Graphics Card Upgrade

You should probably give the 5700 a pass: those are Catalina only: no High Sierra drivers.

An RX 560 is all you need to run a 4K display and is probably the cheapest option (just don't get XFX, that brand has compatibility issues). However an RX 570/580 is usually recommended as a better value (twice as fast for only a little extra).

Confirmed. Not only do the 560 and 580 support metal; they meet the arguably higher standard of supporting 4K @60Hz.

Technically a GT 740 or GTX 650 (same chipset as the GT 755M in a 2013 iMac) is an even cheaper way to get metal support, but those are older, slower, and only support 4K @30Hz.

Final note: None of the above have a bootscreen. If you need bootscreen support that will limit your options and cost more.

Sure, DylanFreed, I’d be delighted to help you. The sapphire Radeon hd 7950 mac version would work, but might be a bit hard to find. The pulse Rx 580 or 5700 xt might both be good all-around cards. And will be a definite step up from your GeForce GT 120. About the only thing to be aware of is that the logic board will support up to 220W power draw. So any card that draws that or less is plug n’play. You should look for one that’s a mac version, supports mac or is flashed to do so. You can use a pc GPU in your Mac, but unless you use OpenCore, you won’t see a boot screen (for troubleshooting). You can use GPU’s that draw more than 220W but you’ll need to use an EVGA power link or do the Pixlas mod.

that’s it

good luck

John B

I know the RX 580 should be Ok- eg set and forget, not entirely sure about the 5700 xt. You’d have to check the cards’ specs to make sure. Power draw should be there somewhere , measured in Watts. The backplane will handle about 220 W power draw. Really the Pixlas Mod isn’t that bad. And if the card isn’t a mac version or isn’t flashed you’ll need OpenCore. Not a deal breaker. If you get a chance to get a vega 64 for a good price, go for it, likewise a Radeon VII. Failing that AMD have just...just released and started to produce their Big navi 6000 line of cards. They’re pretty new... they should work.. but again, check the specs and requirements..

good luck to you... pixlas mod done, radeon VII in mac pro 5,1– working perfectly-hdmi audio as well

john b

Some of the least expensive on US eBay with BOTH Metal and Boot screen support are used AMD R9 280x cards. An occasional card directly labelled as AMD 7950 also with Metal and Boot screens comes up. Typically under US$300.

D'OHHH....thanks padams35. you're right.... and I give you a tip of the hat for that.

DylanFreed: Go with what padams35 wrote. Unless you want to upgrade to Mojave or later...

John B