Core Image and FX5200

[bunnspecial]

I know that the GeForce FX5200 officially supports core image.

I've wondered about this, though. I've had 5200s in G5s, iMac G4s, and mobile 5200s(12" Powerbook).

I've seen 5200s described as "barely" having core image support. Even so, systems so equipped list Core Image support as "hardware accelerated."

I also know that 5200-equipped systems don't show any of the "eye candy" in Leopard usually associated with Core Image like the translucent menu bar or "ripples" in the dashboard, while these are there on better core image cards(Radeon 9600 and up, GeForce 6 series).

Is there any real advantage to the Core Image support in the 5200? I'm asking because I'm trying to get a PCI version flashed to work in a B&W, and am wondering if it's worth giving up OS 9 support for the(seemingly) limited core image functionality of a 5200. BTW, I'm currently using a Radeon 9200 in the B&W, which has 128mb of VRAM. The 5200 I'm trying to flash has 256mb-not 64mb like most of the Mac versions of this card.

 

[Intell]

It does support most of the Leopard eye candy, expect for the transparent menu bar. It's CoreImage support is low compared to even the ATI 9550, but it does make a very noticeable difference in a B&W G3, even on Tiger. Some of the PCI GeForce 5200 cards are more powerful than the Mac versions, but they still lack a fully supported CoreImage instruction set.

 

[bunnspecial]

Thanks-I guess that I hadn't noticed the "ripples" in the dashboard with these cards in the past, but just tested on my PB and indeed they are there.

I guess I'll proceed with flashing the 5200-I just wish there were OS 9 drivers for it!

 

[Intell]

You could also keep the ATI 9200 in the B&W's second slot and put the GeForce 5200 in the GPU PCI slot.

 

[bunnspecial]

I guess that's always a possibility

I'd like to find another 9200 or maybe a 7500 for my beige that I'm working on upgrading. I don't really need better graphics performance, but the Rage 128 gets a bit long in the tooth when trying to drive a 1920x1080 display, or even a 1680x1050.

 

[LightBulbFun]

I was Just reading ur post when I remembered I have this this in my 50 tabs open LOL http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/nVidia-Ge...636?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item3a93b60874 its a PCI 6200 which has been flashed for mac and this one is a first as I always thought the 6200 was AGP only any how I would suggest u get the 6200 since its much faster then a 5200 and has full core image support (mod note this is not my ebay item Just somthing I found)

 

[Intell]

It should be noted that the PCI GeForce 6200 has stability problems when it is flashed causing it to kernel panic the machine or produce highly artifacted video.

 

[Surrat]

Given the choice of a ATI 9200 or an Nvidia fx5200, I would take the 5200 every time. Its not great, but still better than the 9200, and not just because of core image.

Several years ago, I was using my blue & white to watch dvd movies a lot, and the ATI 9200 mac edition didn't do well, the movies would stutter and frame rate wasn't good. I finally made a flashed fx5200 and dvd playback was perfect.

My blue & white now has a voodoo5 5500, but as far as I know, that card cant be used with OSX.

 

[bunnspecial]

My blue & white now has a voodoo5 5500, but as far as I know, that card cant be used with OSX.

I have the AGP version of one of these in a box of assorted AGP cards a friend gave me a while back...maybe it's worth playing with.

In any case, I appreciate the continued feedback and discussion on these cards.