Can I upgrade my ATI Radeon HD 2600?

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Can I upgrade my ATI Radeon HD 2600?

Here are my specs.

Is it possible for me to upgrade my ATI Radeon HD 2600? I want to try out FCP X, Compressor and Motion also.

And if so what would be the best way to get my OS and graphics card up to speed? I appreciate yoiur reply. I'm also at Lion 10.6.8

Since I have other important software I haven't wanted to upgrade the OS but I will if I like the new FCP.

Model Name:	Mac Pro
Model Identifier:	MacPro3,1
Processor Name:	Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed:	2.8 GHz
Number Of Processors:	2
Total Number Of Cores:	8
L2 Cache (per processor):	12 MB
Memory:	4 GB
Bus Speed:	1.6 GHz
Boot ROM Version:	MP31.006C.B05
SMC Version (system):	1.25f4

Chipset Model:	ATI Radeon HD 2600
Type:	GPU
Bus:	PCIe
Slot:	Slot-1
PCIe Lane Width:	x16
VRAM (Total):	256 MB

Final Cut Pro X, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jun 25, 2012 10:04 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 25, 2012 10:44 AM in response to csilva

Why do you want to upgrade ?

My 4 year old iMac has an ATI Radeon 2600 and everything works fine.

You can download a free 30 day trial from here http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/trial/ to see how it works on your computer.

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Answer 2

csilva Author

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Jun 26, 2012 7:27 PM in response to Ian R. Brown

Hi thanks for responding.

I downloaded the 30 day trial version and it will not let me open FCP X. Everytime I attempt to open the trial version I get a message that says,

"This system does not meet the minimum system requirements for graphics cards. For more information on minimum system requirements, visit the Tech Specs page on the Final Cut Pro website."

When I look at the specs for FCP X, I don't see the ATI Radeon 2600 as a graphics card that can be used by FCP X. That's why I'm looking to upgrade, at least my graphics card for starters.

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Answer 3

Jun 27, 2012 5:56 AM in response to csilva

I think the reason my iMac works is because it has an ATI Radeon 2600 Pro

The suffix "Pro" must make the difference.

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Answer 4

csilva Author

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Jun 27, 2012 7:49 AM in response to Ian R. Brown

I was wondering why some people were able to use it with their imacs and others using 3,1 Quad-core Intel Xeons could not. At least that was the pattern that was emerging as I was looking for answers.

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Answer 5

Jun 27, 2012 9:47 AM in response to csilva

According to the Apple fact sheet on compatible video cards, even my ATI Radeon 2600 Pro is not supported, but obviously as many others with similar iMacs have it working, in these cases apparently "not supported" does not mean "won't work".

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