Few Questions Re Mac Pro 2008 and Video Card Replacement

[Velin]

Have a 2008 Mac Pro, Model 3,1. Came with the Nvidia 8800GT 512mb PCIe graphics card.

I think the card is going bad. When I try to load up a game, the machine freezes. On reboot I see the typical green stripes/lines, as well as artifacts. If I let the card cool it works fine in OS X. But anything graphic intensive causes a crash. Sounds like the video card, right?

Assuming it is the card, what are my options? Can I put the Nvdia GT 120 card in this 2008 3,1 Mac Pro? Is the GT 120 as good, or better, than the 8800 GT? Or should I just get another 8800 GT?

Any other cards I should look at?

Finally, is it an easy replacement? Do the replacement cards for Mac Pros come with driver software?

Asking because I've never done a video card upgrade on a Mac, only PC.

Annoyed my 8800 GT is failing, but I'm not under warranty, so any input is appreciated.

 

[Mackilroy]

That happened to my 8800 GT as well (and a lot of others, so I've heard). I wouldn't bother with a GT 120 - your 8800 was far better. You can get the 4870 or GTX 285 that Apple and EVGA offer, or you can flash yourself a PC 4870 or 4890. I have a 4890 in my machine now.

 

[ljonesj]

well i dont know but u can try the ati 3870 for pc and mac if u wont to give it a try and it may work as its cheaper than the mac version of the 8800gt and the4850-4870 in the mac pro i know the 4850 is not but on the imac its expensive option