updating processors and graphic card for 2006 mac pro 1.1

cherokee2 · May 9, 2017

Currently I have a Mac Pro 1.1 with 16 gb Ram installed. I plan to upgrade the processors to Intel 5355 and update a suitable graphic card to at least one that is 64 bit. That is where my question comes up, what would be a a good one to go for? I don't need the best or greatest at this point but one that would be suitable for a couple of years. Looking forward to hear from you all.

lclev · May 9, 2017

There is a ton of information on video cards for mac pros on the macrumors forum. Check out this link: https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/mac-pro.1/

The second sticky down is a post on nvidia cards and EFI issues. This link deals with PC cards that can be used in Macs but do not have EFI so no boot screen is displayed but they work and are much cheaper than an apple card.

Another good link for information: http://www.macvidcards.com/i-want-the-best-graphics-card-for-my-mac-pro-where-do-i-start.html

I know it is a lot of information but you will learn a lot!

Lisa

cherokee2 · May 11, 2017

Thanks much for the information, I was curious about Apple specific cards.

lclev · May 11, 2017

The ones put in the original MP's were the NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT, GeForce 8800 GT, Quadro FX 4500, or ATI Radeon X1900 XT.

Another thread you might check out discusses what others have found and like:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-pro-1-1-2006-graphics-card-upgrade.1419182/

Most cards that will work with your MP 1,1 will most likely be used. Check out some offerings on eBay and get an idea of price.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw...12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true

I am not sure what new cards are available that will work with your system.

Lisa

harryb2448 · May 11, 2017

Your problem is not the gfx card being 64bit, but the EFI being 32bit which means it will only run natively up to Lion OS X.7. Of course you can consider turning your Mac Pro into a 'Hackintosh' using various kext changes, but be warned you do rish turning it into a door stop.

cherokee2 · May 12, 2017

Lisa: thanks for the information, I will follow up.

cherokee2 · May 12, 2017

Harry: thanks for the information, I will be updating the processor to 5355 very soon as well as the OS. Hopefully that will extend the mac a couple of years more.

harryb2448 · May 12, 2017

The processors will not make the EFI 64bit alas. Be wary about updating past Lion.

cherokee2 · Jun 25, 2017

Harry: will updating the cpu to 5355 make it possible to run a more updated os x such as yosemite?

harryb2448 · Jun 25, 2017

Not natively. You will have to do a hack. Go to MacRumors.com as they bhave many barticles about this. Just note it is not always successful and there seems to be no going back to 32bit after trying. Suggest you do it, if you wish, using El Capitan OS X.11 which is available at the App Store, download and make an +8gb USB thumb drive with it using DiskmakerX. Once you change the kext and don this, you cannot update againn to say Sierra.

http://diskmakerx.com

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2006-2007-mac-pro-1-1-2-1-and-os-x-el-capitan.1890435/