[phantom]

I'm looking into getting a killer graphics card for a Mac Pro (Intel). On Apple's website, the Mac Pro is supposed to be able to use the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 graphics card. (I've also found some of these cards available on ebay.)

My question: "Are there special versions of this graphic card for the Mac Pro (Intel)?" (Or, will any stock Quadro FX 4500 work?)

I've been trying to find out from sellers -- but they don't seem to know. (They are not Mac experts.)

Here is a link to NVIDIA's website: NVIDIA for Mac Pro

However, there is a note at the bottom of the page indicating:

"Please note NVIDIA graphics options for Apple desktops and notebooks can only be purchased through Apple or as Apple update kits."

Are we still dealing with a custom version of a graphics card?

Thanks!

[Wyatt]

Yes, you still need a Mac-specific card. PCs still use BIOS, and Macs use EFI, which requires different firmware on each card.

[phantom]

Is the hardware the same? (Only a firmware difference?)

Is there any place where the firmware can be dowloaded and installed on the card? (Or, it the firmware permanently burned into a non-reprogrammable PROM?)

Thanks!

[Wyatt]

I don't think anybody's successfully flashed a card at this point.

I'm also not 100% sure that it's just firmware. There may actually be a minor hardware difference between the BIOS and EFI versions of a card. I'm fairly certain it's just firmware, but not 100%.