Level 1

35 points

1st Gen Mac Pro vs. EVGA GeForce GTX 285

The EVGA GeForce GTX 285 is now listed on both the Apple Store and at EVGA's website. If anyone tests this graphics card in a 1st generation MacPro, could they please report back here?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TW387ZM/A
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=01G-P3-1080-TR&family=Geforce%20200 %20Series%20Family

Although this has been discussed before, this Nvidia card is unlikely to include the 32-bit EFI to run on older model MacPros. However, the EVGA webpage makes no mention of system requirements, other than a 550 Watt power supply. In light of the recent revelation that the ATI 4870 runs on 1st generation MacPros, but is not officially supported, I am still holding out hope.

2.66 MHz MacPro (2007) , ATI Radeon 3870 , Asus DX2 Sound Card, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 4 GB Memory

Posted on Jun 8, 2009 9:01 PM

32 replies

Nadav

Level 3

566 points

Jun 10, 2009 10:34 PM in response to firemarten

Hello,

Please e-mail me privately. I might be able to help you with acquiring a ATI Radeon 4870 1GB for your machine. My email is nadav343@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Nadav

Level 3

566 points

Jun 10, 2009 10:36 PM in response to The hatter

"early Mac Pros don't have official support for even 64-bit Windows."

I think you are mistaken, as I have found a robust way to install 64-bit windows on a 2006-07 Mac Pro. If you are interested, I can provide the link.

Sad to say though that the newer video cards won't work in a 2006-07 mac pro though.

Jun 11, 2009 8:56 PM in response to H00NER

I have a 2006 Mac Pro.

Does anyone know if it is possible to put a 2008+ mobo in an early big mac?

Nadav

Level 3

566 points

Jun 11, 2009 9:01 PM in response to William Beecham

Hello,

I don't think so, though the logic board would line up correctly, but I don't believe so.

H00NER Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 12, 2009 1:24 AM in response to Nadav

EVGA has posted drivers on their webpage. They look to be the same as those that come with the card. From various reports, it appears to be essential that you install the drivers first before installing the card.

http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100725204

MacVern

Level 1

4 points

Jun 17, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Nadav

can you please send me the link to install 64-bit windows?

Also. Have the ATI 1900XT and the ATI 3870. Just purchased recently. 3870 is a bargain and definitely faster than the 1900XT 🙂

Nadav

Level 3

566 points

Jun 17, 2009 1:19 PM in response to MacVern

Hi!

Here is the information on getting Windows 7 64-bit running on a 2006-2007 mac pro(woodcrest and clovertown).

Specs: MacPro1:1 Nvidia 7300GT, 4GB RAM 667Mhz, 2 x 2.66Ghz Dual-Core Xeons, Leopard 10.5.6

Download Windows 7 RC (32bit/64bit)
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/Wind...

Workaround for "Select CD-ROM Boot Type" error
Thanks to timb at MacRumors:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthrea...

Windows 7 Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Win7 RC
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/de...

To enable audio on a 06-07 Mac Pro in Bootcamp, click the link below, accept the terms, click next, then download the Vista32/64bit driver listed 4th from the top just below "README" (34729k File Size) boot, install, and you should be good to go.
http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/d...

DPArt

Level 3

604 points

Jun 17, 2009 10:27 PM in response to Nadav

I am typing this on a Mac Pro 1st Gen with an EVGA GTX285.

It is a PC and runs great, but requires the injector software, AND an additional Nvidia card...but it DOES work.

So hopefully there will be a EFI ROM for them someday.

H00NER Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 17, 2009 11:04 PM in response to DPArt

Thanks for your input. There has been some reports on another forum about people having success using an injector to run the ATI 4890 too in MacPros.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=713428

Since you are using a PC card, an end user has still not confirmed that the Mac version of the Nvidia EVGA 285 will not work on a 1st generation MacPro. As I mentioned above in an earlier post, EVGA states that the card does not have 32-bit EFI ROM support.

noice_T

Level 3

545 points

Jun 18, 2009 3:20 AM in response to H00NER

No one is confirming it works, because no one can. Not the mac version in 1st gens. The only way is if evga/nvidia puts the EFI32 in themselves, or does so with a firmware update, etc.

The only way currently is the method that DPArt is using: an injector for pc 285 + additional mac card specifically to load the EFI32.

Hopefully flashing will move along successfully, to make things more seemless.

If you want to run a "mac" 285 in EFI32 MP, it has to come from the manufacturer. Well...I mean I guess you could try using the injector method or flashing method (if it comes to light), but then why really...? If you're going to go through all that trouble, you might as well get a PC card for cheaper, better performance, and better variety.

Nadav

Level 3

566 points

Jun 18, 2009 6:01 AM in response to DPArt

Why don't you create the EFI32 rom for those who would like to install the GTX 285 in their 2006 mac pros, instead of showing complex schematics on how to install it. Perhaps, Applemacanix on ebay will come up with a way for this card to support 2006-2007 mac pros.

DPArt

Level 3

604 points

Jun 18, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Nadav

Re: 1st Gen Mac Pro vs. EVGA GeForce GTX 285
Posted: Jun 18, 2009 6:01 AM in response to: DPArt
Reply Email

"Why don't you create the EFI32 rom for those who would like to install the GTX 285 in their 2006 mac pros, instead of showing complex schematics on how to install it. Perhaps, Applemacanix on ebay will come up with a way for this card to support 2006-2007 mac pros. "

I don't recall posting ANY schematics, much less some complex ones. In any case, the chance of Applemecanix inventing and/or sharing any discoveries for Macs are ZILCHO. While they have always been quick to market with the discoveries of others, they can't claim any innovations of their own. THey have a wonderful business model, much like Microsoft. The flip side is that that they rely on others to create product, they merely package it better.

noice_T

Level 3

545 points

Jun 18, 2009 10:34 PM in response to DPArt

Hi DP, what nvidia card are you using? 8800gt or 7300gt?

DPArt

Level 3

604 points

Jun 19, 2009 12:49 AM in response to noice_T

I verified function with both a 8800GT and a Quadro 4500. The 4500 is G70 family, just like 7300, so it is likely that 7300 will work as well.

Wisdo

Level 1

0 points

Jun 26, 2009 2:58 AM in response to H00NER

On the same subject - is it possible to buy the PC version of this card and simply stick that in - then boot into windows XP/ whatever for gaming?

I know it wont work when you boot into OSX, but I can simply whip the new card out and plug the old nvidia 8800 back in when I want to use the mac.

Would this approach work at all on an early (2006) Mac Pro?

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1st Gen Mac Pro vs. EVGA GeForce GTX 285