I have a theoretical question in regards to graphics cards and the upcoming MacIntel machines. For a PC video card to run in a Mac (say 9700 Pro) it has to be "flashed". Won't this be a problem for all Mac users installing Windows onto their new machines when they arrive? And unless I'm very much mistaken, they will be capable of doing exactly that.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
MacIntel and Windows
- Thread starter deanbo
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
The problem with Apple vs. PC video cards was an endian issue.
Byte order was reversed, so a card would need to be bi-endian -- which most are now these days.
It also needed to include the firmware to work in big endian mode, which not all video cards included -- because it wasn't needed for PC users.
Once the switch is complete, only a driver should be needed for the cards to work.
--- I think.
Byte order was reversed, so a card would need to be bi-endian -- which most are now these days.
It also needed to include the firmware to work in big endian mode, which not all video cards included -- because it wasn't needed for PC users.
Once the switch is complete, only a driver should be needed for the cards to work.
--- I think.
Ah, the elusive endian issue! I always love it when that comes up!
Never understood it, but always thought it was uber-geeky to talk about
Woof, Woof Dawg
Never understood it, but always thought it was uber-geeky to talk about
Woof, Woof Dawg