Best products from r/macpro

FWIW, for my 5,1 I changed out my Macvidcards flashed GTX980 to a Sapphire RX580 and I've been pleased with the results. However I acknowledge that you say "best for video editing" -- which as grumpy foul mouth posted below -- there are faster alternatives but that require more mods. So for me, "best" means what gets me quickly over the Nvidia/Apple roadblock, to Mojave, and keeping my 5,1 going for a bit longer with minimum hassle and $$. To me pouring cash into a 5,1 doesn't make a ton of sense, but a $200 upgrade for another 1-2 years seems reasonable.

I regularly edit photos in Lightroom and videos in FCP. The change to Mojave is nice (be sure you have the right wifi/bt card) and the speed has been great for my needs. It's not night and day different but it's definitely faster and good enough for my daily work use -- I mostly edit 1080 and 4k from cameras such as the 5d Mark IV, GoPro, Iphone, etc. I admit though, I don't nerd out too much on comparing test scores and I also am not editing 8k raw footage. I looked up various tests and it seemed that the 580 was as good or a bit better than the GTX980, and for my daily pro use it's definitely seems quicker, especially w/ Lightroom as it now uses GPU processing.

Like @ArkadyBogdanov said, the RX580 is the simplest solution AFAIK -- just need the correct power cable (6 pin to 8 pin) and make sure it fits in there w/ your other PCI cards, as it's a bit wider than the GTX980 and similar cards. Mine is in slot 2 which disables slot 3 b/c of its width -- but there it is better cooled as it's not covered up w/ my double Sonnet sata card w/ is now in slot 1 (the bottom slot). I could put the 580 in slot 1 and barely squeeze in the sata card above it, but since I don't need slot 3 the better solution was obvious.

COMeap Dual Mini 6 Pin to 8 Pin PCI Express Video Card Power Adapter Cable for Mac Pro Tower/Power Mac G5 15-inch(38cm) by COReap
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J336WY4/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_PIJ3DbD4ENPZH

Sapphire Technology Technology Radeon 11265-05-20G Pulse RX 580 8GB GDDR5 Dual HDMI/ DVI-D/ Dual DP OC with Backplate (UEFI) PCI-E Graphics Card Graphic Cards
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ6FMF8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_UIJ3DbAJXAJ50

I just took a risk and bought the Asus Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 3GB. If it didn't work, I could resell.

Got this mini pci-e 6pin to pci-e 6pin video card power cable and 6 Pin PCI E PSU to 8 Pin PCI E 2.0 Cable Adapter.

Plugged it in, turned on the Mac and it worked perfectly.

Ran Portal and Cinebench to test and seems to work like a charm.

Plug and play at its best, no additional drivers or anything needed.

Delighted :)

Wow, that's a ton! This is super useful info, thank you.

Would something like this work as the USB 3 AIC?

I just ordered one of these Click Here for my 5,1 and a hub while shopping for a USB 3.0 card. I did have the Inateck card installed in a 3,1 a couple of years ago and it worked fine. But I'm curious to see if there is any speed boost going to 3.1 using this cheap card. The reviews look fairly positive for those that are using it in their cMP machines. I'll do a review once I get some time in with it. Seems to good to be true for $25 for 10Gbps. I'm also looking at a 3.1 enclosure for a NVMe drive if anyone has any recommendations.

Alright, I've ordered a bag of these: https://www.amazon.com.au/Eyeboot-Express-6-Pin-8-Pin-Video/dp/B01DCWKJVM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=eyeboot+mini+6+pin&qid=1574652617&s=electronics&sr=1-2 .

Turns out they're a name-brand bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer so they should be safe. Nice little baggie of 2 cables and 2 spare ones. Thanks again for your help!

Having gone the upgraded tower route in 2017-2018, I'll say this. If you want to upgrade a tower to modernish specs, you're looking at a lot of limitations and headaches. Sometimes they run great but sometimes there are a lot of bugs to sort through. I can't really recommend it as something that a business would heavily rely upon because if it goes down, troubleshooting it can be really time consuming.

Unpopular as this may be to say in this subreddit, I think a Windows machine would be the best bang for your buck. Nothing in the Adobe suite is limited by being on Windows and dollar for dollar, you end up getting better specs.

This sort of machine would probably take you farther than either of the above options.

https://www.amazon.com/iBUYPOWER-Computer-Desktop-i9-9900k-9240/dp/B07J59V6PR/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=i9+windows+computer&qid=1558554066&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I picked up this exact card from ebay. I have a 4.1 flashed to 5.1. However, Bluetooth does not work using the standard adapter plate this item ships with. In fact, Bluetooth doesn't work on ANY of the cards I've found without a little tinkering... If you want Bluetooth capabilities, you will need to purchase a different adapter that will allow you to connect to your existing Bluetooth connection on the Logic Board. You will also need a Bluetooth antennae extension cable. This is the case for all Mac Pro 4.1 and 5.1 systems. You can find a correct adapter kit online. I found one on Amazon, Shaluoman Mini PCI-E Adapter for BCM94360CD/BCM94331CD.

You may have to perform some searches for additional assistance as you will need to create a connector end compatible with the Mac Pro Bluetooth connector, or splice in to the existing connection (and that connector and the cables are TINY!). You will also need to verify the connection leads for D- and D+. Basically this card reports that there is Bluetooth, but it's unusable without the correct adapter, the reason is that there is no signal passing to the Bluetooth card on the stock included adapter, only power.

Once the card was installed, with the correct adapter, and the lead connected to the correct Bluetooth signalling connectors, the system recognized both Bluetooth and Airport without issue. I still had to play with the system to get both Handoff and Continuity working properly in 10.14 Mojave. I found a forum thread on Mac Rumors that provided the following terminal command:

sudo /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set:Mac-F221BEC8:ContinuitySupport true" "/System/Library/Frameworks/IOBluetooth.framework/Versions/A/Resources/SystemParameters.plist"

Once entered, I restarted my Mac Pro and my iPhone, and afterwards Handoff and Continuity were working like a charm.

I can't vouch for unlock with the Apple Watch yet though. I just haven't been assed to try it since I cycle through my collection of watches and the Apple Watch is low on my preference.

APPLE EFI AMD RX580 8GB SAPPHIRE PULSE FOR MAC PRO 4,1/5,1

Excited about the upcoming 7,1 Mac Pro? Here's your chance to put the same GPU in your 4,1/5,1 TODAY ! Full EFI support for diagnostic and Boot Screen support. This is the model officially endorsed by Apple, but now a lot better. No more staring at a black screen wondering what happened. Includes single 6 to 8 power cable. You may wish to add another with dual 6 to 8 if you intend to use at full power.

Works in 10.13.6
10.14 and 10.15


http://www.macvidcards.com/store/p116/Apple_EFI_AMD_RX580_8GB_Sapphire_Pulse_for_Mac_Pro_4%2C1%2F5%2C1.html


Or you get the PC version for $180

https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-11265-09-20G-Radeon-Backplate-Graphics/dp/B071CPJZSX/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=RX580+8GB+SAPPHIRE+PULSE&qid=1562941274&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Hey my man, I think I’m ready to make the leap to an NVME drive. Is this the crucial you recommended?

Crucial P1 1TB 3D NAND NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD - CT1000P1SSD8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2Q4SWZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yS3GDbG5AMG06

Also, I’m assuming I would need an adapter right? Could you perhaps recommend me a good one.

Finally, are there any 2 TB NVME drives you could recommend that are not insanely expensive but still good performers?

Actually a bit difficult because interestingly many of the current NVMEs were originally manufactured under the same name as AHCI based formats. You just need to pay very close attention and make sure the SSD is clearly labeled as AHCI, not NVME.

The Samsung SM951 I just mentioned is a good example:

SAMSUNG SM951 MZHPV256HDGL M.2 256GB Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VELDBJ6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_4E1hAbDDNGXVE

There is likely a list of the exact model numbers, but I haven’t seen it.

Edit: They are actually easy to spot... the 512GB models run between $400-500. ;)

Thanks for your input i feel much better about using this machine now. I checked but it seems i only have one slot for SSD. I went with the following adapter a few others i found had success with.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWWAENG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Easiest cheapest upgrade is the SSD. Any M2 SSD apart from the EVO 9x PLUS will do the job and you'll need an adapter like this.

The trashcan like the Mac Pro is PCIe 2.0 so the max you'll get is 1500/1500, but that's 3x faster than the SSD it shipped with.

Edit: Prioritise size over speed because of the PCIe speed limitation. You don't need to throw down $$ for the top performing device.

Here's some other handy info:-

https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/home-page/2016/2/21/what-can-you-upgrade-on-a-mac-pro-61-late-2013-trashcan

It's a great machine and can easily outpace the current generation midrange laptops. Ignore everyone getting snooty about the cheesegrater cMPs.

Hello,

I found your post via Google. Got a couple of follow-up questions because there are some things not adding up:

1. The "SATA" drive is your primary Mac boot disk, correct?
   
2. When I tried to install Windows 10 from MacOS on a 2009 Mac Pro, the Boot Camp installer said it wasn't supported. How did you accomplish this?
   
3. What is the "other" Application folder you speak of where Disk Utility lies? Did you mean Utilities, or somewhere else?
   
4. Why did you format the PCIe flash disk as FAT32? The soft limit is 32GB. NTFS is supposed to be the only supported filesystem for a Windows 10 system.
   
   BTW, my Mac Pro was originally a 4,1 that I flashed to a MacPro5,1 using the firmware hack that's been floating around the Internet for years. Now I have a pair of X5690's installed, and a Kingston HyperX PCIe SSD.
   
   If you're not already a member, you would be most welcome on the MacProUpgrade Facebook group. Come join us!

>3) If you have wifi on your machine you will likely have airdrop. If not you can instal a card such as this (you can watch YouTube videos how to instal it) ( https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003U61UIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_AHFlDbQXFV8CP)

So yeah. I do have it, i thought this meant airdrop from mac <-> iphone, ipad.

> 4). Your performance will vary. Not all programs will utilize all all threads. For instance when i game i only use 6 threads out of the 12 available (you can check your usage using iStat menu program or Activity monitor). This applies to other programs which you will have to look into it. But as on theoretical test here are the scores: (Almost double the CPU score on multi thread testing).

Oh wow. I don’t understand much about geekbench scores, but thats a bit more than double what i have on mine. 2912 on single core and 13047 on multi core.

Seems so far the update i should be aiming for is that 12 core upgrade.

Thanks a lot!

Im not sure a dongle will support handoff (https://www.reddit.com/r/hackintosh/comments/95rtwj/best_usb_wifibluetooth_combo_adapter_for/)

I think your best bet is to go with a replacement card off of amazon/ebay (https://www.amazon.ca/Apple-Airport-Extreme-802-11n-Mb988z/dp/B003U61UIM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mac+pro+wifi&qid=1566663118&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

Thanks for the info, I think I'll just turn off FileVault and get the RX 580, think I can live without the boot screen too...

Is this the card to get? https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-11265-05-20G-Backplate-Graphics-Graphic/dp/B06ZZ6FMF8/

Thanks!

Honestly, this one is easier to follow! As for USB, I'm pretty sure this is the card I'm using right now.. Sonnet also has a few PCIe products specifically designed for the Mac Pro, but they are more expensive.

There's a really neat filter on Amazon for them.

Here it is.

It's easier to keep the dust from entering, vs blowing it out.

When I worked for Apple we preferred to use either an electronics vacuum or compressor due to condensation risks from canned air. You will not find canned air in any Genius Room.

This is the USB 3.0 card I have. It's inexpensive and works great!

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00I027GPC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can find a pretty cheap 580 but the biggest issue I would have and I know this is straight

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Right now my 750 card had 3 regular display ports. The 580 I see has 2 and 1 DVI and 2 HDMI.

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I like having the same connection for all 3 displays so the resolution is identical.

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Am I a being to OCD?

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https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-11265-05-20G-Backplate-Graphics-Graphic/dp/B06ZZ6FMF8

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Is the card I might order.

I have one of these on my 2013. Works like a charm.

I would recommend PCIE flash SSD. It's a lot faster than SATAIII. It will make your mac pro basically as fast as the new macs. Here is what I recommend https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Digital-Predator-SHPM2280P2H-480G/dp/B00V01C6M8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1469199233&sr=8-3&keywords=predator+ssd

I bought the rx 580 recently, have same Mac Pro, very happy


Sapphire Technology Technology Radeon 11265-05-20G Pulse RX 580 8GB GDDR5 Dual HDMI/ DVI-D/ Dual DP OC with Backplate (UEFI) PCI-E Graphics Card Graphic Cards https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ6FMF8/

I bought this one for my trash can and it works fine. Remember, that to use an NVME drive in an older MacPros (2013 trash can an the older 2010/2012 silver towers) you have to have updated to High Sierra via the full upgrade package since that package includes a firmware update for the Mac that allows booting from an NVME drive.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWWAENG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My research has gotten me pointed at this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ports-Inateck-PCI-E-Expansion-Version/dp/B00I027GPC

It appears quite affordable, 4 port, no extra power, should work without drivers on mac side and fine under bootcamp... seems like a solid option. Anyone have any opinions on this or any other cards?


Alternatively http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRGCV2G/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00I027GPC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0G5YNS92XRZZA2KJ0YE3#Ask seems functional for people, but there's less feedback and twice the cost so...

Sure! I’m on mobile, but I can update with links in a bit.

Inateck USB 3.0 PCIe Card - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I027GPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ZZRjNez4pYJV7 (works on Sierra on Mac Pro 3,1 despite its description)

Cateck USB 3.0 Hub w/ SD Card Reader - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019E6YVXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_UOhCABRZkrNCg

eSATA PCIe card (was already installed when I bought it, but I can find the brand)

Blackmagic Intensity HDMI PCIe Card

AMD Radeon 7970 (flashed)

This one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J336WY4/ Just this cable. The two mini 6-pin pci-e connectors plug into the backplane and the standard 8-pin connector plugs into the sapphire card.

Would you still get the max speeds of the NVMe drives? I'm slightly suspicious as to how cheap this is compared to this one that was recommended to me

A USB installer for High Sierra is asking you for a firmware update? Honestly I am not sure what might be wrong there, I would start googling for anything similar. Dumb question: have you plugged the mac pro into ethernet so it can download the update?

Google results:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/10-13-6-installer-wont-let-me-do-firmware-update.2127317/

Its really odd given that you were already running High Sierra. Make sure you aren't using the new file format on the boot drive, that might help.


>If there are no bootscreens then how are we supposed to upgrade the damn thing to Mojave? I thought that we could start the upgrade process with the GT120 and then proceed afterwards with a Metal card.

Yes, thats the rub with Mojave. You'll only get boot screens with a card that is both metal enabled and a mac edition card. Here is the list. Otherwise you can do the update with any other metal enabled GPU but you'll have to do it blind and you'll never have bootscreens again. This is why sticking to High Sierra is a safer option.


Also: This is the USB 3.0 card I have. I had some troubles with it on Windows 10 but manually installed a driver and it seems to be fine now.