Compare Mac OS 10.12 to 10.13

When considering an upgrade to a new operating system, it's natural to wonder what differences you can expect between versions. In this article, we'll delve into the key changes and improvements in Mac OS 10.12 compared to 10.13.

From my personal experience, upgrading from 10.12 to 10.13 was a breeze. I didn't need any special skills or knowledge, and the process took only a few minutes to complete - the longest part being the task of plugging and unplugging all my connected devices. The main differences between the two versions lie in the PCIe power port positions and the elimination of the annoying PCIe bar hanger latch.

One notable aspect is that you can install a 10x0 series into a 2008 Mac Pro, but this guide specifically focuses on the 2010-2012 Mac Pros. Over the past three years, I've used my upgraded Mac Pro without any issues, and it has served me well. However, I recently decided to take the plunge and install a 1060 GPU.

For those interested in benchmarking their new setup, I've included some additional benchmarks in this article. Years ago, I wrote a guide on how to install a GeForce 760 or 770 into a 2008 Mac Pro, which remains relevant today. For more information on upgrading your Mac Pro's GPU, refer to my Definitive Mac Pro Upgrade Guide.

When it comes to choosing between AMD and NVidia video cards, I highly recommend opting for an AMD solution. According to NVidia, their GeForce cards are actively being blocked from receiving drivers in 10.14.x and later versions of macOS. Unfortunately, Apple and NVidia's relations appear to have reached a stalemate.

As of this article's publication date (April 3, 2019), NVidia drivers were still available for Mac OS 10.12-10.13. However, it's essential to keep in mind that this may change in the future. For the most up-to-date information on upgrading your Mac Pro, I recommend consulting my Definitive Mac Pro Upgrade Guide.

Compare mac os 10.12 to 10.13