Quiet graphics for audio system

[grame]

I'm wondering if I need to upgrade the stock graphics card in my 4.1 Mac Pro - and if so what would be adequate and very quiet. As it's solely for audio processing I won't need much grunt. Or is the one I have already good enough for the job?

 

[slughead]

I'm not sure how much power you need, but one of the quietest graphics cards for the speed is this one. It's quieter than the fans in my Mac Pro.

As for how much GPU power you need, I imagine that will depend on the software. I would defer to others about that.

 

[DPUser]

I work in Digital Performer; the new video engine in DP8 works great with anything at ATI 5770 level or above, but the GT120 that 4,1's shipped with seem to be source of consternation for some. When I bought my used 4,1 (which is now a 5,1 hex), I traded the GT120 and $125 for a 5770.

 

[diamondschwin]

We have 5770 in our audio systems at work, and they are quiet. didnt make the mac pro any louder than the original gt120s our 2009 models shipped with.

Its plenty enough grunt to run pro tools 9, 10 and 11 HD with HD video playback via blackmagic or aja cards and a 5.1 session.

 

[Tesselator]

I'm not sure how much power you need, but one of the quietest graphics cards for the speed is this one. It's quieter than the fans in my Mac Pro.

Yup, I was just going to say the same thing. Any of the Gigabyte 3-fan cards! Super quiet. I'm using the GTX 570 one I got for $90 and I can't tell if the fans are even going or not - even with my ear pressed against the machine. I had to open the side panel to see. Under a heavy load like while running the Witcher game I can just barely detect a slight whirring but not over the MacPro's own fans - so if the MP fans have ramped even slightly they drown out the card's fans - under full load. Yep, really quiet card!

 

[flowrider]

I agree with slughead. The 3 fan windforce Gigabyte 3 fan card is extremely quiet. Gigabyte makes an excellent cooler. I am using an overclocked Gigabyte Windforce 3 fan GTX570 with a flash by MacVidCards. The thing runs cool and makes absolutely no noise.

Lou

 

[grame]

So the 5770 seems to be the best choice. Cheers for the help.