old card need opinion

[offtheroad]

I have an early 2009 Mac Pro 2.66 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon with a NVIDIA GeForce GT 120. I just bought a new NEC MultiSync P242W Display. Everything was work find but the a few time starting up I got a snowy screen like the old dayz on TV> Called NEC and they are always very helpful. They thought it might be my card since it is a bit old. Budget is an issue for me and I'm a graphic designer/Photographer also doing a little bit of Audio with Logic Pro. I don't need a really fast board as if I'm a gamer just the next step up (if it is my display board) How would I test that. I am on the NVIDIA forum but after 21 view and 6 hr's no reply.

 

[TemjinGold]

Is your cable on tight on both ends?

 

[offtheroad]

Thanks for the reply. Well I can't tighten the screws anymore and it's the long DVI cable, if I have the title right about 6 ft.

 

[TemjinGold]

I had that problem before and it was a bad cable. If you have another cable to test, I would try that.

 

[offtheroad]

I'll look around but doubt it.Thanks

 

[Childs]

I would tend to think its the card as well. This sounds familiar, but I can't quite remember the details. If you have a mini display port to display port adapter, you can test if its the port. You can try booting without drivers (boot while holding shift-S) to see if its software related. If you have another nvidia card, even if its a PC version, you most likely can install NV's web drivers, install the card, then see if that works.

If you know someone with a Mac Pro, I'd just ask to borrow their card for a few hours.

 

[offtheroad]

I have neither I'll try disconnecting the cable on both ends and reconnecting. It gets extremely dusty out here in Albuquerque NM and dry so anything floating around in the air is subject to any kind of static and get sucked right in. So even though the card in in a case could enough dust get into the fan area to cause this? If it happens again I'll ask NEC for a new cable. There are extremely customer care people not the same can be said of NVIDIA.

 

[offtheroad]

Childs, if you think it's the card do you have any suggestions on a replacement? Budget is an issue. I have an early 2009 Mac Pro 2.66 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon

 

[Childs]

Cheapest thing would probably be to buy another used GT 120 from eBay. Should be able to find an Apple (not efi flashed) one for $50 -$100. These days people seem to be using PC video cards for these old Mac Pros. So maybe a new 750 ti for around $130. Or something like a used 650 (~$50 on eBay) or later card. Only downside to using a PC card is you don't get the initial boot screen.

I don't think I would invest too much in a Mac specific card. They are way overpriced.

 

[offtheroad]

Thanks, I'm the kind of person who likes something dependable and very compatable. Everything I think is over priced. This NEC display is the first non apple product in my system and I only bought it because I can calibrate it and it's new technology compared to my old 23" apple. I don't like to buy other peoples problems also.