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1st Generation Mac Pro Graphics

H

htdefiant

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 19, 2006
77
0
I always ask this question every 3 months...but the answer is always different! I've got a 1st Generation Mac Pro that has the standard 7300 GT. I run OS X and Windows Vista (just upgraded for DirectX10 capabilities). I play lots of 3D games on Windows. On the Mac, I dabble in Final Cut Pro sometimes, but that's it as far as video/graphics work on the Mac side. Eventually, that may change, but, for now, most of my graphics needs are on Windows. That all being said, what do you all recommend for a new graphics card for this 1st Gen Mac Pro?

Thanks guys.
 
Agreed on the 7300 GT... why in hell I ordered my 8 core 'Pro with it is beyond me. Well, actually I do remember why I ordered it. Because my graphics are mostly still images and I didn't think I'd need too insane a card to handle that. But there are parts of programs even in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Aperture that do rely on the graphics card heavily.

How does this ATI compare to the 8800 GT?
 
valdore said:
Agreed on the 7300 GT... why in hell I ordered my 8 core 'Pro with it is beyond me. Well, actually I do remember why I ordered it. Because my graphics are mostly still images and I didn't think I'd need too insane a card to handle that. But there are parts of programs even in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Aperture that do rely on the graphics card heavily.

How does this ATI compare to the 8800 GT?
Click to expand...

http://barefeats.com/harper19.html

Even compares the 4870 as well.

It is also said that ATI does a better job optimizing their cards for Core Image and Pro Applications.
 
Seeng as I do game on Windows, the consensus is the 8800? Or dual 4800s? Or because of the speed quality issues on the first gen video ports, just go with the 8800?
 
If you're looking to ever use the card under OS X, I'd go with the 8800 GT. If you don't mind using the 7300 for Leopard and the 48x0 cards for Windows, go that route.
 
Mackilroy said:
If you're looking to ever use the card under OS X, I'd go with the 8800 GT. If you don't mind using the 7300 for Leopard and the 48x0 cards for Windows, go that route.
Click to expand...

How could I configure that to work?
 
Is there enough of a performnace difference between the 8800 and the 48x0 on OS X to merit that setup?
 
You will only be able to get half the speed on the cards. (either have one running 16x, or two running 8x each)
 
I'm in the same boat, but I'm holding out for an ATI 4870. It should have very good results in wingames and in core apps, and I refuse to go to a 2 card solution. On another note I think apple went with the lowest end possible for and still be PCIe. I can't imagine that at that bulk it would have cost much more to go with something in the 8xxx series as standard.
 
So, my question is: since we only get half speed on one card, shouldn't I just take the one that has better performance for Windows? (48x0?)
 
I'd reverse that card scheme and put the 48x0 card in Slot 1, and the 7300 GT in Slot 4. That way you get maximum speed out of the Windows card, and reduced speed with the Leopard card (which isn't as important in this case).
 
Mackilroy said:
I'd reverse that card scheme and put the 48x0 card in Slot 1, and the 7300 GT in Slot 4. That way you get maximum speed out of the Windows card, and reduced speed with the Leopard card (which isn't as important in this case).
Click to expand...

I've heard, but not personally verified, that the card in the bottom slot needs to have EFI for the Mac to spit a video signal.
 
grue said:
I've heard, but not personally verified, that the card in the bottom slot needs to have EFI for the Mac to spit a video signal.
Click to expand...

Under OS X, you mean? Because under Windows it wouldn't matter.
 
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