ATI Radeon HD 5870 Graphics Upgrade Kit available

by all accounts the early 2008 Mac Pro can't use the 5870 card so thats me out of the frame - or is it...?

Says early Mac Pro 2009 or later. I have a 2008 as well. I guess I'll go get a 4870 kit! 🙂

Thanks for the link, Peter.

I'd wait to see if Barefeats tries to make the 5870 work with the 2008 models, because sometimes it's as simple as changing a string to allow it.

P.S. No love for NVIDIA!

The price of $449, btw, is right in line with comparable PC 5870s - which run $389-$549...

Patrick

Rob says that it works in the early 2008 Mac Pro with no tweaking. 🙂

Scot Walker wrote:
Rob says that it works in the early 2008 Mac Pro with no tweaking. 🙂

Is there a link?

I'm wondering why Apple would not qualify it for 2008's if it works Okay?

He told me via email. I don't know how he knows, but he says "No tweaking required".

Maybe he'll post something to barefeats soon then. Detailing what he found out. I'll keep an eye out.

Kevin Brock wrote:
I'm wondering why Apple would not qualify it for 2008's if it works Okay?

Apple only lists models that it is prepared to support. That doesn't mean it won't work on earlier models but if you try it, you're on your own.

Jon Chappell wrote:
Apple only lists models that it is prepared to support. That doesn't mean it won't work on earlier models but if you try it, you're on your own.

Sure, I get it. I'm just wondering more about the technical particulars of why they'd not qualify them.

Maybe none at all. They are in the business to sell you new computers... 😉

Scot Walker wrote:
Maybe none at all. They are in the business to sell you new computers... 😉

And I understand that too... but I'm not biting.

Here's the flip-side to that argument: Apple must be happier getting zero dollars than a few dollars. Meaning, if I want the newest gfx card in my "old" mac: it's simply not happening. Not qualified. I'm out of luck. So instead, I'm expected to buy a brand new computer - just so I can get this new gfx card? For me, in particular, right NOW, that is absolutely not happening. A new system is way too far to go just for the sake of a gfx card. Especially this one. Verdict: no sell!

However, if this new card is officially supported, in my machine, then they'd get $450 from me. If the alternative is a new Mac, sorry - money stays in wallet.

So instead of getting $450 from me, they're getting zilch! Now this is all totally hypothetical anyway. I'm not sore with Apple or anyone else for that matter. I'm just playing devil's advocate. But if their true strategy is to lure me into buying a new machine instead of a new gfx card...nice try.

Anyone have an idea at how much faster the 5870 would be in Motion than the 4870?

I'm using a GeForce 120 right now as a temp card until the 5870 ships for my Mac Pro 2008. Is it definitely worth waiting for and paying the extra $100?

Thank you in advance for any tips or info. I hope everyone is happy and healthy. 🙂

I've heard it mentioned that as much as 70% for some tasks. I think the 5870 will blow anything else out of the water to be honest; like me, wait and see what Barefeats has to say, because I know he his going to do some tests with the early 2008 Mac Pro and the new ati5870 card. Stay tuned is my advice...

There is an extremely good chance that Ill have a new-in box never touched 4870 up for grabs. Apple is shipping another unit and Im pretty sure it has the 5870 in it.

Just shoot me a line.


Nava