question on installing a second Graphics Card in my Mac Pro

[Greenhoe]

I have a early 09 Mac Pro with the 4870 and I just received the GT 120 so I can run dual 24 ACD. When I install the GT 120 do I want to install it in the slot right above my 4870? Or 2 slots which would be slot 3.

If I install right above my 4870 then the GT120 would be right on top of the 4870 and doesn't seem like there would be much air flow getting above the card. Or does it not even matter which slot I install the GT120?

 

[treo360]

I Installed my 8800gt in slot 4. I could've put it in slot 3 above my 4870, but it would sit right above the fan.

 

[Tallest Skil]

I Installed my 8800gt in slot 4. I could've put it in slot 3 above my 4870, but it would sit right above the fan.

Which turns out to be perfectly fine. Having it in Slot 4 decreases the throughput to 1/4th of maximum, which is noticeable.

OP, put it in Slot 2, right above the 4870. You will have no problems.

 

[bozz2006]

+1 for what Tallestskil said. The fan on the 4870 wouldn't be covered by the 120. And that's basically all that matters. no worries.

 

[Cynicalone]

I believe Tallest Skil had the 120 on top of the 4870, if I remember the flickr pics correctly. So as he says it should be no problem.

 

[TK2K]

The airflow isn't really a HUGE issue unless you're runing full screen rendering all the time, in which case it is. day to day desktop is hardly intense work for your garphics card.

 

[bozz2006]

The airflow is a non-issue, because neither of the fans are covered.