Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009)
The nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009) from Apple is a graphics card for installation in the Early 2009 (Xeon 3500 and 5500) revision of the Mac Pro desktop workstation.
The card features a Mini DisplayPort and a Dual-Link DVI port for video output. The card features 512MB of GDDR3 memory and a PCI Express 2.0 interface. Up to 4 of cards can be installed in a single Mac Pro workstation, facilitating an 8-display configuration.
| System Requirements |
Mac Pro (Early 2009 with 1066MHz DDR memory) with PCI Express 2.0 slot Mac OS X 10.5.6 |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to install (7)
- Easy to use (7)
- Good graphics quality (5)
- Reliable (5)
- Quality output (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphic design (6)
- Everyday (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional (5), Graphic designer (4), Power user (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
works well, but didn't solve my problem
I actually purchased this video card to address a mouse lag issue I have been having with my Magic Mouse in my Hack Pro. I built my original machine with a fanless nVidia GTX9800 series...Read complete review
I actually purchased this video card to address a mouse lag issue I have been having with my Magic Mouse in my Hack Pro. I built my original machine with a fanless nVidia GTX9800 series card. I was having a bad mouse lag issue that after researching the net may have been due to nVidia cards 9xxx and 8xxx series. So, I tried the original apple video card.
Install was a breeze. I was surpised to find that it didn't need the extra E6 power cord. I was a little disappointed in seeing that it had a fan because I really wanted a quiet system. However, happily, it is still very quiet and I don't hear anything from my box under the desk.
The card works great. Video is smooth. Unfortunately, it didn't solve my mouse lag issue. I later found that the problem is probably partly the nVidia card and partly a poor bluetooth connection. When I moved my bluetooth dongle to the keyboard instead on the back of my box under the desk, the mouse jitters resolved. I think that the issue was not only due to the bluetooth link because originally, with my nVidia card, the same problem happened with my wired Mighty Mouse. I have not tried the wired Mighty Mouse with the apple card. And, I have not tried replacing the original nVidia card with the bluetooth moved up to the keyboard. I don't think I'll do the latter because the apple card works well and is quiet enough that I don't hear it.
I am using the DVI-I output to drive a super high resolution 30" Dell 3008wfp. It also has a mini-display port that I have not used yet.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Does not work with Mac Pro 1,1
Tried reseaching as much as possible in order to hack this to make it work. My Mac Pro 1,1 is in dire need of a video upgrade. I found random posts here and there ...Read complete review
Tried reseaching as much as possible in order to hack this to make it work. My Mac Pro 1,1 is in dire need of a video upgrade. I found random posts here and there on Mac modding forums with some hints at making it work but nothing conclusive or simple. There were other options to upgrade to that seemed to have a better success rate like the ATI Radeon 4870, but for the cost, its just more rational to upgrade to an entire new computer than to hope that a 5yr old computer will hold out for a few more years with out things starting to go south.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphic Design
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
I'm using this card with a Mac Pro 3,1 Dual Xeon 3.2 running 10.6 (Snow Leopard) connected to an Apple 27" LED Cinema Display and 19" HP 19" LCD. Works perfectly. Great price.[...]
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphic Design
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
Had to replace dying ATI 2600 card on my 2008 Mac Pro. This card works great with no software installation or special set up. Put it in the box and plug into monitors...done. I just had to buy a mini display port to display port cable to connect the second monitor.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Graphic Design
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
My graphics card died in my 2007 macpro. This worked with no problems, easy swap.No drivers to load.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
This has been a great card so far. I got it to replace a failed video card from an 08 Mac pro. It went right in and worked without any problems.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Gaming
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
Tried reseaching as much as possible in order to hack this to make it work. My Mac Pro 1,1 is in dire need of a video upgrade. I found random posts here and there on Mac modding forums with some hints at making it work but nothing conclusive or simple. There were other options to upgrade to that seemed to have a better success rate like the ATI Radeon 4870, but for the cost, its just more rational to upgrade to an entire new computer than to hope that a 5yr old computer will hold out for a few more years with out things starting to go south.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphic Design
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
In mac pro 3,1 OK, with OSX 10.6.2,
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Quality Output
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
Needed to connect my 2008 MacPro to an Apple display via mini display port. This was the most cost effective solution. While Apple stated guaranteed compatibility only with the 2009 MacPro, after reading that several people found that it works with the 2008 as well, I took a shot and can confirm that it works. I like having both the mini display port and the DVI port on my machine as well as having an Apple product as the solution for future software compatibility (I hope... ;-)
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Quality Output
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
I actually purchased this video card to address a mouse lag issue I have been having with my Magic Mouse in my Hack Pro. I built my original machine with a fanless nVidia GTX9800 series card. I was having a bad mouse lag issue that after researching the net may have been due to nVidia cards 9xxx and 8xxx series. So, I tried the original apple video card.
Install was a breeze. I was surpised to find that it didn't need the extra E6 power cord. I was a little disappointed in seeing that it had a fan because I really wanted a quiet system. However, happily, it is still very quiet and I don't hear anything from my box under the desk.
The card works great. Video is smooth. Unfortunately, it didn't solve my mouse lag issue. I later found that the problem is probably partly the nVidia card and partly a poor bluetooth connection. When I moved my bluetooth dongle to the keyboard instead on the back of my box under the desk, the mouse jitters resolved. I think that the issue was not only due to the bluetooth link because originally, with my nVidia card, the same problem happened with my wired Mighty Mouse. I have not tried the wired Mighty Mouse with the apple card. And, I have not tried replacing the original nVidia card with the bluetooth moved up to the keyboard. I don't think I'll do the latter because the apple card works well and is quiet enough that I don't hear it.
I am using the DVI-I output to drive a super high resolution 30" Dell 3008wfp. It also has a mini-display port that I have not used yet.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Quality Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphic Design
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
I USE SECOND MONITOR FOR TOOL PALLETS.
- Primary use:
- Business
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
After purchasing the extremely noisy ATI RAEDON 3870, I exchanged it for this wonderfully silent graphics card for my Mac Pro (v. 3.1, early 2008 model). Worked perfectly out of the box and $50 less than the ATI!
Pros
- 2 monitors 2 cards
Cons
- 2 monitors 2 cards
Best Uses
- 2 monitors
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
I purchased 2 24" apple cinema displays and MACPRO came with only one card. The second needed to run the new displays with the mini display port.
Comments about Apple nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (Early 2009):
I order this card from B&H for my new 2009 Mac pro Quad, I also have an early 2008 mac pro, I was curious to see if this card will work with a Intel processor... Guest what? It works great...
So if you have a 24" LED Apple Cinema Display, you will be able to hook it up to your Mac pro 2008 version with this card.
Good Luck!
Displaying reviews 1-12
Cables & Adapters
- Price: $39.19
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
