Upgrading old Mac Pro to 8800 GT graphics?

[rocco saya]

Well, got my 8800 GT today

A while back I posted about using the 8600 GT as a cheap alternative, and got made fun of... well, read on...

8800 GT Card cost me a little over $300, Apple fails to tell you on the web site
that Panther is required. So..., now I have to spend another $130.00, we are
up to $430.00! (I cannot even boot into Mac OS right now, I have to drive up to Syracuse and purchase Panther. This was my point about the 8600GT, that it being only $150.00) ... However, this solution did suck, because you have to use your old graphic card under mac os too. (And use a KVM switch, or manually switch monitor cables when going to Windows/Mac) In the end, I admit a 8600GT does suck if you want Windows & Mac... but for me, I use the pro mac more on the windows side than on the mac side ... how many of you are going to admit that with me, instead of saying you never use windows ? ;-) Anyways, I use the mac because of Final Cut Pro, I really love that program for video editing above anything else I have ever used on the PC. For me, I should have stuck to my own solution, because now I will have to completely redo my computer.

Still, I'm happy Apple released the card, and perhaps its performance will improve. By time I am done, I will have spent about $600 to upgrade my pro mac. This is still far better than having to spend $3000.00!

First impressions:
8800 GT does not perform with any real noticeable difference than that of
the 8600 GT within windows. (8600 GT runs 1680x1050 just fine) The ONLY noticeable difference was in Crysis. Crysis runs in high detail now in 1680x1050... instead of medium detail. Wow! I'm so amazed! ;-) [ we are such suckers! ]

The card is quiet... only on start up does it make a lot of noise.

This thread may never die.... laugh

 

[Help!]

A while back I posted about using the 8600
that Panther is required. So..., now I have to spend another $130.00, we are
up to $430.00! (I cannot even boot into Mac OS right now, I have to drive up to Syracuse and purchase Panther. This was my point about the 8600GT, that it being only $150.00) ... However, this solution did suck, because you have to use your old graphic card under mac os too. (And use a KVM switch, or manually switch monitor cables when going to Windows/Mac) In the end, I admit a 8600GT does suck if you want Windows & Mac... but for me, I use the pro mac more on the windows side than on the mac side ... how many of you are going to admit that with me, instead of saying you never use windows ? ;-) Anyways, I use the mac because of Final Cut Pro, I really love that program for video editing above anything else I have ever used on the PC. For me, I should have stuck to my own solution, because now I will have to completely redo my computer.

Still, I'm happy Apple released the card, and perhaps its performance will improve. By time I am done, I will have spent about $600 to upgrade my pro mac. This is still far better than having to spend $3000.00!


The card is quiet... only on start up does it make a lot of noise.

This thread may never die.... laugh

I think you mean leopard? Although using the switch and a separate card in windows may work for you, it's not practical for the majority of users. Im going to guess that most mac users spend much more time on the os x side of things. Also where do you get $600 from?

 

[syth]

A while back I posted about using the 8600 GT as a cheap alternative, and got made fun of... well, read on...

8800 GT Card cost me a little over $300, Apple fails to tell you on the web site
that Panther is required

Pretty sure LEOPARD is required, as the drivers are built in to Leopard.

As for not specifying, well the original card only worked on machines with Leopard. I'm sure if you want to return it for not working under 10.2 you would have a valid argument as Leoaprd is not listed under the requirements.

 

[dreamof3d]

This says the card is perfect:

8800GT finally come to first gen. Mac Pro’s April 19, 2008
Kenneth Gaines

After the new Mac Pros were released, you could get an upgraded video card; but for some reason, Apple failed to release this update for the first gen. Mac Pros. Apparently, Apple has finally made the upgrade kit that will now let you get the 8800 GT.

Specs:

For advanced graphics performance, choose the latest-generation NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT with 512MB of GDDR3 video memory. With a unified shader core and massive memory bandwidth, the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT brings advanced performance to graphics-intensive applications like motion graphics, 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. It features a PCI Express interface for a high-bandwidth connection to the Mac Pro and two dual-link DVI ports for connecting up to two 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Displays.
Requires Mac Pro (bus speed 1.33GHz) with PCI-Express
Includes a DVI to VGA connector for easy connection to VGA-based displays
Note to owners of Mac Pro (early 2008): Please select the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT (early 2008) Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro.

 

[syth]

Also where do you get $600 from?

1. 8800GT $300 (w/ Tax?)
2. Leopard $130
3. 8600 $150

that's $580. Some Tax and maybe gas makes it an even $600?

 

[Colossus]

Might want to hurry and go get it all before the gas prices go up.

1. 8800GT $300 (w/ Tax?)
2. Leopard $130
3. 8600 $150

that's $580. Some Tax and maybe gas makes it an even $600?

 

[dreamof3d]

Might want to hurry and go get it all before the gas prices go up.

I can PM a link to save $130.00, No piracy is bad, lets take a collection

I would smash the piggy bank today for a 3700 Quadro that worked in my workhorse..............

Checked my order, hasn't even shipped yet. Don't know if thats good or bad lol

 

[Colossus]

Mine hasn't shipped either. Then again it would of been here already if "Joe" at Apple placed my order correctly. I specifically requested the 1st gen. card numerous times.

Checked my order, hasn't even shipped yet. Don't know if thats good or bad lol

 

[bwillo]

Mine hasn't shipped either. Then again it would of been here already if "Joe" at Apple placed my order correctly. I specifically requested the 1st gen. card numerous times.

Ya I ordered mine on the 15th still not shipped, and I paid to have it overnighted. Thought that might get me to the front of the line. Then they gave me a shipping window from 4/18 to 4/22 after they took my credit card # I called the 1 800# and they said that they can not tell me why it hasn't shipped yet, but they did wave the overnight charge.

 

[TransientWolf]

Deleted - should have read the last two pages first. Man this thread moves fast!

 

[rocco saya]

Any help would be great

OK.... So I got the new 8800GT, upgraded my os to 10.5.2, and the card works fine in Windows... but low and behold, it refuses to boot OSX with the 8800GT in it. (A dark purple/black screen saying the computer needs to be restarted) ... some kind of kernal panic.

This really upsets me. I waited for 4 months like everyone else, card comes, I put in new OS, new card, and the ^&*^%!@ thing doesn't work on the Mac side!

Is this happening to anyone else? What did you do to fix it? Any help or ideas would be great.

 

[rocco saya]

OK.... So I got the new 8800GT, upgraded my os to 10.5.2, and the card works fine in Windows... but low and behold, it refuses to boot OSX with the 8800GT in it. (A dark purple/black screen saying the computer needs to be restarted) ... some kind of kernal panic.

This really upsets me. I waited for 4 months like everyone else, card comes, I put in new OS, new card, and the ^&*^%!@ thing doesn't work on the Mac side!

Is this happening to anyone else? What did you do to fix it? Any help or ideas would be great.

This is the stack trace:

Mon Apr 21 16:31:47 2008
panic(cpu 1 caller 0x001A8C8A): Kernel trap at 0x006a1373, type 14=page fault, registers:
CR0: 0x8001003b, CR2: 0x00000018, CR3: 0x013b1000, CR4: 0x00000660
EAX: 0x00000000, EBX: 0x00000000, ECX: 0x00000000, EDX: 0x04bff804
CR2: 0x00000018, EBP: 0x433ffbc8, ESI: 0x04865c00, EDI: 0x04865c00
EFL: 0x00010246, EIP: 0x006a1373, CS: 0x00000008, DS: 0x04780010
Error code: 0x00000000

Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x433ff9d8 : 0x12b0e1 (0x457024 0x433ffa0c 0x13321a 0x0)
0x433ffa28 : 0x1a8c8a (0x460550 0x6a1373 0xe 0x45fd00)
0x433ffb08 : 0x19eb67 (0x433ffb20 0x4854280 0x433ffbc8 0x6a1373)
0x433ffb18 : 0x6a1373 (0xe 0x48 0x10 0x10)
0x433ffbc8 : 0x690540 (0x0 0x4854280 0x4865c00 0x1)
0x433ffc08 : 0x672133 (0x4865c00 0x1 0x0 0x13)
0x433ffc68 : 0x66b93a (0x4865c00 0x2407 0x433ffd2c 0x4865c00)
0x433ffc98 : 0x40db95 (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x499b098 0x0)
0x433ffce8 : 0x438d33 (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x499b098 0x0)
0x433ffd48 : 0x18cefa (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x0 0x0)
0x433ffdb8 : 0x12d165 (0x4310d78 0x4310590 0x433ffdf8 0x11ee04)
0x433ffdf8 : 0x126247 (0x4310d00 0x4206fd0 0x498d9d8 0x0)
0x433fff08 : 0x19714c (0x433fff44 0x0 0x0 0x0)
0x433fffc8 : 0x19f184 (0x493b4c0 0x0 0x19e94b 0x4be3998)
No mapping exists for frame pointer
Backtrace terminated-invalid frame pointer 0xbffff378
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.NVDAResman(5.1.8)@0x68d000->0x8b9fff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(1.5)@0x67f000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.4.1)@0x653000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.5.1)@0x663000
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.5.1)@0x663000->0x67efff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.4.1)@0x653000

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: WindowServer

Mac OS version:
9C31

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 9.2.0: Tue Feb 5 16:13:22 PST 2008; root:xnu-1228.3.13~1/RELEASE_I386
System model name: MacPro1,1 (Mac-F4208DC8)

 

[barijazz]

Dude... Panther... Get leopard.

 

[dreamof3d]

Just as long as it's a cat...............lol

 

[MacUser2525]

This is the stack trace:

Mon Apr 21 16:31:47 2008
panic(cpu 1 caller 0x001A8C8A): Kernel trap at 0x006a1373, type 14=page fault, registers:
CR0: 0x8001003b, CR2: 0x00000018, CR3: 0x013b1000, CR4: 0x00000660
EAX: 0x00000000, EBX: 0x00000000, ECX: 0x00000000, EDX: 0x04bff804
CR2: 0x00000018, EBP: 0x433ffbc8, ESI: 0x04865c00, EDI: 0x04865c00
EFL: 0x00010246, EIP: 0x006a1373, CS: 0x00000008, DS: 0x04780010
Error code: 0x00000000

Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x433ff9d8 : 0x12b0e1 (0x457024 0x433ffa0c 0x13321a 0x0)
0x433ffa28 : 0x1a8c8a (0x460550 0x6a1373 0xe 0x45fd00)
0x433ffb08 : 0x19eb67 (0x433ffb20 0x4854280 0x433ffbc8 0x6a1373)
0x433ffb18 : 0x6a1373 (0xe 0x48 0x10 0x10)
0x433ffbc8 : 0x690540 (0x0 0x4854280 0x4865c00 0x1)
0x433ffc08 : 0x672133 (0x4865c00 0x1 0x0 0x13)
0x433ffc68 : 0x66b93a (0x4865c00 0x2407 0x433ffd2c 0x4865c00)
0x433ffc98 : 0x40db95 (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x499b098 0x0)
0x433ffce8 : 0x438d33 (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x499b098 0x0)
0x433ffd48 : 0x18cefa (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x0 0x0)
0x433ffdb8 : 0x12d165 (0x4310d78 0x4310590 0x433ffdf8 0x11ee04)
0x433ffdf8 : 0x126247 (0x4310d00 0x4206fd0 0x498d9d8 0x0)
0x433fff08 : 0x19714c (0x433fff44 0x0 0x0 0x0)
0x433fffc8 : 0x19f184 (0x493b4c0 0x0 0x19e94b 0x4be3998)
No mapping exists for frame pointer
Backtrace terminated-invalid frame pointer 0xbffff378
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.NVDAResman(5.1.8)@0x68d000->0x8b9fff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(1.5)@0x67f000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.4.1)@0x653000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.5.1)@0x663000
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.5.1)@0x663000->0x67efff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.4.1)@0x653000

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: WindowServer

Mac OS version:
9C31

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 9.2.0: Tue Feb 5 16:13:22 PST 2008; root:xnu-1228.3.13~1/RELEASE_I386
System model name: MacPro1,1 (Mac-F4208DC8)

Well your a little behind in the kernel so I would not be suprised if you did not have the graphics update installed either. I would boot with the old card in it then apply all system updates and see how it works then.

uname -a
Darwin Kernel Version 9.2.2: Tue Mar  4 21:17:34 PST 2008; root:xnu-1228.4.31~1/RELEASE_I386 i386

 

[rocco saya]

Helpful Hints On Installing 8800 GT in older Mac

Okay, finally got 8800 gt 1st generation working in both windows and mac. For the mac side, make sure you:

1. Have, install OSX Leopard 10.5.2 (update if needed)
2. Critical: Install Leopard graphics update using software update
3. Install EFI update 1.2, MP11.005C.B08
4. Install SMC update to 1.7f10 (don't know if this is really required?)

After all that, it works! Yippee!

 

[dreamof3d]

Okay, finally got 8800 gt 1st generation working in both windows and mac. For the mac side, make sure you:

1. Have, install OSX Leopard 10.5.2 (update if needed)
2. Critical: Install Leopard graphics update using software update
3. Install EFI update 1.2, MP11.005C.B08
4. Install SMC update to 1.7f10 (don't know if this is really required?)

After all that, it works! Yippee!

Have u tried any apps like Maya, Modo, Final Cut, Photoshop etc?

 

[rocco saya]

Final Cut

Have u tried any apps like Maya, Modo, Final Cut, Photoshop etc?

I've tried Final Cut Pro 5.x, LiveType & Motion, and they all work well. Motion is a LOT faster now than the 7300GT was anyhow. Final Cut Studio is the only thing I really use on the Mac... So far, the various pieces of Final Cut Studio seem to be running well.

 

[Snowshiro]

So, 8800GT works in Vista, but the drivers are only beta? Does Crysis work?

Runs at about 30 frames per second (perfectly playable) with everything set to high, and 4x antialiasing. (1280x800)

And I ask once again; how's the noise level when NOT gaming or doing GPU-intensive tasks?

Silent. Actually it barely even makes a noise in Crysis - whereas my X1900 would be so loud I had to wear headphones to hear what was going on. NVIDIA might suck at making drivers, but the engineering of their cooling system is just incredible.

 

[nurfen]

Runs at about 30 frames per second (perfectly playable) with everything set to high, and 4x antialiasing. (1280x800)

Silent. Actually it barely even makes a noise in Crysis - whereas my X1900 would be so loud I had to wear headphones to hear what was going on. NVIDIA might suck at making drivers, but the engineering of their cooling system is just incredible.

Awesome My 8800GT was shipped from Apple Store yesterday - I should have it in a day or two!

Edit: LOL! The card is already "out for delivery"! Luckily I used my job as shipping adress!

 

[trixter]

Awesome My 8800GT was shipped from Apple Store yesterday - I should have it in a day or two!

Edit: LOL! The card is already "out for delivery"! Luckily I used my job as shipping adress!

me, too in germany

 

[StructAural]

Mine shipped yesterday

Unfortunately (as I'm afraid to say the first thing I was going to test with it was COD4), my windows partition has stopped working, the keyboard and mouse won't work all of a sudden. Damn it, got a night of windows installing

 

[cal6n]

Chalk up another one in transit since yesterday.

Email said to expect delivery today. Apple's site says "on or before 25th".

Hope the email's right...

 

[ejdge]

This is the stack trace:

Mon Apr 21 16:31:47 2008
panic(cpu 1 caller 0x001A8C8A): Kernel trap at 0x006a1373, type 14=page fault, registers:
CR0: 0x8001003b, CR2: 0x00000018, CR3: 0x013b1000, CR4: 0x00000660
EAX: 0x00000000, EBX: 0x00000000, ECX: 0x00000000, EDX: 0x04bff804
CR2: 0x00000018, EBP: 0x433ffbc8, ESI: 0x04865c00, EDI: 0x04865c00
EFL: 0x00010246, EIP: 0x006a1373, CS: 0x00000008, DS: 0x04780010
Error code: 0x00000000

Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x433ff9d8 : 0x12b0e1 (0x457024 0x433ffa0c 0x13321a 0x0)
0x433ffa28 : 0x1a8c8a (0x460550 0x6a1373 0xe 0x45fd00)
0x433ffb08 : 0x19eb67 (0x433ffb20 0x4854280 0x433ffbc8 0x6a1373)
0x433ffb18 : 0x6a1373 (0xe 0x48 0x10 0x10)
0x433ffbc8 : 0x690540 (0x0 0x4854280 0x4865c00 0x1)
0x433ffc08 : 0x672133 (0x4865c00 0x1 0x0 0x13)
0x433ffc68 : 0x66b93a (0x4865c00 0x2407 0x433ffd2c 0x4865c00)
0x433ffc98 : 0x40db95 (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x499b098 0x0)
0x433ffce8 : 0x438d33 (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x499b098 0x0)
0x433ffd48 : 0x18cefa (0x4865c00 0x499b098 0x0 0x0)
0x433ffdb8 : 0x12d165 (0x4310d78 0x4310590 0x433ffdf8 0x11ee04)
0x433ffdf8 : 0x126247 (0x4310d00 0x4206fd0 0x498d9d8 0x0)
0x433fff08 : 0x19714c (0x433fff44 0x0 0x0 0x0)
0x433fffc8 : 0x19f184 (0x493b4c0 0x0 0x19e94b 0x4be3998)
No mapping exists for frame pointer
Backtrace terminated-invalid frame pointer 0xbffff378
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.NVDAResman(5.1.8)@0x68d000->0x8b9fff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(1.5)@0x67f000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.4.1)@0x653000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.5.1)@0x663000
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.5.1)@0x663000->0x67efff
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.4.1)@0x653000

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: WindowServer

Mac OS version:
9C31

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 9.2.0: Tue Feb 5 16:13:22 PST 2008; root:xnu-1228.3.13~1/RELEASE_I386
System model name: MacPro1,1 (Mac-F4208DC8)

I'm having this exact same problem. Have you found a solution yet?

Edit* Nevermind! Found the solution to my problem. I guess you need the Leopard updates installed before you put in the card..... wish they told you that in the manual :\

 

[rocco saya]

Yes

I'm having this exact same problem. Have you found a solution yet?

As mentioned above, do the following:

Helpful Hints On Installing 8800 GT in older Mac
Okay, finally got 8800 gt 1st generation working in both windows and mac. For the mac side, make sure you:

1. Have, install OSX Leopard 10.5.2 (update if needed)
2. Critical: Install Leopard graphics update using software update
3. Install EFI update 1.2, MP11.005C.B08
4. Install SMC update to 1.7f10 (don't know if this is really required?)

After all that, it works! Yippee!

I also ended up redoing boot camp all over again so that I could put windows xp onto a larger 500gig drive by itself, instead of how the beta was on the same disk drive as mac os. That's another WHOLE story. *hours and hours