New GeForce GTX 285 Drivers Available Now, Offering Up to 20% Better Gaming Performan

MacRumors · 01:20 PM

NVIDIA has released new drivers for the GeForce GTX 285 aftermarket graphics card which has been available for the Mac Pro. NVIDIA representatives have also informed MacRumors that the new driver will deliver "up to 20% better performance" for gaming compared to previous driver versions.

Also, Mac Pro customers using the GeForce GTX 285 will need to update their card's driver before upgrading to Apple's forthcoming OS X 10.5.8. Failure to upgrade the driver prior to installing OS X 10.5.8 reportedly can cause system hanging.

The GeForce GTX 285 is currently available from the Apple Store for $449.95 and delivers a significant upgrade over the standard graphics card options available on the Mac Pro. The GeForce GTX 285 is not offered as a build-to-order option on new Mac Pros and must be ordered as an aftermarket upgrade. The card is compatible with both "Early 2008" and "Early 2009" Mac Pro models.

Article Link: New GeForce GTX 285 Drivers Available Now, Offering Up to 20% Better Gaming Performance

Pugpuppydude · Jul 13, 2009, 11:56 AM

Oh good i'm glad this is compatible with the 2008 models.. I have been thinking about getting this card. Hopefully Snow will make it even faster though!

SPUY767 · Jul 13, 2009, 12:01 PM

It's a good card, but there's no reason that it shouldn't be manufactured to be compatible with all mac pro models with a PCI-E slot. I'm running an EVGA 295 under boot camp in my late 2006 mac pro, which has become a dedicated windows machine since I've picked up a new Nehalem Mac Pro, and I get stellar gaming performance.

Architect4122 · Jul 13, 2009, 12:05 PM

Anyone know why this isn't an option for Build-to-Order?

RetepNamenots · Jul 13, 2009, 12:06 PM

It's the ever-annoying phrase 'up to' again!

dvkid · Jul 13, 2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Architect4122

Anyone know why this isn't an option for Build-to-Order?

If I had to guess, I'd say it has something to do with Apple not wanting to directly provide support for these units. If you have to install it yourself, users are more likely to place a disconnect between Apple and the product's service.

admanimal · Jul 13, 2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Architect4122

Anyone know why this isn't an option for Build-to-Order?

Maybe because it doesn't have a mini displayport connector and therefore doesn't support the 24" LED display.

Architect4122 · Jul 13, 2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by admanimal

Maybe because it doesn't have a mini displayport connector and therefore doesn't support the 24" LED display.

Good point. At the same time I see it as a great way for apple to sell one of their display connection adapters!

mcnallym · Jul 13, 2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Architect4122

Anyone know why this isn't an option for Build-to-Order?

Would also be nice if available outside USA.

Kilamite · Jul 13, 2009, 01:03 PM

How do you upgrade the drivers on OS X? Thought we were locked out?

Or is this firmware?

ghostface147 · Jul 13, 2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Architect4122

Anyone know why this isn't an option for Build-to-Order?

Good question. I bet it will show up soon and this is strictly for the early adopters at this time.

Strobe · Jul 13, 2009, 02:26 PM

This is old news. I got excited when I saw UP TOO 20% gain in performance as I definitely get better FPS in Vista on my card and was hoping to semi bridge the gap at least.

That excitedness vanished when I saw that on NVIDIA site that the driver is "18.5.2f16" which is the same thing EVGA released 6/12/09 on their site. UGH, disappointment.

Speedtoy · Jul 13, 2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUY767

It's a good card, but there's no reason that it shouldn't be manufactured to be compatible with all mac pro models with a PCI-E slot. I'm running an EVGA 295 under boot camp in my late 2006 mac pro, which has become a dedicated windows machine since I've picked up a new Nehalem Mac Pro, and I get stellar gaming performance.

Works fine in a 2,1 MacPro as well, with a kext insertion into the driver package, and a proper boot card in slot1.

Zero issues in BC, as you noted.

MacsRgr8 · Jul 13, 2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacRumors

Also, Mac Pro customers using the GeForce GTX 285 will need to update their card's driver before upgrading to Apple's forthcoming OS X 10.5.8. Failure to upgrade the driver prior to installing OS X 10.5.8 reportedly can cause system hanging.

That would be a reason not to buy this card.
That is so, so annoying.

It seems you can't re-install Leopard once this card has been installed.

brand · Jul 13, 2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacsRgr8

It seems you can't re-install Leopard once this card has been installed.

Yea you can, just put the original card back in.

MacsRgr8 · Jul 13, 2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brand

Yea you can, just put the original card back in.

Don't you think that's annoying?

brand · Jul 13, 2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacsRgr8

Don't you think that's annoying?

Yes it is some what of a pain. How do you propose that Apple magically integrates the drivers into the Mac OS discs that are already in population?

AidenShaw · Jul 13, 2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brand

Yes it is some what of a pain. How do you propose that Apple magically integrates the drivers into the Mac OS discs that are already in population?

Perhaps Apple could copy Microsoft's innovations in this area - the MS installers can download updated and missing components from the network while you are installing. If you have newer hardware, or if some subtle bugs have been fixed in code on the discs - just automatically update on the fly.

Nice, eh?

ppdix · Jul 13, 2009, 06:19 PM

Got a new Mac Pro 8-Core 2.26Ghz with 16GB RAM and the GTX285...

I am extremely disappointed at the quality and speed of this card. Photoshop images stutter and vertical scrolling, especially black text on white background scrolling has ghosting and a "scanner" effect on the screen.
Aperture 2 is slower than my 3 year old quad 3.0GHz Mac Pro with ATI X1900.
Video playback is not smooth, and also resizing the video window while playing is not smooth but stuttery...

I was so disappointed with this card that I got myself an ATI 4870 HD and I must say it is much better. I never liked NVIDIA. They always had some problem with their cards. No wonder Apple is going to switch back to ATI.

I am not a gamer, no time for games here. I expected a professional card for the money and at 1GB of memory it should be wicked fast but not...

I already got my RMA from Mac Mall. So, if u are a serious gamer, get a playstation instead and get an ATI card for your Mac Pro.

billmister · Jul 13, 2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacRumors

...NVIDIA representatives have also informed MacRumors that the new driver will deliver "up to 20% better performance" for gaming compared to previous driver versions.

Sweet!!!

......

........

now, only if they had good games to play on that mac it would be GREAT!

twoodcc · Jul 14, 2009, 07:05 AM

sounds great. i still wonder why it's not a built-to-order option though

harveypooka · Sep 17, 2009, 04:35 AM

Still only in the US.

Probably best to flash a PC GTX285.

Jul 13, 2009, 11:45 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	New GeForce GTX 285 Drivers Available Now, Offering Up to 20% Better Gaming Performan NVIDIA has released new drivers for the GeForce GTX 285 aftermarket graphics card which has been available for the Mac Pro. NVIDIA representatives have also informed MacRumors that the new driver will deliver "up to 20% better performance" for gaming compared to previous driver versions. Also, Mac Pro customers using the GeForce GTX 285 will need to update their card's driver before upgrading to Apple's forthcoming OS X 10.5.8. Failure to upgrade the driver prior to installing OS X 10.5.8 reportedly can cause system hanging. The GeForce GTX 285 is currently available from the Apple Store for $449.95 and delivers a significant upgrade over the standard graphics card options available on the Mac Pro. The GeForce GTX 285 is not offered as a build-to-order option on new Mac Pros and must be ordered as an aftermarket upgrade. The card is compatible with both "Early 2008" and "Early 2009" Mac Pro models. Article Link: New GeForce GTX 285 Drivers Available Now, Offering Up to 20% Better Gaming Performance Last edited by arn : Jul 13, 2009 at 01:20 PM.

Jul 13, 2009, 12:01 PM	#3
SPUY767 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: GA	It's a good card, but there's no reason that it shouldn't be manufactured to be compatible with all mac pro models with a PCI-E slot. I'm running an EVGA 295 under boot camp in my late 2006 mac pro, which has become a dedicated windows machine since I've picked up a new Nehalem Mac Pro, and I get stellar gaming performance. __________________ Yo' mama's so STUPID, she went to Bangkok to get a TIE Fighter.

Jul 13, 2009, 12:06 PM	#5
RetepNamenots macrumors member Join Date: May 2009	It's the ever-annoying phrase 'up to' again! __________________ 2.8GHz Mid-2009 17" Macbook Pro (10.5.8) 24" Custom Hackintosh, 3.4GHz, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB HDD, OS X 10.5.7 (iDeneb) 8GB iPod Touch 2G (Jailbroken)

Jul 13, 2009, 01:03 PM	#10
Kilamite macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland	How do you upgrade the drivers on OS X? Thought we were locked out? Or is this firmware? __________________ - MacBook Pro Unibody 15" 2.8GHz 'anti-glare' - Apple TV 1TB (work in progress) - iPhone 3G 8GB - MobileMe // OS X 10.6.2

Jul 13, 2009, 02:26 PM	#12
Strobe macrumors newbie Join Date: May 2009	This is old news. I got excited when I saw UP TOO 20% gain in performance as I definitely get better FPS in Vista on my card and was hoping to semi bridge the gap at least. That excitedness vanished when I saw that on NVIDIA site that the driver is "18.5.2f16" which is the same thing EVGA released 6/12/09 on their site. UGH, disappointment. __________________ Mac Pro 09 - 2.66GHz Quad, 6GB, GTX285 mac, 640/2x320GB. + 23" ACD. 15" Macbook Pro - 2.4GHz, 256MB 8600, 4GB, 200GB. iPhone 3G 16GB - Black

Jul 13, 2009, 11:56 AM	#2
Pugpuppydude macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Utah	Oh good i'm glad this is compatible with the 2008 models.. I have been thinking about getting this card. Hopefully Snow will make it even faster though!

Jul 13, 2009, 12:05 PM	#4
Architect4122 macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2007	Anyone know why this isn't an option for Build-to-Order?

Jul 13, 2009, 06:19 PM	#19
ppdix macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2001	Card sucks on a Mac Pro Nehalem 8-Core... Got a new Mac Pro 8-Core 2.26Ghz with 16GB RAM and the GTX285... I am extremely disappointed at the quality and speed of this card. Photoshop images stutter and vertical scrolling, especially black text on white background scrolling has ghosting and a "scanner" effect on the screen. Aperture 2 is slower than my 3 year old quad 3.0GHz Mac Pro with ATI X1900. Video playback is not smooth, and also resizing the video window while playing is not smooth but stuttery... I was so disappointed with this card that I got myself an ATI 4870 HD and I must say it is much better. I never liked NVIDIA. They always had some problem with their cards. No wonder Apple is going to switch back to ATI. I am not a gamer, no time for games here. I expected a professional card for the money and at 1GB of memory it should be wicked fast but not... I already got my RMA from Mac Mall. So, if u are a serious gamer, get a playstation instead and get an ATI card for your Mac Pro.

Jul 14, 2009, 07:05 AM	#21
twoodcc macrumors 603 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Right side of wrong	sounds great. i still wonder why it's not a built-to-order option though __________________ tville pump Smarter than the average bear

Sep 17, 2009, 04:35 AM	#22
harveypooka macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Not Akron	Still only in the US. Probably best to flash a PC GTX285. __________________ "I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, and I'm happy, Doctor, I finally won out over it." - James Stewart (Elwood Dowd) in Harvey, 1950.

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