Likely low-power low-heat GPUs for new Mac Pro?

[netdog]

Hi,

When ordering time comes on January 15th, I want to be ready to order. I don't want a graphics card with a large fan. What GPUs are likely to be in the new Mac Pro that run cool and efficiently and what heat-monsters might I want to beware of? I am not a gamer. Just video and image editing, and a fanatic about quiet computing.

Cheers!

 

[Umbongo]

Just get whatever the stock card is then.

 

[netdog]

That's likely to be lower power and lower heat?

Sorry, I just don't know much about video cards.

 

[Macinposh]

7300GT?

Prepare.

 

[netdog]

7300GT?

Prepare.

I do know a little more than that however.

 

[Austin-jr]

That's likely to be lower power and lower heat?

Sorry, I just don't know much about video cards.

If you're doing video don't skimp on the video card! Apple has been moving more to using the muscle in the video cards. The new version of Imovie will not work without a card that supports Quartz Extreme. All the new cards sold now support it. But. Protect yourself from the future. Move at least one step up, or the most that you can afford.

 

[HDproducer]

If your using pro apps, Motion 3 uses the GPU so get a good one. I will most likely be going with the top or 2nd to top option.

 

[Umbongo]

That's likely to be lower power and lower heat?

Sorry, I just don't know much about video cards.

Yeah, it'll probably at most a passively cooled 2600XT or 8600GT and would be what you want. As others have pointed out you may be able to take advantage of a more powerful graphics card, but I'm guessing as you are asking you don't need one.

 

[JFreak]

Passive cooling is "cool" (pun intended) because it makes less noise. I know I would prefer one that is dead silent but not as powerful, compared to killer workhorse that blows like a windtunnel.

 

[Eidorian]

Radeon HD3850 is power and love.