, 05:19 PM
Not windows.. I am sure it can be hacked in windows.. but the mac pro doesn't support the imbedded hardware to do this.. but you all think it will work.. I am game on it as I am a gamer myself..
So, how would I enable SLI should I decide to get the 285 or pc flashed 460 nvidia?
Also, I am not spending any money on extra power supplies or what not.. just want it plug and play.
You would need two of those cards. Read the article in the first post. You're better off with dual ATIs because CrossFire requires no hacking and is proven to work in Mac Pro
Cindori
Jul 24, 2010, 08:39 AM
Good luck cracking the authentication process in the drivers to enable SLI in Windows on a Mac Pro.
it's already been done, read first post...
Roman23
Jul 24, 2010, 10:15 AM
I think this discussion is not worth it.. nano says it won't.. and many websites say it won't.. so I am going to believe those over anyone else.. sorry, but SLI won't work.
Plus, that is a PURE PC WEBSITE you listed.. and they HATE macs... so, until a true mac website shows it working, at this point it doesn't work.
it's already been done, read first post...
Hellhammer
Jul 24, 2010, 10:56 AM
I think this discussion is not worth it.. nano says it won't.. and many websites say it won't.. so I am going to believe those over anyone else.. sorry, but SLI won't work.
Plus, that is a PURE PC WEBSITE you listed.. and they HATE macs... so, until a true mac website shows it working, at this point it doesn't work.
Nano didn't say it won't work and he doesn't know everything. He just said the EFI might be a problem. Until someone actually tries it, we don't know. Macs aren't that different from PCs, they share the same hardware. it won't work under OS X, that we know but it may work under Windows. Lets just wait for some facts before killing the idea
nanofrog
Jul 24, 2010, 12:59 PM
Nano didn't say it won't work and he doesn't know everything. He just said the EFI might be a problem. Until someone actually tries it, we don't know. Macs aren't that different from PCs, they share the same hardware. it won't work under OS X, that we know but it may work under Windows. Lets just wait for some facts before killing the idea
Exactly. BIOS and Windows have lots of resources available to assist such hacking. MP's, and particularly EFI firmware, have fewer resources (far fewer for EFI compared to BIOS).
But if someone with the necessary skills puts in the time, it may actually happen for an MP under Windows or even Linux.
I just wouldn't bet on it is all... :eek: :D :p
Mackilroy
Jul 24, 2010, 07:47 PM
Curious how you know that.
I may very well be some young punk.
I never explained my Avatar.
How many young punks can go out and buy a 2009 Mac Pro on a whim? ;)
I mostly was just arguing with Roman23 because he comes off as thinking he's superior. :D
The Rominator
Jul 25, 2010, 01:04 AM
so I tried the script to install the fix and.......it didn't work with 257 driver
Install went fine but SLI didn't show up as an option
Next I tried using the already patched 190.62 drivers but I ran into a major snag and am hopeful someone here can help translate the following phrase:
"enter system to test mode, make modified driver file have certified for OS."
It is referring to a piece of driver that needs to be installed into driver folder.
But due to digital signature thing, driver won't load.
I put machine into "test" mode...still wouldn't let Nvidia driver run.
Then I found a means to use "GPEdit" console to disable driver signing. Still no love from Nvidia driver.
Reinstalled Nvidia driver and it works but I'm back to needing to install that file and have it work as if signed.
Anyone know an easy way to accomplish this?
BTW, I'm trying this with Dual GTX285s. I realize now that one has Mac EFI ROM and the other is PC. Have different clocks, etc. Will try getting them both same ROM. I also realize that I had a display plugged into each in first test and that wasn't good. Will also try with dual 8800GTs as well.
So, I will re-run the tests tomorrow. But if someone can re-translate the above phrae, that would help.
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 01:34 AM
Because I am Ukrainian and we are superior people.. just kidding.. Your comment crosses the line as I view it as a sign of hostility, but no matter..
it's already been done, read first post...
How many young punks can go out and buy a 2009 Mac Pro on a whim? ;)
I mostly was just arguing with Roman23 because he comes off as thinking he's superior. :D
Cindori
Jul 25, 2010, 07:57 AM
SLI on a mac pro has NOT been done but as this article stated that this theoretically would work for any motherboard I thought it could be interesting.
the reason that I thought this was possible on a Mac is because there is no mentioning about any BIOS settings or edits on that web page.
it simply looked like a software hack to fool the driver, but if there is BIOS stuff involved, chances are pretty slim of making it happen.
rominator, use this
http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=dseo
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 11:32 AM
Good luck.. I hope it does work - it will give us another option over crossfire.. But, mac os x - FORGET IT! it won't work as the OS and hardware don't support SLI.. WIndows 7 maybe a different story and that site you listed is a PURE PC site and doesn't mention anything about macs using sli at all..
As I said.. OS X- Forget it.. Windows 7 and possibly vista - strong 50/50 chance. I hope this will work in Windows.. but I do know that it won't work under os x.
SLI on a mac pro has NOT been done but as this article stated that this theoretically would work for any motherboard I thought it could be interesting.
the reason that I thought this was possible on a Mac is because there is no mentioning about any BIOS settings or edits on that web page.
it simply looked like a software hack to fool the driver, but if there is BIOS stuff involved, chances are pretty slim of making it happen.
rominator, use this
http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=dseo
Cindori
Jul 25, 2010, 01:01 PM
I have never claimed it would work in OSX.
A Mac uses the same hardware as a PC. The site doesnt have to say anything about SLI on Macs.
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 01:04 PM
But, yes I would like to know how it does work in windows 7 though. The only nvidia card I have is the GT120, which most likely wouldn't support sli as its apple's oem card.. or maybe it will?
SLI on a mac pro has NOT been done but as this article stated that this theoretically would work for any motherboard I thought it could be interesting.
the reason that I thought this was possible on a Mac is because there is no mentioning about any BIOS settings or edits on that web page.
it simply looked like a software hack to fool the driver, but if there is BIOS stuff involved, chances are pretty slim of making it happen.
rominator, use this
http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=dseo
I have never claimed it would work in OSX.
A Mac uses the same hardware as a PC. The site doesnt have to say anything about SLI on Macs.
nanofrog
Jul 25, 2010, 01:39 PM
I have never claimed it would work in OSX.
A Mac uses the same hardware as a PC. The site doesnt have to say anything about SLI on Macs.
This would be obvious IMO, as the link provided was about Windows, and it's known that Apple hasn't provided SLI support in OS X.
But maybe this is just me. :confused:
But, yes I would like to know how it does work in windows 7 though. The only nvidia card I have is the GT120, which most likely wouldn't support sli as its apple's oem card.. or maybe it will?
The typical GT120 (OEM model) has the ability to bridge the cards (see image). But as I've not seen the model offered in the MP, I can't be 100% sure the bridge connector is/isn't there.
Can you open your system and confirm if this is possible (PCB has the bridge connetion area on it on the top edge)?
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 01:47 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nvidia-GT120-Video-Card-Mac-Pro-MC002ZM-/120597712178?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Apple_Desktops&hash=item1c142f0d32
It shows the underside of the card and sadly there is NO bridge connector at all :(
This would be obvious IMO, as the link provided was about Windows, and it's known that Apple hasn't provided SLI support in OS X.
But maybe this is just me. :confused:
The typical GT120 (OEM model) has the ability to bridge the cards (see image). But as I've not seen the model offered in the MP, I can't be 100% sure the bridge connector is/isn't there.
Can you open your system and confirm if this is possible (PCB has the bridge connetion area on it on the top edge)?
nanofrog
Jul 25, 2010, 01:51 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nvidia-GT120-Video-Card-Mac-Pro-MC002ZM-/120597712178?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Apple_Desktops&hash=item1c142f0d32
It shows the underside of the card and sadly there is NO bridge connector at all :(
Thanks. I hadn't seen the actual card (all of it), given the plastic cover used (it's also missing the VGA port shown in the image above).
So that one is definitely impossible (Apple's GT120), no matter if the board supported SLI or not.
Cindori
Jul 25, 2010, 02:00 PM
But, yes I would like to know how it does work in windows 7 though. The only nvidia card I have is the GT120, which most likely wouldn't support sli as its apple's oem card.. or maybe it will?
just fyi, people have crossfired apple cards before, so it's not something apple disable.
Can we please get off the SLI in OSX train? I never said ANYTHING about that. I just thought someone could be interested in getting this going under windows.
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 02:05 PM
that crossfire was DISABLED on the mac oem radeen 4870 which is what I have.
Is there any kind of software to download for windows 7 that will enable sli assuming if I did have a GTX285?
This would be obvious IMO, as the link provided was about Windows, and it's known that Apple hasn't provided SLI support in OS X.
But maybe this is just me. :confused:
The typical GT120 (OEM model) has the ability to bridge the cards (see image). But as I've not seen the model offered in the MP, I can't be 100% sure the bridge connector is/isn't there.
Can you open your system and confirm if this is possible (PCB has the bridge connetion area on it on the top edge)?
just fyi, people have crossfired apple cards before, so it's not something apple disable.
Can we please get off the SLI in OSX train? I never said ANYTHING about that. I just thought someone could be interested in getting this going under windows.
The Rominator
Jul 25, 2010, 02:35 PM
Thanks to Cindori for bringing this to attention.
I present .....
First Mac Pro to SLI a pair of GTX285s !!!
I started with a Fresh WIndows 7 Install so sadly I have NOTHING to test with yet so can't vouch for stability.
But using the backup method listed from Cindori's first post, I have enabled SLI !!!
I tried to use our beloved OpenGl Extensions viewer but it is a MUCH messier thing in WIndows. Can't find a "Benchmark" mode.
Also, whoever says "Windows 7 is big improvement over Vista and more like OSX" has been smoking the best Crack imaginable.
Still a clunky, stupid, obtuse OS. And still UGLY !!! Why does all the text look like ASCII from 1983? Why does it come loaded with DirectX 9 from 2004? Why can't I just FIND things with a quick keystroke like I've been doing on Macs since 1995?
Anyhow, here are some images, more info coming.
And to all the people who heckled Cindori for suggesting this might work....run on down to your local restaurant and order up a nice, steaming plate of Humble Pie. Absolutism rarely helps anyone.
So many more things we could do with Macs if more people TRIED things instead of postulating theories based on conjecture and opinion why it can't won't shouldn't ...yadda yadda, blah, blah. Armchair engineers don't invent or discover.
I will next try installing some games...sadly my legit copy of Crysis has been disabled because I have installed it too many times. I HAVE to use a crack on something I paid $60 for. After this I will try 8800GT, 8800GTS, and GT120.
BTW, SLI doesn't actually REQUIRE there be a bridge connector, so Apple cards might work.
Sorry it's kinda messy.
Had to drag a PSU out to power all of the PCIE connectors. Other cards won't require this.
frimple
Jul 25, 2010, 04:02 PM
Oh lord, don't let Roman23 see that...
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 04:06 PM
I DO see it, and I do like it.. as I am a gamer and use windows 7 to play games.. only problem is now I need to get a GTX285.. but have the 24 inch cinema display with MDP.. I wish nvidia would get off their tail and make a card with MDP.. the altoona device that apple sells I heard, is flaky as best.
Oh lord, don't let Roman23 see that...
frimple
Jul 25, 2010, 04:13 PM
...only problem is now I need to get a GTX285.. but have the 24 inch cinema display with MDP...
Meh, I'm an ATI fan. If only OSX would support CrossFireX you could drop a 5970.... oh CrossFireX & the 5xxx series I mean :rolleyes:
Roman23
Jul 25, 2010, 04:21 PM
Why didn't you want me to see it? I have seen much worse before on a PC :) Anyway, I believe OS X has the capability of supporting crossfire, but for some reason the developers won't allow it to work.. our best bet is to use windows 7 or vista for this.
I am also an ATI fan as ATI caters to their customers.. Mini display port is available on most of their cards, esp the eyefinity series. If anything, that card should be Apple's new possibility for any future update(notice I said future, not assigning it a date) of any mac pro..
Take a look at this...
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/sapphire_radeon_hd_5870_eyefinity_edition
And this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121371
Oh lord, don't let Roman23 see that...
Meh, I'm an ATI fan. If only OSX would support CrossFireX you could drop a 5970.... oh CrossFireX & the 5xxx series I mean :rolleyes:
frimple
Jul 25, 2010, 04:42 PM
Take a look at this...
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/sapphire_radeon_hd_5870_eyefinity_edition
And this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121371
Yeah Eyefinity has it's problems and hopefully some will get resolved. I've got a 20x30x20 monitor setup and eyefinity only supports the same resolution on each screen. So unless I want to run my 30 in 1600x1200 I can't do eyefinity. I hope they fix that in the future to allow wing monitors.
Those 6x MDP cards are cool, but most of the 5xxx series cards have at least one MDP on 'em. I've got the asus 5970 and it's got one smack in the middle.
The Rominator
Jul 25, 2010, 05:53 PM
Wow !!!
When I was testing Crossfire on Dual XFX 1 Gig 4870s, I was underwhelmed.
Didn't add much power but did cost a bunch of money.
This is a different world !!!
Check the two sets of benchies.
3DMark Vantage & Crysis
Crysis was set to "Very High" on all settings and run on the 30" @ 2560x1600.
3D Mark was run on "Extreme" settings @ 1920x1200.
Both scaled nearly identically. The SLi setup was just under 2 times faster than single GTX285 !!!
The Crysis benchmark is the built in one. I have had trouble in past with the GUI ones. The top 3 runs were with SLi, bottom three with single GTX285.
Seriously big news for Mac folks who like gaming in Windows. No longer will it be necessary to buy the BIGGEST most expensive card possible in order to go into Windows with a big gun.
People who already have an 8800GT can just get another one and SLi in WIndows to avoid paying premium for GTX285. There are even enough power connectors to do that with no need for extra supply.
Not sure what I want to test next, and sadly I have guests coming and will need to walk away from the "lab" shortly.
From experience I know that CRUCIAL details on how to do this will be asked for but that Forum posts frequently get buried under mounds of blather. I am going to do a full write up and stick it up on a page somewhere.
Important details for those who want to try ASAP:
The first method from the OP's linked page didn't work. At least not first time I tried. I ended up using a hacked older driver file with an older driver.(190.62 I think) It is quite likely that with some tweaking, this could work in new drivers too. Look further down on linked page for details. It did take some fiddling but that is documented here. I used the app Cindori linked to to "bless" the driver file. Still in "test" mode though, so obviously not a good solution for a crucial Windows enviroment.
Obviously the question of whether this works in the 1,1 and 3,1 machines needs to be answered. I will have answer on 1,1 by tomorrow. And most likely 10thzMac will be able to chime in on 3,1.
Part of Crossfire troubles before likely had to do with me being on 1,1 and thus having to set slots 1 and 2 to 8x lanes, instead of 16x as 4,1 can do.
Also I am sure people will want to know what other Mac EFI cards work with this. I'll get to that.
But for now, just know that you can nearly DOUBLE your Bootcamp horsepower without anteing up for a big gun card. Who knows, might even work with the 7300GT...I seem to recall their being Tri-SLi and Quad SLi. Hmmmm
Cindori
Jul 25, 2010, 06:09 PM
:)
i've heard you get more power if you use sli bridges though, you should try it.
nanofrog
Jul 25, 2010, 06:37 PM
i've heard you get more power if you use sli bridges though, you should try it.
They appear to be installed from the pic of the internals.
Mackilroy
Jul 25, 2010, 06:37 PM
That's awesome that it works, but I feel constrained to point out that NVIDIA is better with some games/programs, and ATI is better with others.
Still, very very nice.
The Rominator
Aug 5, 2010, 04:28 AM
Yeppers, got 2 of them cooperating in Windows via SLi.
As with GTX285, it nearly doubles performance.
However 2 @ 8800GT still nowhere near GTX285 ballpark.
I left all the res/quality settings same as GTX285 SLi benchies...can you say "Painful"?
I had to reset benchmark config it to just do 1 or 2 runs each on Crysis. At 6 fps it was taking WAY TOO LONG. Take it down to 1920x1200 and medium settings and SLi with 8800GT could be viable, especially for 1st Gen folks who may be running out of other options.
In any case, obvious that adding an extra 8800GT to your Mac Pro can result in 40% faster scores in WIndows....if you go to some bother.
Some other notes:
1. Sadly, there is no Tri-SLi for 8800GT cards.
2. You need to go to some bother to set up, follow guide in Cindori's OP.
3. I tested with FLASHED versions of 8800GT with EFI-64 ROM. As Apple card has SLi connector, no reason to believe that OEM Apple 88GT won't work.
OMGWTFBBQ
Aug 29, 2010, 10:43 PM
Hi all,
Are there any updates on the GTX 285 SLi front?
I'm currently in the midst of deciding whether or not to buy the new (soon to be shipping) Radeon HD 5870, and replace my current GTX 285 with it. This thread has me thinking, however, that the right move would be to buy another 285 off of ebay (because its discontinued, right?) and SLi it with my current card.
I don't care if I can only utilize one of the cards in OSX, I only use my windows' bootcamp partition for gaming, and thats where I'd love to see a boost in performance.
So... Anybody have any more updates or useful info?
I really appreciate the graphics trail blazing you guys are doing for n00bs like me.
Cheers
loudt2
Sep 6, 2010, 10:56 PM
Hi,
I'm also interested in updates. I'm ready to give this a try (2x285s in an early 2008 mac pro). However, I run 64 bit Vista and it seems there are some tricks to get Vista to play nicely with the unsigned drivers that are necessary. Has anyone been able to get SLI working in Vista without having to be in test mode?
Thanks
thermodynamic
Sep 29, 2010, 04:22 PM
Again, pure PC.. no mac at all and I would be hard pressed to get no answer from them as they are using PC's to get SLI working.. the mac pro simply doesn't have the imbedded hardware to make use of this.. Windows will only support crossfire with unlocked pc flashed cards.. Apple's OEM cards like the Radeon 4870 HD have crossfire disabled and I take it with the 285 its the same thing..
Apple doesn't want us to have this.. Windows, does allow this as you already know.. See? I used the multi-quote this time.
True - SLI and Crossfire are predominately for games... but surely 3D rendering apps making use of the GPU or multiple GPUs would benefit?
nanofrog
Sep 29, 2010, 06:30 PM
True - SLI and Crossfire are predominately for games... but surely 3D rendering apps making use of the GPU or multiple GPUs would benefit?
Unfortunately, he won't be able to respond to any further posts as he's been banned from MR.
jav6454
Sep 29, 2010, 06:33 PM
True - SLI and Crossfire are predominately for games... but surely 3D rendering apps making use of the GPU or multiple GPUs would benefit?
Putting aside that the member is banned, no difference.
Why? In CUDA or the likes, having multiple GPUs does help, but as standalone things, not in xFire or SLI; think GPGPU. Those are gimmicks just for games.
mmendoza27
Nov 7, 2010, 10:24 AM
I've just skimmed through the posts, saw that the GTX285s got SLI but I'm wondering if I could get SLI in Boot Camp for my GT120s. Any updates on the actual process (other than trying to make motherboard modifications)?
Cindori
Nov 7, 2010, 10:46 AM
I've just skimmed through the posts, saw that the GTX285s got SLI but I'm wondering if I could get SLI in Boot Camp for my GT120s. Any updates on the actual process (other than trying to make motherboard modifications)?
gt120 does not support sli.
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