Can I or Should I run two different Graphics Cards?

Question

Level 1

9 points

Can I or Should I run two different Graphics Cards?

I want to be able to take advantage of CUDA technology with CS6 so I'm getting a new Nvidia Quadro 4000 Graphics card tomorrow for my 2012 Mac Pro 5,1. (Quad Core 3.2 GHz, 32 GB RAM, Three 2TB Hard drives) I currently have a 27" Apple cinema display (not a Thunderbolt) as my main monitor and a 20" Samsung SyncMaster as a secondary. Both work great with the current Radeon 5770 card, just slower processing/rendering when working in Premeire Pro, After Effects etc.

So....Before I install the 4000, I was wondering (hoping) if I could run the New Quadro 4000 AND the current Radeon 5770. If so, what configuration would you guys recommend? Is there any benefit, other than being able to add more monitors, to running both? Are there problems with trying to run two differnt brands? Would my system utiliize the processing power of both cards even if my two monitors are plugged into the Quadro 4000? Should I use the 4000 for the main monitor and the 5770 for the secondary? Prehaps just sell the 5770 because the 4000 is all I'll need?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks all.

Posted on Oct 28, 2012 7:43 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Oct 28, 2012 7:47 PM in response to MadDog15

I don't think so because you won't have enough power connections to run both cards. The power supply for the slots and video cards is limited, so you need to be careful of the power consumption requirements of each card under full load. Can't exceed a certain wattage. Was 350 watts, but may be higher on the new model because of the heftier power supply.

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Answer 2

MadDog15 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 28, 2012 7:52 PM in response to Kappy

Yep. I thought of that when looking at updating my card. Luckily the Quadro 4000 only requires one internal power source. My Mac Pro has two. Just have the 5770 card using one of the two now.

Thanks for the reply.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Oct 28, 2012 7:54 PM in response to MadDog15

Then you should be OK as far as installation is concerned. Just be sure of the power limitations of the slots versus the ratings for the cards under full load.

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Answer 4

Oct 28, 2012 8:05 PM in response to MadDog15

Would my system utiliize the processing power of both cards even if my two monitors are plugged into the Quadro 4000?

Not under Mac OS X.

Prehaps just sell the 5770 because the 4000 is all I'll need?

That's what I would do.

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Answer 5

The hatter

Level 9

60,980 points

Oct 29, 2012 3:53 AM in response to MadDog15

Save your money and skip the Q4000 then please.

Why people don't list what OS they are using, as that makes some difference, but 10.8.2 supports CUDA with GTX 670 or 570 w/ 2.5GB or 4GB.

GTX 570 Mac Pro, CS6 benefits and more:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1366650

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1269257

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1365904

http://myworld.ebay.com/macvidcards/

See this page for details of GPU features in After Effects CS6.

GPU (CUDA, OpenGL) features in After Effects CS6

http://blogs.adobe.com/toddkopriva/2012/05/gpu-cuda-opengl-features-in-after-eff ects-cs6.html

You can update the CUDA driver via the CUDA panel in System Preferences or by going to the NVIDIA web site.
(Mac) Install the NVIDIA CUDA driver (v4.0.50 or later).

Fastest Mac GPUs with full EFI boot screens, etc, GTX570 & GTX580 ( 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... Last Page)

Frequently Asked Questions About NVIDIA PC (non-EFI) Graphics Cards ( 1 2 3 4 5)

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Answer 6

MadDog15 Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 29, 2012 5:37 AM in response to The hatter

Thanks The Hatter for the info.

I'm running 10.8.2 on my 5,1 Mac Pro

It's my understanding that cards like the GTX are designed for Gamers. As apposed to the quadro 4000 that's designed for pro apps from the ground up. All the Adobe/Nvidia tutorials and info about pro apps (Premiere Pro, After Effects etc.) talk about the 4000. They've never mentioned any of the GTX cards as an option. So I was assuming one of two things:

1. They're just trying to push and sell the more expensive Quadro 4000.

OR...

2. GTX cards are truly gamers cards, not pro app cards. So they don't really apply unless its gaming I'm interested in.

Hope this gives more insight and thanks again for the info on last post.

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Answer 7

The hatter

Level 9

60,980 points

Oct 29, 2012 7:41 AM in response to MadDog15

Gtx gas cuda

Q4k has what? High orice tag, older, different driver.

You want to read those threads, or not.

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Answer 8

Oct 29, 2012 8:06 AM in response to MadDog15

You are making unfounded assumptions about "only a gamer's card."

The 570 etc. drivers just "appeared" in recent versions of Mac OS X, probably in the process of supporting different NVIDIA built-in chips for new MacBooks. The card has not yet been released by Apple as an option for the Mac Pro, but enthusiasts have jumped on it and verified it works well.

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