Upgrading MacPro 1.1-need advice on all hardware upgrades

[anybody67]

Newbie here.
Specs:Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro1,1
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 10 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP11.005C.B08

Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0393
Revision ID: 0x00a1
ROM Revision: 3008
Displays:
Cinema HD:
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
Snow Leopard
Primarily for number crunching
Have upgraded my Ram. Would like to upgrade my video/graphics card (assuming video and graphics card are the same thing),cpu, and hard drive. Video/graphics card probably from the apple store ATI Radeon HD 4870 (anywhere else cheaper?). Have no idea about cpu or harddrive upgrades.
Also, how simple is it to change graphics card? Checked it out on you tube-seems pretty simple except for the cable connection apparently. I am assuming I will have to go to the apple store for cpu installation ( cost?).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[gugucom]

If number crunching is your aim you will not get much from a 4870 although it will be a nice upgrade. You can save some $$ by flashing a PC card if you can live with restrictions like no HDMI, no VGA, no sound. PC 4870s go for under 150$

Best option is CPU upgrade to 3.0 GHz Quad Woodcrest if you are on single threaded apps or to 3.0 Octad Clovertown if you are on multithreaded. This upgrade isn't done by Apple. Do it yourself only.

Your I/O system goes fastest if you RAID0 big 2TB disks or run an SSD as a system and apps drive.

[anybody67]

Thanks for the input-looking forward to doing it

[ungraphic]

Originally Posted by gugucom

If number crunching is your aim you will not get much from a 4870 although it will be a nice upgrade. You can save some $$ by flashing a PC card if you can live with restrictions like no HDMI, no VGA, no sound. PC 4870s go for under 150$

Best option is CPU upgrade to 3.0 GHz Quad Woodcrest if you are on single threaded apps or to 3.0 Octad Clovertown if you are on multithreaded. This upgrade isn't done by Apple. Do it yourself only.

Your I/O system goes fastest if you RAID0 big 2TB disks or run an SSD as a system and apps drive.

The 4870 is compatible on a first gen Mac Pro (1,1)??? I thought the best compatible cards were the 3870 and 8800gt??