Video memory hungry apps vs 3D performance; quiz time

Discussion in 'Mac Pro' started by clearthinker, Sep 10, 2007.

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  1. clearthinker, Sep 10, 2007

    clearthinker macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2002
    #1
    I was reading about some graphic cards for my powermac G5 2.0 dual (2003), specifically the ATI Radeon 9600 pro 256MB dual DVI vs the Radeon 9800 pro 128MB DVI/VGA.

    The 9600 runs a 30" since it has 256MB and dual DVI
    The 9800 has DVI and only 128MB. I won't be buying a 30" monitor but probaby the Dell 27".

    Barefeats notes the 9800 is faster than the 9600 even though the 9600 has more onboard memory.

    It talks about 9600 being the card for Video memory hungry apps like motion 2

    9800 more for the 3D performance programs.

    Now my question:

    If I use my PM G5 98% of the time for iLife 06 and 08 programs: such as iDVD, iphoto, iTunes. I convert Mpeg's. I try to scroll thru 13,000 pictures on iphoto (its very slow), I manipulate pictures with iphoto and Photoshop express, I make movies with iMovie and sometimes convert them to other formats.

    With all these tasks that I perform am I more video hungry app user or 3D user???

    sorry for the length and lamness of the question but I'm baffeled.

    thanks in advance for the help
     
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  2. AlexMaximus, Sep 10, 2007

    AlexMaximus macrumors 6502

    AlexMaximus

    Joined:
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    #2
    I had both cards ..

    Hello friend,

    I have the G4 1,42 and first I bought the Radeon 9800 with 256MB. If you are into gameing, go for this card. However, you are not into gaming, so in your case I would go for the 9600 card. I sold my 9800 because its a damn hot runner and I didn't detect such a big difference. Plus, the 9600 is very good designed that the card doesn't need a fan, -its a fanless card. The heatsink is not getting very hot, but the card performs just great.
    Since you have the G5, I am wondering a little bit why you look for these cards. You should be able to use a Radeon 800 XT or some newer cards for the same price tag.
    :apple:
     
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  3. clearthinker, Sep 10, 2007

    clearthinker thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
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    #3
    You bring up some good points. I forgot to mention in my 1st post that the 9600 is selling for more than the 9800's. I think its because the 9600 can support the 30" display and the 9800 can not (I'm not 100% sure but thats the only reason I can think of)

    So roughly speaking the 9600 is about $150 ebay, 9800 $100 ebay, X800XT $300 +++ on ebay.

    So as you can see I want the best bang for the buck as it relates to my uses. I use my xbox 360 for gaming so I never game on the mac anymore (please no flaming).

    So it still remains: 9600 vs 9800 for the average Joe iLife user??
     
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  4. CubeHacker, Sep 10, 2007

    CubeHacker macrumors 65816

    CubeHacker

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2003
    #4
    Basically, every single app you mentioned uses mainly the CPU, not the GPU. In other words, you won't really notice a difference at all between those two cards. Now, if you mentioned that gaming was important to you, or something like Aperture, then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Radeon 9800 over the 9600. But since nothing you're interested in takes advantage of the video card, i'd just say get whichever is cheaper. However, i'd still recommend the 9800 as its easily 2x the speed of the 9600.

    As another option, you can always pick up a used PC edition of a X800 for less than $100 and flash it yourself to work in your G5. Its double the speed of the Radeon 9800 and has 256mb of VRAM. The only thing it would be missing is an ADC port (if thats important to you, which I don't think it is)
     
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