MP 1,1-5,1 Advice re replacement graphics card Mac Pro early 2008

[DustyShaw]

I’m looking to replace the graphics card in my MP early 2008 (3,1 I believe).

I’m thinking of buying an ATI Radeon HD 5870 on eBay, but I’ve never done this before so want to make sure it’s compatible, and also want to ask what I need to install it, like specifically what cables or accessories or tools?

MP early 2008, El Capitan. Thanks.

 

[MarkC426]

From this article, it seems to work.
You will need 2 mini 6 pin to 6 pin cables to power it.

No special tools required, except maybe screwdriver:
1.power down mac
2.remove old gpu
3.insert new gpu with power cables
4.restart mac

Apple's ATI Radeon HD 5870 Works in 2008 Mac Pro

According to Barefeats, Apple's ATI Radeon HD 5870 Graphics Upgrade Kit ($449) for the Mac Pro does indeed work in the 2008 Mac Pro. This is despite the fact that Apple only officially lists the 2009 and 2010 Mac Pros as supported hardware for the upgrade card. We plugged the Radeon HD 5870 into...

www.macrumors.com

Make sure it is a Mac Edition card.

 

[KeesMacPro]

You could also consider e.g. GTX 680 for about the same price.
The HD5870 is limited to Sierra or High Sierra IIRC
A GTX 680 is compatible with newer OS versions up to BIg Sur.
This way you could for example install a DosDude Patched install of e.g. Mojave

The GTX 680 PC version works out of the box, but to get a bootscreen you'll have the flash the ROM of the card with a Mac EFI or get an original GTX 680 Mac Edition.