Mac Pro 3,1 High Sierra upgrade: wifi+bt card options

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Mac Pro 3,1 High Sierra upgrade: wifi+bt card options

I am looking into installing High Sierra on my MP 3,1 (and yes I know this is unsupported) and noticed that Greg Gant writes this:

"Vendors like OSXWifi sell a mini PCIe to Apple Airport adapter + the Apple Airport BCM94360. Each can be bought separately or packaged together. However, more intrepid users have noticed that you can buy for much cheaper, the Broadcom BCM94331CD Mini PCIe to wireless wifi card Adapter Bracket adapter for a Mac Pro 4.1/5.1 and the Mini PCIe Adapter. The BCM94322MC can be found on Amazon for roughly $15-$20, as well."

There seems to be the Apple Broadcom BCM94360CD, the BCM94331CD and the BCM94322MC. The BCM94322MC appears to be the most recent model.

Are there differences between these cards that might tip the scales in favour of one or the other? I am asking because the 94360CD is considerably more expensive (80-100 Euro) than the other two (20-30 Euro).
Is it the same adapter bracket for all?
A final, related, question: It seems the MP 3,1 has two cards for wifi and bluetooth. Any idea what one could use the spare slot for?

Thanks in advance for bringing some clarity to my confusion

Philip

Mac Pro, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 8:26 AM

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Answer 1

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pullman Author

Level 4

1,199 points

Jun 11, 2020 1:08 AM in response to pullman

I think I've found the answer to questions 1 and 2. There are differences in terms of the supported wifi standards with the BCM94360CD being the most advanced/modern and the same bracket fits all.

I'm still curious, though, if it's possible to use the empty bluetooth spot on the Mac Pro 3,1 logic board for something - anyone have any ideas?

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