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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

MacPro 2.1 : upgrade for CUDA graphic card for DaVinci Resolve

David Nardini

David Nardini

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My old MacPro 2.1 has served me well, and wondered if there is a CUDA upgrade path so that I can run Resolve 9.
Currently running with the original X1900 (which I assume can be retained to drive the Resolve UI) and upgrade to a suitable CUDA card ?
I am assuming the CUDA card needs slot 1 ... any advice to which slot I move the X1900 and RedRocket ?

I've seen a few threads indicating that MacVidCards are a good source of knowledge (chap by the name David Pirinelli ?) but cant seem a way of contacting him on their web site ? Anybody from BM have any advice ?

To date RedCine-X/RR + Shake 4.1 has worked fine, but after seeing Resolve 9 @ IBC it's time I considered moving on ...

Any advice welcomed ...

Cheers ... :laugh:
 
GTX 480 with hacked ROM in bottom slot.
RR in slot above.
empty
GUI GFX card.

This configuration gives 5K half res premium playback in 1080p through DaVinci with 6 nodes+.

I would try to get a GTX570 card, though as the 480 is really really hot.
 
Thanks ... & where can a 'hacked ROM' GTX480 be sourced from ?
Any advantage in upgrading the GUI card (from X1900) ?
Cheers ...

EDIT : Is upgrade sensitive to OS version ? currently on 10.6.8 ...
 
Just gotta search Google for MacVidCards and ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/macvidcards/m.html

I have the 470 and it's great, very tempted to go to the 580 that draws less power. Not sure which cards are 2,1 compatible, but the MacVidCards guys know and put it on every page. They even help with the OS issue.
 
Hi David, we have never tested a MacPro 2.1 but given that the 3.1 only just works in 8 bit display mode I think your chances of the 2.1 working will be low. Resolve v9 is a 64 bit application and works best with 16BG of RAM or more on a Dual QuadCore or dual six core motherboard. You can now use a single GPU and the GTX470 is the minimum I could recommend in this config but again, not in the MacPro 2.1.

Peter
 
The Mac Pro 2,1 is rocking it's memory at a paltry 667MHz... As Peter points out, the Mac Pro 3.1 only just works in 8bit at 1080p and it's memory operates at 800MHz -- 17% faster. Not only that, it doesn't have PCIe v2.0 slots. IMO, you're probably better off placing your money elsewhere than just putting a new video card in that system. The system won't be able to feed the video card fast enough to matter, let alone even properly operate a card like a GTX480. :( As I've pointed out to others, a current generation Mac Mini will run circles around that 6 year old Mac Pro.
 
Many thanks all for your input ... MUCH appreciated.
I was just exploring how to get the best CUDA/OpenCL support on my largely still good enough 2,1 MacPro ... sounds like the only option is to go for a 5770 for the moment, which apparently will work on the 667MHz bus speed and with 10.6.8; wont be revolutionary but probably good enough ... (while awaiting for next MacPro update ... roll 2013 ?).

@Jeff : Mac Mini ... what options are there for it to make use of a RR card (presumably external enclosure) ? Is there a config you can point me to ?
 
We also have 2x MacPro 2.1 from early 2008. What you can try is the following: Buy a GTX285 card for a PC and use a GT120 from a Mac as GUI. Use Netkas to get the 285 working.

http://netkas.org/

-> http://netkas.org/?p=106 -> Nvidia enabler

We now bought a 12 core Mac because the old 2008 is too slow and you can't really upgrade it. Only with detailed knowledge etc. The 5770 is working in the 2.1 Mac??? Are you sure?
 
Im running into the same issue..I have a Gen 1 Mac pro and have recently bought a GTX570. Theres no way to have this card run with out Lion, same with Davinci if you want to avoid countless crashes. Apparently this trick works, but I'm still skeptical to try it. LINK- http://www.jabbawok.net/
 
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