Our blog has been buzzin’ with questions as to whether or not the new Radeon 5870 and 5770 video cards found in the new Mid 2010 Mac Pros work with earlier model year Mac Pros. When first asked about this, we referred to the Apple display page that conspicuously left out any model except 2009-2010 Mac Pros
Fanning the flames of desire for more knowledge/information on this subject was Rob-ART at BareFeats who did confirm a day or so ago that the Radeon 5870 does work with 2008-2010 Mac Pros.
So we dove in deeper to give all inquiring minds a full blown investigation you have come to expect from us. Here’s the breakdown:
2006-2007 Mac Pro:
- Sorry to say it, but the 5870 is not…repeat…NOT compatible.
- The 5770 is compatible, but only with the DVI connection.
2008 Mac Pro:
- Both the 5870 and 5770 cards work with both the DVI and MiniDisplay Port connections in any combination of two displays. So, you can have two displays with MiniDisplay connections, or one with a DVI connection and one with a MiniDisplay connection.
- Adding a third display will override the DVI connection, causing it to deactivate.
2009-2010 Mac Pro:
- Both the 5870 and 5770 cards work with both the DVI and MiniDisplay Port connections in any combination of two displays. So, you can have two displays with MiniDisplay connections, or one with a DVI connection and one with a MiniDisplay connection.
- Adding a third display will override the DVI connection, causing it to deactivate.
We have also confirmed that all NewerTech Mini DVI and MiniDisplay Port video adapter cables are compatible with all Mac Pro models. And that’s a good thing as they offer thicker cabling and better shielding for the highest quality, interference-free display output.
Speaking of adapters…you are familiar with the NewerTech USB to DVI/HDMI/VGA to Video Display Adapter? You know, the one that lets you add up to four additional monitors to your Mac? A very cool gadget that’s bus powered so its ideal for mobile presentation use as well.
So there you have it…what cards you can add to your existing Mac Pro…what cables you use for a higher quality display…and more display space overall. A visual trifecta!
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UPDATE 8/27/10 Well, a bit clarification on certain issues and reiteration of others…here’s what we discovered after additonal testing (and yes, some of your feedback):
- Despite using a boot drive from a Mac Pro 2010 model, we still could not get the 5870 to work with a 2006-2007 machines. We tried both 1,1 and 2,1 machines with most up to date boot ROM and SMC versions. And were running 10.6.4 with all current Apple (AAPL) updates installed.
- The 5770 in the 2006-2007 is compatible using the newest build of 10.6.4 which is included with the new Mid 2010 Mac Pros and allows you to take advantage of all three display outputs on the 5770.
- The 5870 and 5770 are fully compatible with 2008 Mac Pros using the newest build of 10.6.4 (which again is included with the new Mid 2010 Mac Pros) and allows you to take advantage of all three display outputs on both video cards.
- We incorrectly stated that you could only use two displays on the 2009-2010 Mac Pros. In reality, all three display connectors can be utilized simultaneously so you can drive three displays.
We will continue to investigate all these issues (esp. the 2006-2007 models) and update the findings here accordingly. Thanks for your patience while we sorted this out! Now, we gotta get back to making some eSATA equipped iMacs and the OWC SSDs going into them as well ;-)
I have a question, my 8800 gt is hanging on by a thread, I can run my machine for a minute or two before the graphics are lost (2008 mac pro). So I’m thinking of buying the 5770, and my question is (since 10.6.4 is required), is my mac going to recognize the card running 10.5.x? If it’s not it’s gonna be pretty hard to upgrade to 10.6.4?
Cheers
I have a OWC 5770 in my Pro 2,1 under 10.6.6 with MP21.007F.B06/1.15f3 driving a 30″ Cinema through the DVI. And ugly vertical stripes. No other cards. No other monitors.
Any suggestions?
Jeff, what other PCIe cards do you have, and what slot are you trying to install the card into? It *must* go into Slot 1 (the bottom when the computer is standing up). The only time the card won’t work in x16 mode is if you are using an x8 or two x4 cards simultaneously.
Hey everyone, I’m running a MacPro1,1 2.66 quad with OSX 10.6.5. just bought a ATI 5770 to drop in. problem is my computer will only recognize the card and output anything if the PCI-e lane is set to x8 in the Expansion utility (utility also tells me that the card is a x16 and wont be used to full potential). in x16 the card is not seen and no output available though. i see users with similar specs running at x16. did i just get a lemon? or is my older system only able to run the card at x8? my old 7300 GT was recognized and worked at x16 so i dont think its the slot or board.
I have my display (HDTV) connected via the MiniDisplay port via the NewerTech MiniDisplayPort -> HDMI adapter. It passes audio through *in Windows*, but OS X does not see the video card’s audio controller under any circumstances so far, so I can’t get audio out there.
It’s being blocked. The problem is figuring out where, and how to bypass the block.
Squishy Tia – I don’t suppose you tried the Mini Display Support to see if that worked? I just ordered a 5870 to try in my 2006 1,1 MacPro. If I can get the 5870 to work with HDMI on my Dell 24″ I might take the next step and try a 24″ or 27″ Apple LCD.
Just curious if anyone has successfully installed a 5870 to run with a GT 120 in the same MP to support 4 displays? If so is there a particular slot placement? Thnx
Dude, that sounds awesome! Was hoping you were working on something. I love your SSD drives and didn’t really want to buy from Apricorn anyway. Do you know if they’ll be bootable?
That’s all we can say at this time on that PCI SSD…still hoping for Q1…but latter part for sure. Lot’s of other goodies to get ready for CES, Macworld, etc.
Next topic to conquer is testing your OWC SSD drives in the new Apricorn PCI mac array, or to get you guys to make your own PCI ssd array for that much needed speed boost.
Ah…PCI SSD…maybe it’s something like this:
http://eshop.macsales.com/NewsRoom/Framework.cfm?page=PR/ssdent_100710.html
In any event, Santa here keeps us elves working pretty diligently to make all sorts of goodies and toys for all the good girls and boys. So most of the time, if you can dream it, we’ll likely be coming out with it at some point.
yes it is Grant. Just installed 5770 in MP 2,1 and it’s working great. As for my question before about the 3 displays, I ucked out cause my 20″ ACDs don’t require dual linl adapters, just the regular MDP to DVI adapter. So all 3 displays running for an additional $40 on MDP to DVI cables. Pretty sweet.
Thanks squishy tia for all the info you’ve provided. Keep up the good work with the testing, it really is a help to everyone..
Absolutely David…kinda cool to have this community growing on our little ol’ blog.
My only remaining question with these cards is what EXACT files are needed to enable the MDP audio output. I have perfectly functioning MDP audio in Windows XP w/ the current ATI HDMI Audio Driver, but no luck thus far in OS X.
A 5770 can easily power three displays, but you’re going to have to shell out some dough dor that. If all three of your displays use MDP, then you’re good (you’ll need a Dual Link DVI -> MDP adapter for the DVI connection though). Otherwise if ANY display connected to an MDP connector is not MDP/DP native, you must use a MDP-> DUAL LINK DVI adapter (those range from $80-100).
This is unfortunately non-negotiable thanks to MDP’s spec being a royal clusterfsck. And yes, I did use a *nix pun. GG.
That’s what I figured, thanks! One last question, to power 3 displays (1 30″ ACD and 2 20″ ACD) is it better to install 2 5770 or one 5870? IYHO
It’s time for you to update to 10.6.4 w/ Snow Leopard Graphics Update or better. The 5770 has no 3D or sleep support in 10.5.x and will function ONLY as a 2D raster device.
There’s no way around it – you need to update your OS for proper 5770/5870 functionality.
Yep…said that in my update in the post…must be running 10.6.4.
I’m having a different experience with a new 5770, and I can’t seem to find anyone else who has the same problem. I have 1 30″ connected to the 5770 and another 30″ connected to older GT 120 on 2010 MP 4,1 OS 10.5.8. The display connected to the 5770 will not turn off when the machine is put to sleep, however the 30″ connected to the GT 120 will. Any thoughts?
Here’s my specs:
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro1,1
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 7 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP11.005C.B08
SMC Version (system): 1.7f10
ATI Radeon HD 5870:
Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 5870
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
Slot: Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 1024 MB
Vendor: ATI (0×1002)
Device ID: 0×6898
Revision ID: 0×0000
ROM Revision: 113-C0780C-194
EFI Driver Version: 01.00.436
Displays:
SAMSUNG:
Resolution: 1600 x 900 @ 60 Hz
Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
Television: Yes
Display Connector:
Status: No Display Connected
Display Connector:
Status: No Display Connected
Squishy Tia,
This is great news! However, the community still needs to be sure of the Boot Rom. Would you might looking at System Profiler and letting us know which BOOT ROM your Mac Pro is running?
And the verdict on the 5870 in a 2006 Mac Pro is….:
IT WORKS.
Zero problems upgrading from my 5770 other than breaking the PCIe clip tab trying to remove the 5770 (this HAS to be fairly common – there’s just no wiggle room there with ATI HS/F shrouds).
Still no audio support. I’d kill to get my hands on a Mac Pro 2010 install disc so I could dig the audio drivers out from it. There *has* to be a way to get audio out via the MDPs. I’m even using NewerTech’s MDP to HDMI adapter which is DP 1.2 compliant and no joy.
But the video ….oooooooooh. WoW at 60 FPS in Grizzly Hills. On ULTRA (minus Ultra shadows – shadows brings all cards to their knees due to poor coding ATM).
So yes, the 5870s will work in the Mac Pro 1,1 models, and in fact ALL Mac Pros.
Hi,
I have a very special problem. I haven’t found anywhere if the nVidia 8800 (mac edition) which I have in my Mac Pro (early 2008) will still work with ATI 5870 or 5770 together. Does anyone knows if it’s compatible to work in my Mac Pro together? And is enough to buy ATI HD 5770 or 5870 with non flashed firmware for Mac Pro (early 2008)? Thanks.
Will the HD5870 on a Mac Pro 1.1 with OSX 10.6.5 work?
Or is the HD5770 the only working option?
Unfortunately what the post had is what still stands unless someone else weighs in with other finding:
2006-2007 Mac Pro:
* Sorry to say it, but the 5870 is not…repeat…NOT compatible.
* The 5770 is compatible, but only with the DVI connection.
Neil,
You did not state what your OS or Machine model is. That makes a HUGE difference. It also makes a difference in whether ot not you installed the power connector to the card. ATI cards do tend to boot up to a grey screen when no power connector is installed.
I installed the ATI 5770 last night and my computer would not completely start..no USB and the screens would not operate. Moving the screens back to my original card also installled resulted only in the secondary screen showing grey. It was a no-go. I removed all peripherals and it made no difference. My early 2008 did not accept this card. I wasted an evening on this and I have no clue why my install went so badly wrong. I have pulled it and am back to square one and very disappointed in the whole tihng and out a lot of money for this fun. I should have accepted the Apple webpage in this regard.
Hi Neil and sorry to hear of your experience…you did see our note about needing the newest build of 10.6.4 (included with the new Mid 2010 Mac Pros)?
Thanks Squishy Tia. I installed the SL Graphics Update after the OS upgrade, before my old NEC died. It did seem to help with the numerous crashes. But that CRT NEC died soon after the SL upgrade. All those panics may have hastened its death.
The 4870 was heralded by Mac Pro users as the quietest card compared to other offerings when I was first researching all of this earlier in 2010. Do you know the 5770 is “much, much quieter than the 4870″ because you’ve used both or from other reports?
The PA241W NEC is DVI and presently connected to the GeForce’s DVI port. Does the 5770 have one DVI & two MDP? I don’t need dual monitors. I don’t play games and don’t anticipate the need to connect to a TV. Still, with the cost of these cards, I desire to have its features/capabilities work properly should such a need arise. Is the audio out non-function only an issue from MDP for connecting to HDTV/AVR?
I have the 5770 installed in my Mac Pro 1,1 (2006), and can tell you the following:
1) It works as a 2D renderer without acceleration in 10.5.8 (a relief).
2) It will unaccelerated (2D only, native resolution only) in vanilla 10.6.4. Full 3D and resolution support are added in the Snow Leopard Graphics Update (Required).
3) It is a marked improvement over the HD 3870, even in a 1,1 Mac Pro.
4) There is an issue in 3D games where on TVs supporting 1080p (1920×1080@60 Hz; progressive scan) when launching the game, even if you are currently at 1080p60, the game will force the screen into a very blurry 1080i60 resolution. No known workaround exists. For 16:9 monitors/TVs, it is suggested you use 1600×900 instead of 1920×1080 until this is fixed.
5) Audio out via the Mini Displayports is not functioning. Despite these being DP1.2 compliant and the fact that there *is* an audio controller onboard the 5770 (AMD’s ATI HDMI Audio Driver installs perfectly for this card, but no audio out in Windows either), OS X does not see au audio output device when a HDTV or AVR is connected to the MDP (port 1 or 2 doesn’t matter).
6) The 5770 is much, much quieter than the 4870. This is a relief as Mac Pros are very quiet as is and any audible noise from a fan is extremely irritating.
Thanks for adding your info! Really diggin’ the community getting established here…
I have a Mac Pro 1,1 running 10.6.4 on a new hard drive upgrade and a new NEC Multisync PA241W display. I ordered from Apple an ATI Radeon 4870 card, but delivery has been delayed until December. I’m considering canceling that order and buying the 5770 or 5870. I’ve read that the 4870 is more capable than the 5770, but that the 5870 is better still. Some say the 5870 does and some say it doesn’t work with the Mac Pro 1,1. I feel a bit stuck.
I am having wake issues and other crashes with the 10.6.4/NEC display/GeForce7300GT combination, which I believe are at least in part related to that threesome. NEC tech support said they had no reports of the GeForce card being a problem. Who knows? Want to be sure I’m getting the best card for best color output and stability from the display – for graphic design work – and that these panics and crashes will stop.
Advice?
Installed a 5770 in my 1st gen Mac Pro a couple of days ago. Works perfectly with the 2006 Apple 20″ Cinema Display.
I went ahead and installed the Apple version of the ATI Radeon HD 5770 in my MacPro1,1 (2006, first generation). It’s driving an NEC PA271W monitor via the Mini DisplayPort. This combination is working fine for me, except for two issues.
Occasionally, after the Mac wakes up from sleep, the monitor does not light up. Power cycling the monitor, or detaching and reattaching the video cable, restores normal operation. NEC claims that they are getting many reports on this, and that it is due to DisplayPort cables which are not built to spec. But I am using the cable that they provided with the monitor, which they claim should work, plus a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter. I do not see the wake-from-sleep problem if I use a DVI cable.
The other issue is that I am not getting 10-bit per color channel displays on the monitor, even though NEC tech support confirms that all components in my data path should be 10-bit capable: Photoshop CS5 (set to use Open GL advanced mode), ATI 5770, Mac OS X 10.6.4, DisplayPort, and PA271W. There are similar reports from other users on Adobe’s Photoshop Mac user forum, and one of the Adobe engineers claims that they are discussing this with Apple. There may be a problem in Apple’s driver for the ATI 5*** cards.
Hopefully, both of these glitches will be addressed in future software updates.
thx, i will do a software upgrade. :(
tried 5770 on 30″ with 10.5.8….video glitchy and audio out of sync. any help?? does it HAVE to be 10.6??
Sadly appears to be the case, Eric.
This for me is a bit like some say yes and some say no on certain cards for certain model Mac Pros.
Would it be possible to get a clean list for 2006,2007 Mac Pros of cards that do work that can be acquired easily?
A List might be something akin to
2006,2007 – SL only – ATI xxxx – works as is
2007 only – SL or L – ATI xxxx – works as is
2006,2007 – SL or L – ATI xxxx – requires flashing
2006,2007 – SL only – NVidia XXXX – works as is
and so forth…
Thanks in advance and if OWC carries one that is appealing, I’ll be shopping pronto with them.
This would be very helpful.
I am looking for a cheap way to hang a small third monitor on my MacPro1,1. I have a RadeonX1900 in the 16x slot driving twin 30″ monitors. I just want a single slot 8x card that isn’t going to ding me for $200. Is there such an animal out there? If so I haven’t been able to find it. What other options are there?
You could run the third monitor via USB using a USB display adapter.
Thanks to OWC Grant for the quick reply. But I’m still unclear on whether the first gen Mac Pro is fully compatible with the Mini DisplayPort in 5770. I had a private email exchange with Rob-ART at BareFeats, in which he reported that, when mounted in that computer, the card sometimes fails to recognize a monitor. To get the monitor to light up, he has to unseat and reseat the Mini DisplayPort connector. My Mac Pro is in a location that would make this very inconvenient. Rob-ART speculated that the bug might be fixed with a firmware or driver update. but I’m leery about buying the card on that assumption. Does OWC sell the Apple-compatible version of the 5770? If so, is the card returnable if it does not work for me?
And I’ll reply quickly again Julian ;-)
Unfortunately, we don’t sell the 5770…all our video cards are found here:
http://eshop.macsales.com/search/video+card
about being leery on buying…I’d hit AMD direct and ask them if they are working on a firmware or driver update and eta for it…here’s their contact info:
http://www.amd.com/us/aboutamd/contact-us/Pages/contact-us.aspx
I’m a bit confused by the statement in the UPDATE 8/27/10. If I install the 5770 in my MacPro1,1 (2006 quad core 2.66GHz), will I be able to use the Mini DisplayPort output on the card? Or are you still claiming that only the DVI output will work?
My reason for buying the card would be to get the DisplayPort, which carries 10-bit per channel color. DVI only carries 8-bit per channel. Are there any other cards which run in the first generation MacPro and have DisplayPort output?
Hi Julian…that update noted “The 5770 in the 2006-2007 is compatible using the newest build of 10.6.4 which is included with the new Mid 2010 Mac Pros and allows you to take advantage of all three display outputs on the 5770.”
Those three display outputs are of course DVI, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort.
SO…if you are running 10.6.4, then yes, you will be able to use the Mini DisplayPort.
there was a follow up to that article with additional information:
http://blog.macsales.com/7025-mac-pro-and-radeon-video-cards-part-deux
Not familiar if any other cards for 1st Gen MPs have DisplayPort output….
My nvidia 8800GT just died on me. So this is a interesting story.
What I’m really wanna know is IF the 8570 or the 5770 will work on a mac pro 1.1 WITHOUT booting from a 2010 disk.
It’s only usable for us if we can just switch the video card.
I’m willing to do a new installation and upgrade to snow leopard if necessary.
Hi Andre…the post says it all…
The 5770 in the 2006-2007 is compatible using the newest build of 10.6.4 which is included with the new Mid 2010 Mac Pros and allows you to take advantage of all three display outputs on the 5770.
You may want to check out this second part…which has some good Apple links addressing card compatibility:
http://blog.macsales.com/7025-mac-pro-and-radeon-video-cards-part-deux
Has anyone tried installed the 5770 video card in an early Mac Pro running OS X 10.5.8 or some version of 10.5?
@Scott,
Hi,
an upgrade kit from Apple means a kit sold by Apple.
but you can try some apple reseller website.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC743ZM/A?mco=MTg3MjE3NTU#overview
if you bought your card in a “classic” reseller, you may have a generic card = PC card, so it’s not compatible with your mac computer.
What is an upgrade kit from Apple? and where can I get it?
I did not see it on the apple site.
Thanks
@Scott
Just a generic 5770? If so, it won’t work. You need the 5770 upgrade kit from Apple.
Hi,
I just put a radeon HD5770 into a MacPro1,1 (Quad Core 3.0ghz) (late 2006) running OS X 10.6.4, and got no response from the video card at all. My EFI Boot ROM version and SMC version are up to date (according to: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1237)
So my question is: what are folks doing to make this work?
I desperately need a new video card, and would love to make this happen. Any advice would be highly appreciated.
With thanks in advance.
Scott
@Stephen
Bare Feats has been using the boot drive from a 2010 Mac Pro, instead of using a 1,1MP with straight 10.6.4. That might explain some of the difference, which should hopefully be erased with the 10.6.5 update.
Also, my 1,1MP is showing a MP11.005D.B00 boot ROM, which you would think is newer than MP11.005C.B08. I had my logic board replaced a couple of months ago.
Does this mean, that a 2006-2007 Mac Pro will only be able to run one monitor at a time with the 5770? Or is it possible to run 2 monitors with the right adapter from Newertech?
These tests are highly appreciated, many thanks for doing them.
When you tested triple monitors, was this using TWO Mini DisplayPort to DUAL-LINK DVI adapters, as mentioned is required to use three monitors in this Apple support document? ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279 )
OWC, is it possible to get in touch with Rob-ART and work out the differences between your 2006 Mac Pros and the way the 5870 has been installed?
Specifically:
1) Which model is it? 1,1 (quad-core) or 2,1 (8-core)?
2) Which Boot ROM and SMC versions? The latest for the 1,1 is MP11.005C.B08 (EFI 1.2) and 1.7f10 (SMC 1.1) respectively, while the latest for the 2,1 is MP21.007F.B06 (EFI 1.2) and 1.15f3 (SMC 1.1) respectively. Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1237 for more information.
3) Which OS X version? I’m assuming all test systems are running 10.6.4 with the Snow Leopard Graphics Update installed.
4) It shouldn’t make a difference, but I assume the tests have been performed with only a 5870 installed in Slot 1 and no other card in any of the other slots? Also, /System/Library/CoreServices/Expansion Slot Utility.app has been configured such that Slot 1 is running at maximum bandwidth (16x)?
5) Also, is it safe to assume that both power leads are connected to the 5870?
Thanks for all your hard work!
It’s simply bizarre how some people can get the 5870 working in a 2006 Mac Pro, yet you can’t.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1002004
Can you please let us know if it’s a 1,1 or 2,1 Mac Pro, and whether you have updated your Boot ROM and SMC to the latest versions as per this page? http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1237
Also, are you running the latest version of Snow Leopard (10.6.4)?
Thanks.
Yep..that’s what it tested out as…
One thing I miss from your old web site was the page where you could pick your Mac tower and it would show all of the available video/drive/usb/firewire/etc cards available for that tower.
Sometimes I’m not looking for a specific card, I just want to browse and see everything that is available from OWC for the tower I have on 1 page.
In the past for my PowerMac G4 MMD, I did do an “impulse” buy only because I happened to be browsing the list of cards you had for that tower. :-) I didn’t go to the site looking for that particular product.
Hey MacRat….are you thinking of the My OWC page?
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/
All the new MPs are up there along with all legacy machines
Apple says:
“And with support for two ATI Radeon HD 5770 cards in the Mac Pro, you can connect more displays — up to six total.” (http://www.apple.com/macpro/features/graphics.html)
“Connecting more than three displays requires installation of two ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics cards.” (http://www.apple.com/macpro/specs.html)
But your testing seems to indicate only 2 displays per card is supported.
Can you explain the difference in Apple’s claims and your testing results?
Just to clarify:
I have a Mac Pro 1,1 2.66GHz model. You’re saying the 5770 is compatible, but only with a single DVI connection? Considering this upgrade is a full $100 less than the 4870 in the Apple store I may spring and get it. But it really is compatible, with no ROM hacking, voodoo rituals, etc?