Early 2008 Mac Pro graphics card issue?

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Early 2008 Mac Pro graphics card issue?

I love my early 2008 Mac Pro, but lately I've been getting bars across the screen when watching movies that weren't there before. I'd describe it ignorantly as a refresh rate issue because a I get pixelation for several lines about a third of the way down the screen from the top. Maybe it's in my head, but I think it's worse in action shots. I never notice it with general use; only in video.

The video I'm watching is YouTube, MLBtv, or Kodi.

I know it's not the display because it happens on my Dell screen and my 150" BenQ theater projection which is hardwired to the Mac Pro for Kodi.

My video card is an ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256 MB.

Before I buy this part, is this a video card issue or something else?

If a video card issue, should I rebuy the same one or upgrade? Suggestions welcome.

Mac Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Apr 14, 2018 5:42 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

141,727 points

Apr 15, 2018 5:41 PM in response to LouIsFatAndSassy

A problem that CAN be captured in a screen shot is there in the display Buffer, and is definitely a graphics card problem.

A problem that is NOT captured in a screen shot is caused by Rasterization hardware on the graphics card OR cabling OR the display.

There are better cards than the original available for not a lot of money, such as the Apple-firmware 5770 (requires 10.6.5 or later).

User Tip: Mac Pro silver tower (2006-2012) Replacement Graphics cards

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Answer 2

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,656 points

Apr 15, 2018 5:41 PM in response to LouIsFatAndSassy

Ok so your video card has expired, get another one, try a Nvidia GeForce GT120 512MB. This card was the stock card that came with the 2009 MacPro, but works in the 2008. Its cheap, quiet and runs cool. Ok so its not a high end card suitable for 3D work or video editing, but if you are just using your Mac for less demanding work then it is just fine.

I had to replace my 2008's video card when it burned out (Nvidia GeForce 8800GT) so bought the GT120 and am very pleased with it. It is an old card now so probably only available second hand. There are other cards you can get that will work but you can run in to spending hundreds on a card for a machine that is only worth a few hundred pounds and ten years old.

Oh and one last thing if you do decide to go for the GT120 make sure it is the one for the Mac, it has a very light grey cover.

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Answer 3

Apr 14, 2018 2:22 PM in response to LouIsFatAndSassy

if you ruled out the other items, that still leaves the rasterization Hardware on the card, which is working at very high speeds and runs hot. This test does not perfectly determine the exact problem, and that hardware section in particular, is invisible to diagnostics -- it's what you see on the screen that counts.

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Answer 4

Apr 14, 2018 1:25 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Interesting. I CANNOT capture it in a screenshot. I tried a dozen times while it was flickering at that 1/3 mark.

I doubt it's the display as it shows up on my monitor and on my projector. Same reason I doubt it's the cabling (two different cables).

Does that help narrow down the problem Grant? What's my solution?

Thank you!

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Answer 5

Apr 14, 2018 6:45 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Not to be obtuse, but what is your recommendation that I do?

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Early 2008 Mac Pro graphics card issue?

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