I really need help determining which GPU is best for upgrading my MacPro 5,1? I would also like to know what is the newest OS still capable on the 5,1?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
MP 1,1-5,1 MacPro 5,1 GPU Upgrade
- Thread starter Mattcooley2379
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
sailmac
macrumors 6502
I recommend start here to understand GPU options on the 5,1.
If you just want to know the "simplest" option find a used Sapphire RX 580 Pulse.
If you want native OS then Mojave 10.14.6 is the latest. If you are willing to install OpenCore (relatively easy to install using OCLP) then Monterey 12.7.1 is stable, many users are successfully running Ventura, and Sonoma is experimental but improving.
If you just want to know the "simplest" option find a used Sapphire RX 580 Pulse.
If you want native OS then Mojave 10.14.6 is the latest. If you are willing to install OpenCore (relatively easy to install using OCLP) then Monterey 12.7.1 is stable, many users are successfully running Ventura, and Sonoma is experimental but improving.
if you go for one of the OpenCore derivatives you can run Monterey 12.7 on the 5,1, provided you have a suitable GPU.
The one I like is the Radeon RX6600XT - it runs with the dual 6 pin to 8 pin power adaptor that is also used frequently with RX580. You have to flash the RX6600XT for it to work, but it is a really good card.
It runs cooler than the RX580 IMO - the Sapphire Pulse RX580 in the 5,1 was a great room heater in winter.
No, I don't intend to bother with OCLP and Sonoma. That machine is used in my cycling trainer room for running Zwift - I need it to remain reliable, don't want to take chances with it.
So I'm using Martin Lo's implementation of OpenCore.
If I need to use Sonoma 14.2, I've got that on the 7,1.
Do you have to run the Sapphire Pulse version of the RX 580 with a 5,1 or will macOS recognize any RX 580? Assuming I’m using 12.7 or later via OCLP.
It's said that some XFX versions don't work properly, but I ended up getting a XFX RX580 GTS, this one:
It worked straight away in the same machine as the Sapphire Pulse - and better it had 3x Displayports and 1x HDMI, a bit more useful.
I used Martin Lo's package instead of OCLP or other versions.
Last edited:
Is there an ETA on when the Nitro Radeon RX 580 (8GB) GPU will be compatible with Sonoma on a 5,1 box? I tried using my RX560, which seems a bit more stable than the RX580, but not flawless by any stretch. I finally had to remove the Radeon card and just go back to the OEM ATI card.