MP 1,1-5,1 Question of flashed video cards for Mac Pro 3,1

[jngphoto]

I'm in the process of looking for an updated video card for my Mac Pro 3,1, probably like the GTX 680 2GB or 4GB, or any recommendations for video editing improvements using FCPX. I currently have the ATI 5770 installed.

Do I need a card flashed for Mac? If I don't need a boot screen, can I just pop in any unflashed card in? I'm not looking to upgrade past El Capitan, unless FCPX and Photoshop needs me to.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I'm in the process of looking for an updated video card for my Mac Pro 3,1, probably like the GTX 680 2GB or 4GB, or any recommendations for video editing improvements using FCPX. I currently have the ATI 5770 installed.

Do I need a card flashed for Mac? If I don't need a boot screen, can I just pop in any unflashed card in? I'm not looking to upgrade past El Capitan, unless FCPX and Photoshop needs me to.

Any advice would be appreciated.

This post can answer your question:

GPU Compatibility List for cMP

Content: 1. Summary 2. Information on common GPUs that can be used in cMP 3. GPU power consumption 4. Color compatibility 5. Flashing nuances 6. What to choose? 7. Useful links. 1. Summary 1.1. There are 50+ GPU types that are compatible with cMP (classic MacPro = Mac Pro 1.1-5.1/...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[jngphoto]

This post can answer your question:

GPU Compatibility List for cMP

Content: 1. Summary 2. Information on common GPUs that can be used in cMP 3. GPU power consumption 4. Color compatibility 5. Flashing nuances 6. What to choose? 7. Useful links. 1. Summary 1.1. There are 50+ GPU types that are compatible with cMP (classic MacPro = Mac Pro 1.1-5.1/...

forums.macrumors.com

Thank you! So, if it's compatible to my machine, it doesn't't need to be flashed, correct?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Thank you! So, if it's compatible to my machine, it doesn't't need to be flashed, correct?

If you don't need the Pre-boot Configuration Support (boot screen), then you are correct.
First time booting with the new graphic card will take some time, about 4~5min counting from pressing the power button to the log-in screen to apear.

 

[jngphoto]

If you don't need the Pre-boot Configuration Support (boot screen), then you are correct.
First time booting with the new graphic card will take some time, about 4~5min counting from pressing the power button to the log-in screen to apear.

The long boot time is only the first time, correct? Also, does it matter for cables, to use 2 x 6pins or 6 pins + 8 pins?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

The long boot time is only the first time, correct? Also, does it matter for cables, to use 2 x 6pins or 6 pins + 8 pins?

It take time only on first boot. The OS needs to seek for proper driver for the graphic card and install it.

For cables, it depends on your graphic card. I have 2 cards:

HD 6670 doesn't need any extra power cable.
GT680 need 6pins + 8pins, both drawn from the logic board

 

[r6mile]

For a Mac Pro 3,1 on El Capitan - I have one - you have to stick to older nVidia cards. Newer AMD cards than yours can only work in newer versions of macOS and require a 'patch' anyway.

To be honest, I would just go for a Geforce GTX 680 - other cards won't provide much of an upgrade over the 5570, or will be less compatible. It has the advantage that you can flash it, but of course you don't have to.

Other (non-flashable) cards with the same Kepler 104 chipset are the 660, 670, 760, 770, which may be worth considering if you get a very good deal. All of them with with El Capitan but also offer the option of upgrading to Mojave/Catalina, if you ever wanted to.