graphics card upgrade on Mac Pro 5.1

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Level 1

4 points

graphics card upgrade on Mac Pro 5.1

I'm wondering if updating a Mac Pro 5.1 [2 x 2.66 Ghz 6-COre Intel Xeon] graphics card from ATI Radeon HD 5770 is worth it, and if so which to choose? I'm currently running Mac OS 10.13.6 to hang onto my Adobe CS6, although I could move to Adobe CC if that makes upgrading the Mac OS possible, and affects which card to get. I'm looking at migrating Final Cut Pro 7 projects from an even older computer (Mac Pro 1.1) to Final Cut 10 (which I haven't purchased yet). Final Cut 10.4.6 is the latest FCP that will run on OS 10.13.6. The latest version of FCP demands Mac OS 11.5.1, and it wants a "metal capable graphics card": several cards are listed at the link, am I to assume all are metal capable? Which would allow me to remain at 10.13.6, or is that a lost cause? What do I really gain moving forward to 11.5.1, and what am I apt to lose in terms of compatibility with Adobe et al ? Actually, migrating the old FCP files isn't the biggest issue— continued use of the Adobe CS6 or CC, is.

Mac Pro, macOS 10.13

Posted on Nov 26, 2021 6:49 PM

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Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Nov 26, 2021 10:28 PM in response to Cjf4253

That computer can’t go beyond OS 10.14.6 according to MacTracker. The graphics cards listed on the after market page are Metal capable. I don’t know if they would work with your computer, nor do I don’t know the situation with CS6 using Mojave.

To purchase FCP you would need to have access to machine running 11.5.1 or 12 to make the purchase of the current version using your Apple ID before you can download a version for your OS.

The current version of FCP is very different from the legacy version and will take some getting used to.

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