Replacing Video Card in PowerMac G5

[soloer]

Hello all,

I purchased my first G5 tower about a month ago, and just ordered an X800 XT video card to replace the one that came with my system. This is the first Apple non-laptop machine I've owned.

I remember from the last time I upgraded the video card in my PC that I had to jump through hoops, including reinstalling the OS for optimal gains. What is involved in replacing the video card in a PowerMac? Anything other than powering down, taking out the old card, putting in the new card, and powering up? Do I need to do anything driver-related?

I imagine any instructions I get with the card may tell me some of this, but I would like to be prepared 🙂

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mord]

it'll work out of the box but you should apply a rom update if memory serves it makes the fan run slower https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=27

 

[soloer]

it'll work out of the box but you should apply a rom update if memory serves it makes the fan run slower https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=27

Thanks, didn't think about ROM updates... Which brings up another question - do people normally download drivers from ATI or just use what is included in the OS?

 

[yippy]

The only reason to download drivers would be if you want to use ATI monitor to override graphics settings such as AA. And even then I am not sure you are actualy downloading new drivers.

 

[Cuckoo]

Thanks, didn't think about ROM updates... Which brings up another question - do people normally download drivers from ATI or just use what is included in the OS?

I have an old G4-400mhz, and upgraded the video-card, tried both, liked the apple stuff a whole lot better <had some serious weird problems with the ATI drivers>

Based on this experience, i'll say, keep apple's...

 

[ChrisFromCanada]

Just use Apple's drivers (does ATI even have drivers up for download?). Apple updates their drivers every OS update eg 10.3.8 10.3.9 10.4 10.4.1 (usually)