GPU Recommendation Needed - Adding GPU to Working Hackintosh Running ML

[killacam7478]

Hi Everyone,

Needed some help with a graphics card...I already built my rig and it works almost flawlessly. I plan to use Aperture and Photoshop, and I was told that having a GPU would help with loading and editing photos. I'm currently running Intel HD 4000 graphics. Background:
i5 3570k, 24GB 1867mhz RAM, 1 SSD and 1 3TB HDD, Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H, iMac 27" as monitor through Displayport>miniDisplayport cable.

I only have a 430w power supply, and I think I'm starting to reach the limit, so I wanted to find a low power consuming GPU that will help add performance but at a low cost.

First question - Do I have to find one with a displayport output, or can you install a GPU and have it work while running the video out of the motherboard? My motherboard has Displayport and it works great. I'm assuming I can run Intel HD4000 + a GPU at the same time, but I wasn't sure if I HAD to find a GPU with Displayport out or if I could use the mobo (Displayport output really limits the number of graphics cards available).

I saw one at Best Buy on clearance, a XFX Radeon HD 6750 with displayport, but I did some searching and I don't think people have had luck with 6750 on Mountain Lion.

I also saw a Zotac GeForce 430 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500204 with displayport, low power consumption, but seems like this is an older card and may not add that much performance to my rig.

Any input is greatly appreciated!!

-Eric

 

[twiztidninja]

i run a 430 with that amount of stuff or more actualy and have a 6850 so dont be scared about the power supply

 

[NeoGeo71]

i run a 430 with that amount of stuff or more actualy and have a 6850 so dont be scared about the power supply

6870 owner here, runs amazingly...

 

[killacam7478]

Great to hear, as lazy as this sounds, I wasn't looking forward to getting a new power supply, selling the old one, then working on re-connecting all the wires and such.

Random noob question, but if I do get a 6870 or another card, do you connect the monitor to the graphics card to be able to use the GPU memory?

Meaning, I have HD4000 graphics now, if I add a non-integrated graphics card, do I have to run the video signal out of the graphics card to utilize it's performance? I'm clueless about this stuff. I don't need dual monitor setup, but I do need to use displayport (which my mobo already has and works with). Or, is it basically, adding a non-integrated graphics card means you are skipping onboard graphics and just using the GPU, so it has to be plugged into the GPU? Thanks!

 

[potemkin]

If you put graphics card in slot to use the graphics card you must plug monitor into it.

You also can have both.
Meaning plug a monitor into graphics card and plug the other monitor into board.

The video in graphics card is NOT routed back to motherboard video output.
Where did you get that idea ?

Video cards do come with display ports but they are harder to find.

You can always buy an adapter.

 

[killacam7478]

Thanks for the response, makes sense. I didn't really understand how GPU's were incorporated into a computer system, so I wasn't sure if I would be able to use the motherboard output but utilize the memory from the GPU.

I guess I'll use my system for a while and see if a discrete GPU will be needed or not for what I do. Hopefully not, but I have a tendency to keep buying more stuff for this build!

 

[JustBrilliant]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...s-upgrade-kit-for-mac-pro-(mid-2010)?fnode=53 try this