3.06 GHz 12-Core Intel Xeon - BTO/CTO - A1289 - MacPro5,1 - EMC 2629, Mac Pro Server (Mid 2012) 3.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon Apple Radeon 5770/5870 in pre-2010 Mac Pro's: What We Know So Far - This forum article from MacRumors.com gives you all the information you need about. Aftermarket Mac Pro Video Card Options. Of course, it always is possible to purchase one of the higher performance video cards that was offered with a particular Mac Pro after the initial system purchase.
You can find several cards on ebay that have been flashed and are compatible with that mac pro model. I got 4 so far for my 2 mac pro 2,1 (but compatible with 1,1 too). When selecting one, read the post. Some card have been flashed successfully and will work great on mac pro 1,1 and later, but there are some models that might have limitations due to compatibility with specific hardware on graphic cards. For instance some might have one or more port that will be non functional and usually those are specified in the item's post by the seller. Some cards will not show the boot screen while others will.
Some will show the boot screen only if connecting a monitor on a specific port (like DVI and not on VGA or HDMI for example). Just make sure you read well the post and select the card that best fits your needs. I've found ATI HD3870 for less than 100 dollars and HD4870 for a little below 150. Recently I came across an HD 7950 for less than $200.
Usually ATI are more abundant and compatible with that model than Nvidia ones. I haven't found more recent NVidia to be available for mac pro 1,1 and 2,1 as they tend to start compatibility only with 3,1 and up. Hope the above will help you select a card for your mac pro. Best of luck with your search and should you need further info. Just post away.
I´we got a Mac Pro late 2006 modell and a ATI Radeon x1900 video card. Im running OS 10.5.8. My problem is that my video card is starting to wear out (problems with overheating, stripes on screan etc.), and I would like to replace it.
However, anyone knows which current video card are supported for the Mac Pro 1,1 with OS 10.5.8? Would like to not spend a fortune on a machine this old. I´we also heard that 'flashing' a PC card could be an option. Anyone got experience with this? And what kinds of cards are supported? What do you mean by current?
These you can buy brand new with full warranty? If so, none will work with 10.5.8. You need at least 10.6.4 to run ATI 5770 which is cheapest of these that meet above criteria. If you want to go flashing route and do not upgrade your OS, I'd recommend to get second hand 4870 512MB, exactly like this one (sticker may be different but it should have red PCB): and flash it with unmodified Mac ROM (you'll find it in appropriate 4870 flashing thread on this forum – search 'race to dump 4870 ROM'). Other cards that will work in your MP with 10.5.8 are: – 7300GT – performance downgrade in comparison to X1900 – 2600XT – same as above – 8800GT – bad reputation due to high failure rate – Quadro FX4500 – good and reliable card, however still expensive.