Need new GFX card for playing Starcraft etc.

[psymas]

I just downloaded the Demo from Blizzard and discovered that my Mac Pro can't keep up with the graphics in high or ultra mode (best graphics performance in starcraft)

Would anyone be kind to recommend a GFX card upgrade that would make me play this game in the best possible graphics mode?

My mac:

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: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz

ATI Radeon X1900 XT:

Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1900
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x7249
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-A52027-140
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.140
Displays:
Cinema HD 30":
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
CG222W:
Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported

 

[dallas112678]

I just downloaded the Demo from Blizzard and discovered that my Mac Pro can't keep up with the graphics in high or ultra mode (best graphics performance in starcraft)

Would anyone be kind to recommend a GFX card upgrade that would make me play this game in the best possible graphics mode?

My mac:

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: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz

ATI Radeon X1900 XT:

Chipset Model: ATY,RadeonX1900
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 512 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x7249
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-A52027-140
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.140
Displays:
Cinema HD 30":
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
CG222W:
Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported

Well the strongest Mac GPU is the 5870. Do some research to see if it will work with your model of Mac Pro.

 

[Mackilroy]

It will.

 

[goMac]

According to Barefeats, the Mac Pro 1,1 can't really take advantage of the 5870 in SC2.

http://barefeats.com/wst10g7.html

5770 is likely your best bet.

 

[initialsBB]

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I just recieved my refurb MacPro yesterday. Demoed SC2 with the 5770 and it runs great with every setting at maximum.

 

[DELTAsnake]

My iMac can run SC2 at max settings with it's 4850, a 5770 is similar performance to the 4850. 5770 is about what you need for max settings right now, but, remember Blizzard is not done with SC2, they are releasing two more episodes of SC2, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void. Chances are when they release those expansion packs they will upgrade the graphics, just like they have done with every other game they have made, so while a 5870 might be overkill today it might be perfect for Legacy of the Void. Just something to consider.

 

[psymas]

Thanks for all the answers !

I think I gonna go for a 5770 but I will consider the 5870 if I can find it for a good price.

Just one thing (I'm pretty new on the mac platform and this is the first time I have to buy parts and install it myself) do I have to look for a mac edition of this card or can I use a card that has been used in a PC ? I can buy the 5770 second hand for like USD 100 but it seems to a card that comes from a PC.

 

[Mackilroy]

You can, though you'll have to flash it (unless you don't mind using it solely under Windows).

 

[psymas]

Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 1GB Video Card

I'm considering this card:

ATI HD5850 1GB Sapphire, GDDR5

Links:

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/2947/sapphire_radeon_hd_5850_1gb_video_card/index15.html

I found it for sale second hand for USD 150

I would like to know of any experiences with this card on mac pro version 1.1.

In advance thanks.

THOMAS

 

[Cindori]

you need apple cards unless you flash or use 6000 series + leaked drivers.

 

[ActionableMango]

I found it for sale second hand for USD 150

For $25-$30 more you can get a used, official Apple 5770 on Ebay. $25 extra would be worth it to me to avoid flashing, loss of bootscreen, and possibility of incompatibility with future OS updates.

 

[highdefw]

Bought the 5770 for my 09 octo and its running perfectly. Highest gfx and res for everything, and getting around 50-60 fps.

5870 will give you the same results but with more frames. For the price difference, 5770 works just fine.

 

[psymas]

Thanks man, just went to you website and it looks great
I'm still searching for a card to replace my 1900 ATI which is more or less dead.
What would you personally recommend atm.? (now that Lion is on the way do I then have to consider anything special?)

you need apple cards unless you flash or use 6000 series + leaked drivers.

 

[psymas]

According to Apple I can't use this card in my mac from 2006 it has to be from mid 2010 as far as I remember..Some websites states that Apple lies about this..I'm really not sure if it will work, and if I buy it second hand getting it shipped from the opposite side of the planet then it's too risky business if I get a card I cannot use because I cannot deliver it back without major extra costs..I wonder if someone could confirm or lift the clouds regarding this issue?

Bought the 5770 for my 09 octo and its running perfectly. Highest gfx and res for everything, and getting around 50-60 fps.

5870 will give you the same results but with more frames. For the price difference, 5770 works just fine.

 

[Cindori]

I wonder if someone could confirm or lift the clouds regarding this issue?

Oh like someone does like, every day here?


There is not a single molecule of the 5870 that is technically incompatible with the 2006, 2007, or 2008 Mac Pro. It's 100% a lie.

 

[goMac]

According to Apple I can't use this card in my mac from 2006 it has to be from mid 2010 as far as I remember..Some websites states that Apple lies about this..I'm really not sure if it will work, and if I buy it second hand getting it shipped from the opposite side of the planet then it's too risky business if I get a card I cannot use because I cannot deliver it back without major extra costs..I wonder if someone could confirm or lift the clouds regarding this issue?

It will work. It's been verified here.

I use a 5870 in my 2008, which was also not on the "requirements" list.

 

[AngryRedTicTac]

I've had an Apple branded 5770 in my 1,1 for a good 6 months now without a hiccup in either OSX or Windows. Buy one, you'll like it.

 

[tpavur]

My iMac can run SC2 at max settings with it's 4850, a 5770 is similar performance to the 4850. 5770 is about what you need for max settings right now, but, remember Blizzard is not done with SC2, they are releasing two more episodes of SC2, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void. Chances are when they release those expansion packs they will upgrade the graphics, just like they have done with every other game they have made, so while a 5870 might be overkill today it might be perfect for Legacy of the Void. Just something to consider.

I hate to tell you this but that 4850m is not even close to the 5770... Run SC2 at 2560x1440 and you will see the difference, at low Rez it will be close however high end cards are made for high end Rez.

 

[gpzjock]

Mac Pro 1,1 doesn't stretch a 5870

Comparing 5870 and 5770 on the 2008 MP: http://www.barefeats.com/wst10g6.html
Not a huge difference and the 2008 model runs it's GFX cards better than the 1,1.

The 2006 MP stifles the 5870 so a 5770 could be more economical:
http://www.barefeats.com/wst10g3.html 5870 only
http://www.barefeats.com/wst10g7.html both on many different MPs