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Using a ATI FireGL X3 in a MDD...

MatthewLTL

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
My eMac I think, is getting to the point in it's life where it will not beable to be up to par to be continued to be used as a Daily Driver PPC. I will be getting a FireGL (pre-flashed and pre-taped) for my MDD. So here is the point in this thread:

What to do? Since it's pre-flashed and pre-tapped it's just drop in and boot up (after connecting it to the pSU of course) right?

How does this thing preform in Tiger and Leopard?
Can i watch 720p Video?
How well will this preform over all?
 
you also Need to install the ATI Video drivers since your fireGL will most likely have a reduced rom with out an NDRV which the ATI drivers add
 
You definitely need drivers-I've run into that more times than I care to count with my flashed version of this particular card. It will come up with a wonky grayscale screen if you don't.

The FW800 MDD has an extra socket at the back of the AGP slot. Working from memory, you may need to remove the retention tab at the back of the card to get it to fit. Test it first, though-leaving the retention tab is always a good idea if you can.

These are superb cards in the MDD...I just wish that I could get one to work a QS or DA.
 
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LightBulbFun said:
http://www2.ati.com/drivers/macosx-ati-displays-4-5-7.dmg there you go... to find them select ur OS as tiger...
Click to expand...
Thanks! so will this driver work on both Tiger and Leopard?
bunnspecial said:
You definitely need drivers-I've run into that more times than I care to count with my flashed version of this particular card. It will come up with a wonky grayscale screen if you don't.

The FW800 MDD has an extra socket at the back of the AGP slot. Working from memory, you may need to remove the retention tab at the back of the card to get it to fit. Test it first, though-leaving the retention tab is always a good idea if you can.

These are superb cards in the MDD...I just wish that I could get one to work a QS or DA.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bunns! I have ordered the card and it should be here between saturday and wednesday. I will probably install the driver tomorrow after work as I have no time today. I believe that, based on the pictures:
$_57.JPG
$_57.JPG

That the card should fit right in. The retension tab shouldn't have to be snapped off. This was the 1st upgrade because the failed DVI on the GeForce 4MX makes using the Mac a pain in the ass. Next, I will probably invest in one or two Sonnet Tempo SATA cards.

and here is the auction:
Apple Power Mac G4 G5 ATI FireGL X3 256mb AGP Card Already Comes Taped for G4

Mods: This is not my auction. I bought this item and this is simply a link to the item.
 
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LightBulbFun said:
you also Need to install the ATI Video drivers since your fireGL will most likely have a reduced rom with out an NDRV which the ATI drivers add
Click to expand...
Could the lack of this driver possibly be the reason a flashed and taped FireGL X3 card just boots to a blank-black screen on my MDD?
second question...
This link ([URL='http://www2.ati.com/drivers/macosx-ati-displays-4-5-7.dmg']http://www2.ati.com/drivers/macosx-ati-displays-4-5-7.dmg) leads me to an AMD website, and try as I may I cannot locate the aforementioned ATI Video drivers.[/URL]
 
desantii said:
Hi there MatthewLTL.....Nice video card! remember the dual CPU card for the MDD I sent....I thought you had no money and that is why you are pushing me month after month
Click to expand...

I'd love to say, 'you always reap what you sow' - unfortunately, thus far, I've found that most people who behave despicably and selfishly seem to get along fine and prosper...
 
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MatthewLTL said:
Thanks! so will this driver work on both Tiger and Leopard?


Thanks Bunns! I have ordered the card and it should be here between saturday and wednesday. I will probably install the driver tomorrow after work as I have no time today. I believe that, based on the pictures:
$_57.JPG
$_57.JPG

That the card should fit right in. The retension tab shouldn't have to be snapped off. This was the 1st upgrade because the failed DVI on the GeForce 4MX makes using the Mac a pain in the ass. Next, I will probably invest in one or two Sonnet Tempo SATA cards.

and here is the auction:
Apple Power Mac G4 G5 ATI FireGL X3 256mb AGP Card Already Comes Taped for G4

Mods: This is not my auction. I bought this item and this is simply a link to the item.
Click to expand...

The card will fit as-is in the MDD. No cutting needed. :)
 
LightBulbFun said:
sorry my bad for not checking the link http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/archive/macosx10-4x-3x-radeon this one should work (choose the 4.5.7 version one) the black screen do you get an open firmware boot screen? if not then I doubt the drivers will help since these drivers take effect Just as the OS loads the window sever... if you have a boot screen then the screen goes blank then these drivers might help
Click to expand...
I get a runtime error trying to download this........
jbarley said:
I feel your pain, you have my condolences..
Click to expand...
I paid you back MONTHS ago, Sent you several messages asking for a confirmation you got it, never heard back. A friend gave me the money for this card as a gift, hence, it wasn't my money I used.
 
iModFrenzy said:
That port looks like an S-Video port.

Nice card!:eek:
Click to expand...

It actually looks to me like the port on the old Appletalk boxes for "daisy chaining" computers together. S Video has four wires.

Not really sure what it is-it may be some form of S-video without sound, although I don't know why it would use the non-standard(for this application) port.

Mine has the same port, but I've never paid attention to it. I don't think it works in the common reduced Macintosh ROMs floating around out there anyway.
 
jbarley said:
Maybe these types should be sent to Coventry!
Click to expand...

Is it orange?

EDIT; ok I guess that's not part of the expression. One of my HS teachers always said, "Everyone who is talking will be sent to Coventry, Coventry is orange,". I figured that was the Coventry expression, but upon further googling, it appears my teacher made up his own :D .
 
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