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Mac Pro Gaming Machine
- Thread starter endoCLONE
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You don't know what you're talking about. The 3870 is much better than the 8800GT in apps like FCS2 (particularly Motion) and Aperture.
2 or 3 years ago to run the new(er) games at anything like 1680 x 1050 or higher with a decent amount of eye candy was beyond a single card. I used both SLI and CF at various stages and they both did allow for some quite marked improvements in performance.
Now is a different story with the likes of the 260, 280, 4870 and 4870x2. These cards are capable of delivering some very high performance from a single card.
I have currently in my Mac Pro Early 2008 a 2600xt in the very top slot for OSX and then a 4870 with an aftermarket cooler on in the bottom. I'm going to see if I can get the 8800GT Mac ed and a 260 working later.
Now is a different story with the likes of the 260, 280, 4870 and 4870x2. These cards are capable of delivering some very high performance from a single card.
I have currently in my Mac Pro Early 2008 a 2600xt in the very top slot for OSX and then a 4870 with an aftermarket cooler on in the bottom. I'm going to see if I can get the 8800GT Mac ed and a 260 working later.
From what I hear on this forum, most of the PC gamers go with a Mac card for OSX and and a high-end PC card for PC gaming.
As I'm a Mac (and Xbox 360) gamer, I just use a higher end Mac card. Of course for Mac gaming a Geforce 8800 does well since hardly any new Mac FPS games have come out. You don't need a Geforce 8800 for UT2004 or Quake 4.
Where's UT3 (Gordon says he's workin' on it), Call of Duty, and Gears?
Soon I'll be playing more games on my Xbox 360 than my Mac.
My 2008 Mac Pro runs games like god. I recently picked up a 4870x2, threw on 64-bit vista, CCC, and the newest boot camp update. She flies. No exaggeration. 3870 for OS X.
Currently I am using 12Gb of ram in the machine and have windows on a separate 320Gb drive in slot 2.
COD4 runs perfect max everything, extra textures...blah blah
1920x1200
STALKER CLEAR SKY, same
ect ect....
and we are talking wayyyyyy over like 50-60fps... wayyyy over. We are talking enough fps for headroom and then some for the future.
SO DONT LET THESE PEOPLE BS YOU ABOUT HOW THE MAC PRO CANT OR SHOULD NOT BE A GAMING MACHINE! and then boot back into os x at the end of the day and have sex with the amazing OS environment it is.
Apple should release a new commercial for the Mac Pro (along with OS X and PC graphics cards). It will go something like this; "By adding a windows compatible premium graphics card to the configuration of a new Mac Pro, or one you already own, you are engaging yourself for a world of fun, where new and exciting opportunities await you in the world of Windows gaming" Mac walks up to Pc (who is crying hysterically) and says what's wrong Pc. Pc replies "Now that macs can play games and run office theirs no need for me anymore... That and the aliens are taking over (reference to alienware). Closes with "The all new Mac Pro, Work and Play today"
Needless to say it wont be obsolete for gaming for a while, and so as long as PCI E 16x is fast enough, Ill just keep throwing in newer cards!
Worst case scenario... Games get more demanding and I find a way to add a second 4870x2.
Currently I am using 12Gb of ram in the machine and have windows on a separate 320Gb drive in slot 2.
COD4 runs perfect max everything, extra textures...blah blah
1920x1200
STALKER CLEAR SKY, same
ect ect....
and we are talking wayyyyyy over like 50-60fps... wayyyy over. We are talking enough fps for headroom and then some for the future.
SO DONT LET THESE PEOPLE BS YOU ABOUT HOW THE MAC PRO CANT OR SHOULD NOT BE A GAMING MACHINE! and then boot back into os x at the end of the day and have sex with the amazing OS environment it is.
Apple should release a new commercial for the Mac Pro (along with OS X and PC graphics cards). It will go something like this; "By adding a windows compatible premium graphics card to the configuration of a new Mac Pro, or one you already own, you are engaging yourself for a world of fun, where new and exciting opportunities await you in the world of Windows gaming" Mac walks up to Pc (who is crying hysterically) and says what's wrong Pc. Pc replies "Now that macs can play games and run office theirs no need for me anymore... That and the aliens are taking over (reference to alienware). Closes with "The all new Mac Pro, Work and Play today"
Needless to say it wont be obsolete for gaming for a while, and so as long as PCI E 16x is fast enough, Ill just keep throwing in newer cards!
Worst case scenario... Games get more demanding and I find a way to add a second 4870x2.
Yeah, getting a second 4870 wont work cause there is not enough power.
Oh, and what happens when some new PCI technology comes out, enabling you to run 2x as fast graphic cards... Oh right, you would have to buy a totally new computer
Oh, and what happens if some new RAM technology is invented, with 4x the normal ram speed. O right, you would have to buy a totally new computer...
And when some new processor comes out... and it proves to be absolutely smoking... yep, new computer
While the Mac pro can perform average gaming now, it is still a dead end.
Oh, and what happens when some new PCI technology comes out, enabling you to run 2x as fast graphic cards... Oh right, you would have to buy a totally new computer
Oh, and what happens if some new RAM technology is invented, with 4x the normal ram speed. O right, you would have to buy a totally new computer...
And when some new processor comes out... and it proves to be absolutely smoking... yep, new computer
While the Mac pro can perform average gaming now, it is still a dead end.
My 2008 Mac Pro runs games like god. I recently picked up a 4870x2, threw on 64-bit vista, CCC, and the newest boot camp update. She flies. No exaggeration. 3870 for OS X.
Currently I am using 12Gb of ram in the machine and have windows on a separate 320Gb drive in slot 2.
COD4 runs perfect max everything, extra textures...blah blah
1920x1200
STALKER CLEAR SKY, same
ect ect....
and we are talking wayyyyyy over like 50-60fps... wayyyy over. We are talking enough fps for headroom and then some for the future.
SO DONT LET THESE PEOPLE BS YOU ABOUT HOW THE MAC PRO CANT OR SHOULD NOT BE A GAMING MACHINE! and then boot back into os x at the end of the day and have sex with the amazing OS environment it is.
Apple should release a new commercial for the Mac Pro (along with OS X and PC graphics cards). It will go something like this; "By adding a windows compatible premium graphics card to the configuration of a new Mac Pro, or one you already own, you are engaging yourself for a world of fun, where new and exciting opportunities await you in the world of Windows gaming" Mac walks up to Pc (who is crying hysterically) and says what's wrong Pc. Pc replies "Now that macs can play games and run office theirs no need for me anymore... That and the aliens are taking over (reference to alienware). Closes with "The all new Mac Pro, Work and Play today"
Needless to say it wont be obsolete for gaming for a while, and so as long as PCI E 16x is fast enough, Ill just keep throwing in newer cards!
Worst case scenario... Games get more demanding and I find a way to add a second 4870x2.
how did u power the 4870x2? I have a 8800gt right now and im thinking buying a 4870x2 for games...
You would need a 6 pin PCIe to 6 pin PCIe cable.
Use this one instead of the 6 pin cable that comes with it. Then connect the 8 pin to the power connector (4 pin Molex) in optical bay 2.
Easy.
Use this one instead of the 6 pin cable that comes with it. Then connect the 8 pin to the power connector (4 pin Molex) in optical bay 2.
Easy.
Just keep in mind, if you want a smooth boot process between both Windows and OSX, you may need to consider also getting the ati 3870 Mac edition card. With the 8800GT and 4870 plugged in at the same time, booting into Windows will be a bit of a chore as you will have to unplug the power support from the 8800GT. If you want to be able to boot between the two with only having to deal with the monitor cables, you'll need to get an ati Mac based card as well. This is because Windows only recognizes a single video package. Video package meaning vendor type (ati or nvidia).
I ran into this issue but since then have ordered the ati 3870 Mac edition.
Have you experienced any sudden shutdowns with your 4870x2? Playing Crysis perhaps?
And what happens if you run in front of a bus and lose your head! Oh wait you already did!
Get LOST TROLL!
So, I'm guessing you're not a fan then. I don't see anybody calling the MAC Pro a serious gaming only machine and I doubt anybody has bought it for that purpose alone.
I'm not defending the MAC Pro since I just bought one and have not even powered it on yet but buying one is not a dead end. Buy a high end Dell XPS and you have many of the same issues except you have more video card choices, however PSU, Mobo are not upgradable. Most people who build their own, like me until now are in constant upgrade mode anyway so don't buy MAC's for gaming.
For a PC, a new memory technology or new cpu technology comes out, you're buying many new parts, but again, the MAC Pro can be upgraded till the next technology comes out, heck after 3 years you're replacing it anyway and people who bought this wonderful machine will likely be able to afford the next one. Fortunately, this latest one is a monster and with a decent video card can perform as a gaming machine when needed but that's secondary or higher on their list of reasons to own one.
I'm looking forward to editing video on this thing!
IMHO having a Mac Pro, enough RAM, and the good grfx card, gives you best of all worlds!
You get a really good Mac for your work.
And get a very good gaming machine for your play.
No need for consoles which are only good for gaming, and with crappy controllers which are usually inconveniently hooked up to a HD TV which the rest of the family want to use to watch TV 'n stuff...
Nothing beats Race Driver Grid on Windows on my Mac Pro.
I happen to agree with you. I'm at home with a mouse and keyboard. I just can't play as well using the controller. My xBox360 collects dust more and more. The kb/mouse just feels natural.
i have to say i thought about using a mac pro (upgrading from a mac mini) as a gaming machine but decided to get a used 2.66 and get a pc for less than the new 2008 model.
I've got a kvm and my monitor has vga/dvi. PC has a 8800gts g92 video card and cost me about $500-600 to build and if i wanna play any game on steam, etc its a click away without rebooting. I knew the 8800gt would come out for the old mac 2.66 mac pro but $299 is a little steep.
I've got a kvm and my monitor has vga/dvi. PC has a 8800gts g92 video card and cost me about $500-600 to build and if i wanna play any game on steam, etc its a click away without rebooting. I knew the 8800gt would come out for the old mac 2.66 mac pro but $299 is a little steep.
No, no sudden crashes or shutdowns. The 4870x2 is an absolute beast! Its amazing how smooth everything runs! Especially maxed out at 1920x1200...I use the 3870 mac edition for OS X and when I rebooted into OS X it saw the 4870x2 as an ATI VGA adapter. Haven't tested the outs but still, intresting. I highly recomend this combo. I've heard of people riging two 4870x2 with external power... pretty sexy. Ones fast enough however.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cindori
Yeah, getting a second 4870 wont work cause there is not enough power.
Oh, and what happens when some new PCI technology comes out, enabling you to run 2x as fast graphic cards... Oh right, you would have to buy a totally new computer
Oh, and what happens if some new RAM technology is invented, with 4x the normal ram speed. O right, you would have to buy a totally new computer...
And when some new processor comes out... and it proves to be absolutely smoking... yep, new computer
While the Mac pro can perform average gaming now, it is still a dead end.
I believe this idiot forgot to remember that if any of this were to happen (and it will), it would render ALL CURRENT PCS AND MACS OBSELETE. Obviously. I think he's mad because he wishes he could own a Mac Pro, and since he simply can not he is trying to rationalize his inability by exploiting some of the Mac Pros short comings, while forgetting that the Mac Pro is simply a "Pc" workstation in disguise. Fair enough, it may not be the best gaming machine (a damn good one though), but obviously neither is yours, otherwise you would be playing some of the sickest games and not talking crap about Mac Pros while you pleasure yourself to it's apple store page wishing you could click "configure now". Hey buddy at least the shippings free.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cindori
Yeah, getting a second 4870 wont work cause there is not enough power.
Oh, and what happens when some new PCI technology comes out, enabling you to run 2x as fast graphic cards... Oh right, you would have to buy a totally new computer
Oh, and what happens if some new RAM technology is invented, with 4x the normal ram speed. O right, you would have to buy a totally new computer...
And when some new processor comes out... and it proves to be absolutely smoking... yep, new computer
While the Mac pro can perform average gaming now, it is still a dead end.
I believe this idiot forgot to remember that if any of this were to happen (and it will), it would render ALL CURRENT PCS AND MACS OBSELETE. Obviously. I think he's mad because he wishes he could own a Mac Pro, and since he simply can not he is trying to rationalize his inability by exploiting some of the Mac Pros short comings, while forgetting that the Mac Pro is simply a "Pc" workstation in disguise. Fair enough, it may not be the best gaming machine (a damn good one though), but obviously neither is yours, otherwise you would be playing some of the sickest games and not talking crap about Mac Pros while you pleasure yourself to it's apple store page wishing you could click "configure now". Hey buddy at least the shippings free.
...I own a Mac Pro. And my point is that a gaming machine should be upgradable to the point where you can follow the new technology. And the Mac Pro is not. You are blind if you think getting a 3870 and 20$ of cables is a natural way to get a 4870 working in your system
I mean look at the 2007 mac pro. Only 1 16x slot means running 2 cards is a waste. No chance to do a cheap upgrade to get some more 16x slots.
What will happen to our 08 macs in 2009? Pci 32x? wups suddenly our machines are from stone age and unable to run the latest hardware, or being upgraded to do so.
The mac pro is fully capable of running games today, yes.
I mean look at the 2007 mac pro. Only 1 16x slot means running 2 cards is a waste. No chance to do a cheap upgrade to get some more 16x slots.
What will happen to our 08 macs in 2009? Pci 32x? wups suddenly our machines are from stone age and unable to run the latest hardware, or being upgraded to do so.
The mac pro is fully capable of running games today, yes.
not wanting to come accross as an NVidia-Fangirl here but I game happily on my 8800GT. If in a year or so there is a better NVidia card with EFI support then I may upgrade it.
I used to have a uber-PC and chased every upgrade there was, now I have my Mac Pro I am content that I can play games for another year or two (ok maybe not future ones at 2560x1600, but at acceptable resolutions).
I think it all depends what you want from a computer. If I were a games nut then I would probably have a PC and follow the norm. If you want a powerful machine for productivty and occasional games then the Mac Pro is the choice. Its all relevant to the users needs.
I say that choosing a Mac Pro as a primary gaming platform is not the most cost effective choice. A PC may serve the user better as currently it is the targetted computing platform for gamers. (not counting consoles here).
I used to have a uber-PC and chased every upgrade there was, now I have my Mac Pro I am content that I can play games for another year or two (ok maybe not future ones at 2560x1600, but at acceptable resolutions).
I think it all depends what you want from a computer. If I were a games nut then I would probably have a PC and follow the norm. If you want a powerful machine for productivty and occasional games then the Mac Pro is the choice. Its all relevant to the users needs.
I say that choosing a Mac Pro as a primary gaming platform is not the most cost effective choice. A PC may serve the user better as currently it is the targetted computing platform for gamers. (not counting consoles here).
Thank you! This is exactly what i'm talking about. This is exactly why I chose a Mac Pro - and why i'm building a gaming pc also
The correct name is Mac which is an abbreviation of Macintosh.
MAC is the Media Access Control which is commonly used to refer to the unique address burned into a network card.
Thank you! This is exactly what i'm talking about. This is exactly why I chose a Mac Pro - and why i'm building a gaming pc also
Wait... you posted earlier the Mac Pro is capable of running current games. Why are you building a gaming p.c. as well?
Would you stop spreading your FUD, I'm laughing myself to death. You obviously know nothing about PCs or Macs. You'd have to buy a new PC too if PCI-e 32x was invented.
Because I would be able to SLI, get new processors when they come.... Not have to reboot every time I would like to play a game (and open the side panel and attach a gaming card also)... Get surround sound... Be future proof since a cheap upgrade every year will keep my computer on top... etc
Oh, and what happens
when some new PCI technology comes out, enabling you to run 2x as fast graphic cards...
All motherBoards Now will have to buy a new motherboard Really a NEW COMPUTER but at a cheaper price.
Oh, and what happens if some new RAM technology is invented, with 4x the normal ram speed. You have to buy a new motherboard & Ram.
And when some new processor comes out... and it proves to be absolutely smoking... 70% of the time you have to get new motherboard because pin layout.
Dont get me wrong i used to be serious gamer, and build the lastest greastest,heck i won a few comps myself, but you always got change the hardware i ended up upgrading so much every 3-6Months i was building a new PC a new Gfx Card there a Proccessor Here MOtherboard there, theres £1000 There...
in the long run keeping a step behind is better for your wallet and you dont need the next Upgrade Really, you just think you do.
when the first Qaudcore Come Out i Bought Q6600 4GB 1066mhz 500GB HD 7600GT (to pass me by till 8800 was updated) EVGA-SLI motherboard 1000W PSU i spent around £1100 on it. its now worth £800 in parts with the coolmaster 832 case but to sell it i could only get £600 for it
Now i quit Games Mac Pro here i come for Fast Obj-C Compling
i do agree though if you want to have the Lastest PC is way to go but, for Play & bit of fun IMac Or Mac Pro is all you really need to last you few years.
Have fun with your build i think thats the best part of Getting a Gaming PC building it. Watch out for imature Dodgy Drivers on them Nvidia/ATI Graphics Cards
when some new PCI technology comes out, enabling you to run 2x as fast graphic cards...
All motherBoards Now will have to buy a new motherboard Really a NEW COMPUTER but at a cheaper price.
Oh, and what happens if some new RAM technology is invented, with 4x the normal ram speed. You have to buy a new motherboard & Ram.
And when some new processor comes out... and it proves to be absolutely smoking... 70% of the time you have to get new motherboard because pin layout.
Dont get me wrong i used to be serious gamer, and build the lastest greastest,heck i won a few comps myself, but you always got change the hardware i ended up upgrading so much every 3-6Months i was building a new PC a new Gfx Card there a Proccessor Here MOtherboard there, theres £1000 There...
in the long run keeping a step behind is better for your wallet and you dont need the next Upgrade Really, you just think you do.
when the first Qaudcore Come Out i Bought Q6600 4GB 1066mhz 500GB HD 7600GT (to pass me by till 8800 was updated) EVGA-SLI motherboard 1000W PSU i spent around £1100 on it. its now worth £800 in parts with the coolmaster 832 case but to sell it i could only get £600 for it
Now i quit Games Mac Pro here i come for Fast Obj-C Compling
i do agree though if you want to have the Lastest PC is way to go but, for Play & bit of fun IMac Or Mac Pro is all you really need to last you few years.
Have fun with your build i think thats the best part of Getting a Gaming PC building it. Watch out for imature Dodgy Drivers on them Nvidia/ATI Graphics Cards
I wouldn't say that I use my Mac Pro for gaming only- I use it for Photoshop, a good deal of video editing, and long GarageBand sessions. But, of course, when I do want to play some of my Windows games, I can always boot into Windows- no problem.
Sure, the Mac Pro is expensive. But since you can run OS X, and Windows (as well as all those Linux distros), it's like two computers for the price of one. Is the Mac Pro upgradeable? Yes. I've upgraded the RAM, and installed an extra hard drive. And, of course, you can replace the video card.
Let's say you built- or even bought- that brand new top-of-the-line gaming warrior. It pulls out 170FPS in Crysis, and 300FPS in COD4. But when it comes time to sell it- I would be surprised if you got half of what you payed for it in the first place. PCs have the worst resale value ever. That $2000 gaming machine you bought today will be worth $900 in a year.
Look at the Mac Pros (or any Mac for that reason). I still see the old PPC Mac Pros on Ebay running for nearly $1000. That's not too shabby.
For what a person pays for a PC- and the support and maintenance they put into keeping it running- it usually costs less to just get a fail-proof Mac in the first place.
I love my Mac, and I'm never going back to PCs ever.
Sure, the Mac Pro is expensive. But since you can run OS X, and Windows (as well as all those Linux distros), it's like two computers for the price of one. Is the Mac Pro upgradeable? Yes. I've upgraded the RAM, and installed an extra hard drive. And, of course, you can replace the video card.
Let's say you built- or even bought- that brand new top-of-the-line gaming warrior. It pulls out 170FPS in Crysis, and 300FPS in COD4. But when it comes time to sell it- I would be surprised if you got half of what you payed for it in the first place. PCs have the worst resale value ever. That $2000 gaming machine you bought today will be worth $900 in a year.
Look at the Mac Pros (or any Mac for that reason). I still see the old PPC Mac Pros on Ebay running for nearly $1000. That's not too shabby.
For what a person pays for a PC- and the support and maintenance they put into keeping it running- it usually costs less to just get a fail-proof Mac in the first place.
I love my Mac, and I'm never going back to PCs ever.