Double graphics card?

[rk25123]

Hi all! I have a Mac Pro 4,1 with an Ati HD 4870 I'd want to upgrade (haven't done yet because of the problems with non EFI cards), so I was wondering: would it be possible to add a PC card to use for computing power while keeping the current one for boot and video output? If so, can the Mac Pro supply enough power? From where?

Thanks for the help!

 

[xcodeSyn]

...would it be possible to add a PC card to use for computing power while keeping the current one for boot and video output? If so, can the Mac Pro supply enough power? From where?

I find it useful to check this TDP database when considering any GPU upgrade. Your current 4870 has a TDP of 157W and using 2 6-pin auxiliary power cables already, that leaves very little room for another GPU without an external power supply since Mac Pro normally supplies 300W (75W x 2 from PCIe slots + 75W x 2 from auxiliary power ports) for up to two video cards. As the sticky video thread suggests, there are ways to get around the no boot screen issue and you don't need it most of the times anyway. Just set the 4870 aside for special occasions and you can install a more powerful GPU (with TDP < 225W) at your disposal. Or you could sell your current card and get a GT120 (which has a TDP of 50W) as your GUI card.