Current Mac Pro & Graphics "Upgradeability"

I've not heard any debacle whatsoever. But:

Apple has always been extremely half-assed with the graphics in their pro-line. I contemplated buying the Quad G5 and from its release to the announcement of the Intel line and it had maybe one graphic upgrade. It sucks, but there's really nothing one can do about it. It's just how Apple rolls. Search the archives of any Mac site (I used to post on MacAddict) for 2005 and people will be complaining about how Apple upgraded from PCI-X to PCI-E in their G5s. Aside maybe 1 more upgrade, PCI-X was dead.

Now, I can see things going in one of two ways:

1. The "ipod effect" way: The pro-line will get more attention (From 3rd parties or Apple themselves) because of the massive penetration Apple is giving other markets.
2. The "historical" way: Things will stay the same as they always have.

I own a 2006 pro and I'm almost certain that I'll be able to upgrade my graphics card somewhat in the near future. It's just a matter of waiting for it to happen.

On another note: Have the 8800GT-equipped Mac Pros even shipped yet? You make it seem people are ready to storm apple - pitchforks and torches in hand over this 8800GT thing.

 

Food for thought: People ran the 8800GT in windows only on the 2006 mac pro in like feb. last year with a bit of hacking.

My post was reflecting apple shipped cards.

 

What? Your no going?

I am waiting fot the 8800 also, but no I am not ready to burn any corporation... just jet! Apple gives voice... give us choice! hehehehe

 

I think all of this drama about the 8800 not working in the earlier mac pro's is a bit overdone. First of all, the card isn't even shipping yet. It isn't working, therefore, even in the early 2008 mac pros.

I'd imagine that at some point soon the card will be compatible with earlier mac pros. i'm also willing to bet that if all you want to do is upgrade your graphics card once every two years lifetime of your system, that you'll be able to do so.

If you're comfortable with a bit of hacking and firmware-flashing, then you should be able to upgrade even more regularly.

 

I'm trying to burn my pitchfork, but my 1900xt is too damn slow to render it. You're totally right..."Apple gives us voice...give us choice!" Quite a good slogan.

 

If you want a decent card, keep yelling and screaming about the consumer gaming tower.

Because face it, the current workstations do not have enough volume to keep two HW vendors shipping retail GPU upgrades for them.

Until Apple releases the gaming machine people dream of, it seems like Preparation H will be needed for your shattered GPU dreams.

 

Oh wait, you didn't hear, the macpro is for the ultimate gamer, at least according to . http://www.apple.com/games/hardware

It even says that I can rule the world ! Woo hoo!

 

...read my first post in this thread.

 

The OP posted a well written coherent post asking about some technical details about a graphics card.

If you have anything to say about such technical details...say them, otherwise, stop being such a goofball. You accused me of wanting an apple gaming machine based off one post. Read my first post in this thread...its obvious you didn't read it. Otherwise I'd bet you would be ripping me on my apparent reg date on MacAddict. By the way...its 2003.

 

To be perfectly honest I am still rather new to macs myself, however I have read threads similar to what caeneal has posted earlier on. If you want to upgrade your graphics card down the line for gaming under bootcamp it does not seem all that hard to accomplish. In theory if the Mac Pro is able to run on Mac hardware as if it was a more traditional "PC" with little to no issues then it should be able to detect a windows based graphics card installed along side your 8800GT. The only matter of any trouble would be to have a second screen, or to switch ports upon booting to windows. (Keep in mind that the Mac Pro only has 1 PCIE 2.0 slot!)

With this is mind there really is no need to be concerned as to whether or not Apple will keep up with the latest in gaming. That is unless you have issues with buying a new video card and or screen.

Currently I don't think that you have to worry about the 8800GT becoming obsolete anytime soon even if a newer and better card comes along. From your post you don't seem to be one who craves being on the bleeding edge of technology when it comes to gaming - so you should be fine for at least a few years.

Just my thoughts.