You can configure your Mac Pro by installing additional cards in the PCI Express expansion slots.
All slots are connected through a PCI Express switch on the Mac Pro main logic board. PCI Express switch bandwidth is automatically configured through pool allocations. You can use the Expansion Slot Utility to manually configure pool allocations. For more information about the Expansion Slot Utility, see the Apple Support article WARNING: For optimum ventilation, space cards out as you install them. If you remove a card and don’t install a replacement, place a port access cover over the empty slot to keep foreign objects out of the enclosure. An uncovered slot may cause damage by affecting the airflow that cools the internal components.Important: Connect cards to the appropriate power source, as illustrated below. Only use cables sold online at apple.com or at an Apple Store, or cables that come with compatible third-party PCIe cards.Take care when connecting to the AUX connectors. When installing an accessory into your system that uses AUX power, first attach the AUX connector, then install the module. Be careful not to drop the module while connected to the AUX connector, as doing so may result in damage to the AUX connector or logic board. If the AUX connector becomes damaged, don’t turn on your computer because doing so may further damage it. For more information about repairing your Mac Pro, see Remove the necessary side brackets.If you’re installing a card into Slots, 1, 2, 3, or 4, remove the side bracket on the bottom-right.If you’re installing a card into Slot 5, 6, or 7, remove the side bracket on the top-right.If you’re installing a full-length card, remove the left side bracket.Slide the lock to the left.Reinstall Mac Pro back into the rack.Reconnect all cables and the power cord to your Mac Pro.
WARNING: For optimum ventilation, space cards out as you install them. If you remove a card and don’t install a replacement, place a port access cover over the empty slot to keep foreign objects out of the enclosure. An uncovered slot may cause damage by affecting the airflow that cools the internal components.
Important: Connect cards to the appropriate power source, as illustrated below. Only use cables sold online at apple.com or at an Apple Store, or cables that come with compatible third-party PCIe cards.
Take care when connecting to the AUX connectors. When installing an accessory into your system that uses AUX power, first attach the AUX connector, then install the module. Be careful not to drop the module while connected to the AUX connector, as doing so may result in damage to the AUX connector or logic board. If the AUX connector becomes damaged, don’t turn on your computer because doing so may further damage it. For more information about repairing your Mac Pro, see Remove the necessary side brackets.If you’re installing a card into Slots, 1, 2, 3, or 4, remove the side bracket on the bottom-right.If you’re installing a card into Slot 5, 6, or 7, remove the side bracket on the top-right.If you’re installing a full-length card, remove the left side bracket.Slide the lock to the left.Reinstall Mac Pro back into the rack.Reconnect all cables and the power cord to your Mac Pro.
Remove the necessary side brackets.
If you’re installing a card into Slots, 1, 2, 3, or 4, remove the side bracket on the bottom-right.
If you’re installing a card into Slot 5, 6, or 7, remove the side bracket on the top-right.
If you’re installing a full-length card, remove the left side bracket.
Slide the lock to the left.
Reinstall Mac Pro back into the rack.
Reconnect all cables and the power cord to your Mac Pro.