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I can't believe 31 people have read your post, and no one has yet suggested the obvious: there is a whole thread dedicated to what you need to do to upgrade to Mojave:


As for RAM upgrade, I just go Other World Computing for my RAM:


They probably have a video on how to do the upgrade still.
 
I can't believe 31 people have read your post, and no one has yet suggested the obvious: there is a whole thread dedicated to what you need to do to upgrade to Mojave:


As for RAM upgrade, I just go Other World Computing for my RAM:


They probably have a video on how to do the upgrade still.
Thank you!
 
Here is the RAM install video:


You'll likely need a Metal-compatible GPU card; most people seem to opt for the Sapphire Pulse RX580 (~$190), which is a low risk choice since it is on Apple's short list of Metal-compatible GPU cards. If you want to get by on the cheap, read the reviews for the BioStar RX560 on Amazon; it seems that several people have had good luck with that card (except now when I check Amazon I don't even see the BioStar RX560 :( ) You'll likely have to troll through a number of threads by searching brands in this forum to see whether other versions of the RX 560 or RX 580 work in a Mac - not all of them do; I believe XFX is one brand that doesn't work, for example.
 
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T
Here is the RAM install video:


You'll likely need a Metal-compatible GPU card; most people seem to opt for the Sapphire Pulse RX580 (~$190), which is a low risk choice since it is on Apple's short list of Metal-compatible GPU cards. If you want to get by on the cheap, read the reviews for the BioStar RX560 on Amazon; it seems that several people have had good luck with that card (except now when I check Amazon I don't even see the BioStar RX560 :( ) You'll likely have to troll through a number of threads by searching brands in this forum to see whether other versions of the RX 560 or RX 580 work in a Mac - not all of them do; I believe XFX is one brand that doesn't work, for example.
Thanks how much ram do you recommend? I have 4x 2gb sticks rn....
I was thinking 16gb in 4x 4gb sticks?
 
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As far as ram, probably depends on what you're doing. I would hold off on a purchase until the rest of your computer is up and running, and then check the memory pressure in Activity Monitor. Many people with light duty workflows are fine with 8GB. But if you want to be sure, then sure, 4 x 4GB will certainly satisfy all but the demanding workflows (rendering, high-res video edits, etc). I think that the video card you found will work, but check through the reviews for people using it successfully in a Mac Pro 5,1; there are always a couple mentions if the card is compatible. Check that your monitor is compatible with either HDMI or DisplayPort (DP), or that you can get an adapter.
 
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This card should work?

NO.
This is the "Lite" version , and there are several reports of issues/not working in a MP.
This version is easy to recognize : it doesnt have a DVI connector.

The working version got 5 connectors: 2 DP, 2 HDMI , 1 DVI.

This cable is recommended for powering it:
 
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Thanks how much ram do you recommend? I have 4x 2gb sticks rn....
I was thinking 16gb in 4x 4gb sticks?
Really, you should be addressing these questions in the forum that is already in place - the first response to you question. It is quite thorough in these things.
 
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NO.
This is the "Lite" version , and there are several reports of issues/not working in a MP.
This version is easy to recognize : it doesnt have a DVI connector.

The working version got 5 connectors: 2 DP, 2 HDMI , 1 DVI.

This cable is recommended for powering it:
This one?
 
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Ok
This cable?
 
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Does anyone have a graphics card that will work/ram I could trade for? I have a bunch of old g4 tower stuff.....
 
What’s the benefit?

A clearly overall improved performance, + the bonus that with Xeon 6 cores CPUs the RAM will run at 1333MHz vs 1066MHz if supported by the RAM modules (since you'd like to buy new RAM this might be interesting).

BTW: it's recommended to install 3 modules for a single CPU and 6 modules for a DUAL CPU e.g. 6X8 GB RAM
This is the fastest setup called triple channel.
 
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A clearly overall improved performance, + the bonus that with Xeon 6 cores CPUs the RAM will run at 1333MHz vs 1066MHz if supported by the RAM modules (since you'd like to buy new RAM this might be intertesting).

BTW: it's recommended to install 3 modules for a single CPU and 6 modules for a DUAL CPU e.g. 6X8 GB RAM
This is the fastest setup called triple channel.
How hard is it to upgrade them? Is any other cooling needed?
 
I don’t think I will need more than 32gb of ram for light gaming. What’s the best configuration for that?
 
How hard is it to upgrade them? Is any other cooling needed?

With some preparation and basic technical skills it's not so difficult on a MP5,1 . There are lots of YouTube videos etc to get an idea about how to do it.
For the CPUs replacement you'll need only a long 3mm hex (allen) key and some thermal paste e.g. Arctic mx-4.
You may find e.g. on eBay kits of 2 CPUs with the allen key (in case including thermal paste , dont use it ,its usually cheap crap).
I recommend to download the Technician Guide , very practical for maintenance ,assembling ,how to replace CPUs,etc.etc:


I don’t think I will need more than 32gb of ram for light gaming. What’s the best configuration for that?

Unless you're using lots of Apps at the same time, 24GB (6 modules of 4GB) might be sufficient for that purpose, installed in slot 1,2,3 and 5,6,7 (see Technician Guide).
BTW: personally I wouldnt buy OWC RAM :you can get the same quality for a much lower price (e.g.Hynix or Samsung) from a reliable seller on eBay...

an example for the CPU kit:
 
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With some preparation and basic technical skills it's not so difficult on a MP5,1 . There are lots of YouTube videos etc to get an idea about how to do it.
For the CPUs replacement you'll need only a long 3mm hex (allen) key and some thermal paste e.g. Arctic mx-4.
You may find e.g. on eBay kits of 2 CPUs with the allen key (in case including thermal paste , dont use it ,its usually cheap crap).
I recommend to download the Technician Guide , very practical for maintenance ,assembling ,how to replace CPUs,etc.etc:




Unless you're using lots of Apps at the same time, 24GB (6 modules of 4GB) might be sufficient for that purpose, installed in slot 1,2,3 and 5,6,7 (see Technician Guide).
BTW: personally I wouldnt buy OWC RAM :you can get the same quality for a much lower price (e.g.Hynix or Samsung) from a reliable seller on eBay...

an example for the CPU kit:
This ram should work?

Arctic silver 5 should be ok for thermal paste?

these cpus?
 
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