Step 1

If you are installing a new NVIDIA graphics card please install the appropriate drivers before installation. If you are installing a new AMD graphics card you won't need additional drivers.

Begin by disconnecting Mac Pro power cable and all other cables from the back of Mac Pro. Lift the lever on the back and remove the side panel.

Step 2

Locate your current graphics card. It should be right above memory compartment in the lowest PCI-Express slot.

Step 3

Loosen the two thumb screws by twisting them counterclockwise (A). Remove the retaining plate that they were holding. Push on the plastic clip right below the graphics card (B) to release it from its slot and slide it away from the computer.

If your new graphics card is dual slot sized one also remove the bottom-most PCI-Express bracket (C). This is necessary to accommodate the larger fan on your new graphics card.

Step 4

Locate two PCI-Express power connectors on the motherboard under the front fan (D).

Step 5

If your graphics card came with additional power cables you need to connect them to the motherboard PCI-Express power connectors (some low-end cards do not require extra power and thus do no come with power cables). Insert the small 6-pin end of each power cable into the connector on the motherboard until it snaps into place.

If there is just a single 6-pin power connector on your new graphics card then you need to connect just one 6-pin power cable.

For cards with a single 8-pin connector use two 6-pin power cables and attach their large 6-pin ends to 2x 6-pin to 8-pin adapter.

For cards with 6-pin + 8-pin connector use two 6-pin power cables and attach 6-pin to 8-pin adapter to one of the large 6-pin ends.

For cards with a dual 8-pin connector use two 6-pin power cables and attach 6-pin to 8-pin adapter to both of the large 6-pin ends.

Step 6

Before inserting your new graphics card make sure to remove all the protective films, PCI-Express connector cover and port covers if they still exist.

Locate the bottom-most PCI-Express slot (E). Just like your old graphics card, your new graphics card has a connector tab along its edge that will fit into this slot. Make sure to line up the connector tab and the PCI-Express slot correctly and insert it gently into the slot. Do not use excessive force. If the card does not seem to be inserting correctly remove it and check the alignment again.

Make sure to align the thumb screws holes with a bracket on the card so the retaining plate can be remounted. Sometimes you may need to lift the card a bit from the right side.

Step 7

Insert large ends of the power cables into your graphics card. Remount the retaining plate and tighten the thumb screws. Replace Mac Pro side panel and push the lever on the back to lock it into place. Reconnect the power cable and all other cables. Turn on your computer and enjoy!