Updating ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB

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Level 1

109 points

Updating ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB

Hello All,

I have a early 2008 Mac Pro Quad-Core 2.66 with ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB dual DVI. I would like to update to a newer card and was wondering what is compatable with my machine. I have 12GB of ram and I do video editing and gaming on the off time. I've seen whats out there and I read that there is only a couple of modles that is compatable with my 32bit system. I am running dual monitors so I need a dual DVI setup.

Can someone suggest a decent card that's not going to bust the bank too much. Something that will run what I need to without having to fork over $1,000 for the latest and greatest. or maybe the lowest to the highest price point.

Thanks in advance.

Johnny 5

Final Cut Pro X, Mac OS X (10.7.5), 2x2.8Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon

Posted on Aug 16, 2013 8:32 AM

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Answer 1

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Aug 16, 2013 8:59 AM in response to John Kereny

you would be much happier with Apple's ATI 5770 $250. You do not have a 32-bit system. You don't even have 32-bit EFI (firmware).

You can spend more for higher end cards.

12GB RAM - FBDIMMs have gotten cheaper and better if you are in the market 2x2GB $30

ATI Radeon 5770

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC742ZM/A

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-ATI-Radeon-5770-MC742ZM/dp/B003Z6QH6M

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/726537-REG/Apple_MC742ZM_A_ATI_Radeon_HD_5 770.html

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Answer 2

John Kereny Author

Level 1

109 points

Aug 16, 2013 9:20 AM in response to The hatter

Thanks for the reply I will check out the links.

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Answer 3

John Kereny Author

Level 1

109 points

Aug 16, 2013 9:24 AM in response to John Kereny

So the Apple ATI Radeon 5770 1 GB ZML MC742ZM/A are $249. Is that each or does this come as a pair?

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Answer 4

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

Aug 16, 2013 3:37 PM in response to John Kereny

That price is for one 5770 card.

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Answer 5

Aug 17, 2013 6:27 PM in response to markwmsn

As already stated, that US$250 is the price for EACH. Each card supports up to three displays. The first display on the Dual-Link DVI port, second on a Mini DisplayPort (with adapter if needed). To support three displays, all adapters must be ACTIVE (powered) adapters to support the required signal boosters.

There is no slowdown driving three dipslays off one card. TWO cards can be used if you need more that three displays. Each card requires (and new cards ship with) one 6-pin aux power cable. There are two connectors for these 6-pin aux power cables inside your Mac Pro.

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