? on adding third Apple Cinema Display

[NEKKODDD]

Hello,

I have a Mac Pro 8 core 2.26, with 16Gb ram, and a ATI 4870 w/512mb video card. I am already running 2 Apple 23" and want to add a third. What is the best way to add the third display?

Is there a way to use a Dvi splitter, or do I need to add another video card? If I need another card does it have to match the other video card?

thanks much for any advice.

Mike

[MaxxuM]

I've spoken to an Apple rep that told me that the Mac Pro supports two 4870's without issue. Call Apple to confirm this before you buy a second video card - I would recommend this so you can quote someone and be supported. Never upgrade a Mac without being able to give proof that you had an OK from a Apple rep. Buy directly from Apple too as off the shelf PC video cards may not work.

Edit: BTW, what is this going to be for? There are other options if all you want to do is split one monitor (so the same image would be on two screens).

[j_m_k]

Check this out for a 3 monitor solution. (http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/) I used to run this with a Dell 30" and 2 Dell 24" monitors a year or so ago and loved it.

[NEKKODDD]

Check this out for a 3 monitor solution. (http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/) I used to run this with a Dell 30" and 2 Dell 24" monitors a year or so ago and loved it.


I appreciate the advice guys. I saw the Maxtor product earlier but it looked to be more of a gamers setup. I want to have two screens with LR2, and one additional screen for PS, AI, or a Mail program.

Do you think it would be better to have two video cards or one of the Maxtor splitters???

thanks,

Mike

[MaxxuM]

Ah, if it's only going to be for dynamic stuff like mail then I would look into a USB to DVI adapter. They are pretty cheap. Here's an example LINK (http://www.macproonline.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/SFV/32645/vpid/7314818/vpcsid/0/rid/129150). I have no clue if this particular one is good or not. I've seen them work and they look fine for me; not great for gaming, but for the internet and mail they're more than adiquate.

[basroil]

I would second the USB thing if it wasn't for the increased overhead and the fact that that port is now more or less useless (don't expect to run a few drives+video off of it). Also have that lame 1600x1200 or 1600x1050 limit, so you will not be running a cinema display off of it.

Besides, geforce 9500 gt (aka geforce 120 as named when in a mac) is about 40 bucks on the market (assume 55 including shipping), and you will be able to still run that raid card (if you have it), and same thing for your 4870 (ok, costs 175 or so). Just note that the mac only has one 16x slot while the other two are 4x, so you will not be able to do anything fancy on the other card (crossfire won't work, performance will be slowed on the second card, etc). It'll be more or less just a display card.

[Moppie]

I've seen it implied in different places that the Video cards in the Mac Pro's run slightly different firmware, and it is possible that a non-Applie supplied card might not work, or might not work as intended.

While RAM and HDD's are pretty generic, I would be inclinded to get the card from Apple, as per MaxxuMs suggestion.
It will cost more, but at least you know it will work.

[NEKKODDD]

Please confirm this for me. The ATI 4870 uses both of the powered plugs? So, it is not possible nor does it make sense to add another 4870 to the Mac Pro to ensure peak performance? The 4870 will essentially be the master video card, and an additional video card would only act as a DVI plug in. Please explain if my thought are not right.

thanks for the help.

[basroil]

Please confirm this for me. The ATI 4870 uses both of the powered plugs? So, it is not possible nor does it make sense to add another 4870 to the Mac Pro to ensure peak performance? The 4870 will essentially be the master video card, and an additional video card would only act as a DVI plug in. Please explain if my thought are not right.

thanks for the help.

Second card would be just an expansion card (from the little I've been able to find), but hard to know since Apple never releases any real specs.

And yea, probably a better idea to get a card though apple even if they charge you 300% ($50 geforce 120 for $157). I know their processors lack a heat spreader, so I can guess they did something stupid to the specs in this case too :rolleyes:

[MaxxuM]

Please confirm this for me. The ATI 4870 uses both of the powered plugs? So, it is not possible nor does it make sense to add another 4870 to the Mac Pro to ensure peak performance? The 4870 will essentially be the master video card, and an additional video card would only act as a DVI plug in. Please explain if my thought are not right.

thanks for the help.

300w is provided to the cards via the board + the Mac Pro sports a 1000w power supply. The rep told me that if you split the power (line) everything would be fine. Again, if you call Apple they will provide you with exactly what you'll need. Everything you'll hear here is anecdotal :)

[NEKKODDD]

300w is provided to the cards via the board + the Mac Pro sports a 1000w power supply. The rep told me that if you split the power (line) everything would be fine. Again, if you call Apple they will provide you with exactly what you'll need. Everything you'll hear here is anecdotal :)


I made a half dozen calls today to apple and finally got a level 3 Mac Pro specialist.

The 4870 can only be run and supported by Apple when it is run mono. Plus, the big problem is both 6 pin power plugs are used by the one card. So, you need to have another video card that does not require a 6 pin to run. Apple's position is to run only 120's for multiple video cards. But, he said he thought off the record my best bet would be to stay within the ATI family.

So, his suggestion was to use the ATI 2600 XT since it is the latest card that will play with 2009 Mac Pro's. Apple no longer sell the card, but I found one on eBay and I bought it tonight.

I am hoping it will be a simple plug and play. I want to add a Cintiq tablet and a 3rd monitor for email and browser use.

So just to recap I have a 2009 - Mac Pro 8 Core with a 4870 Video Card. I know this card uses both the six pin power plugs. I want to add a ATi 2600 Xt card to be able to drive a third monitor and Wacom Cintiq tablet.

Does anyone know if there will be any problems doing this? Does the 2600 just plug into the PCI slot and fire right up? Do I have to adjust the card from 16 to 8?

Thanks for the help.

Mike

[MaxxuM]

Sad to hear it. :( I did some reading and called a friend that I know is running two of these cards. It seems that the card draws about 5-10% more than the provided connectors can provide each which requires stealing power from the optical drive. He's pushed the cards pretty hard (3D in bootcamp) and there was no voltage droop. There's no crossfire either. I have no clue about the card you mentioned. I just run one video card though this has gotten me thinking about it.

[basroil]

All I can say is: You should have though about that before you bought the mac pro with 4870. At least the apple rep knows the geforce 120 is a piece of crap card ;)