What would you buy....

[Ikyo]

I have a hard decision to make on upgrading my Mac Pro video card. I am stuck between:

4870 Apple Card ($315 + tax)
4870 After market flashed 1gig card (Not 100% sure on price yet)
4890 After market flashed card ($299 no tax or shipping)

All of the cards are probably around $30 from each other price wise. I am mainly looking at this for gaming under bootcamp. My concerns of going with the 4890 are that it requires a patch every 10.6.X update and it isn't "supported" by Apple. I know it is doubtful that it would be removed, but it could be possible. So what would you get and why?

 

[smacman]

I have a hard decision to make on upgrading my Mac Pro video card. I am stuck between:

4870 Apple Card ($315 + tax)
4870 After market flashed 1gig card (Not 100% sure on price yet)
4890 After market flashed card ($299 no tax or shipping)

All of the cards are probably around $30 from each other price wise. I am mainly looking at this for gaming under bootcamp. My concerns of going with the 4890 are that it requires a patch every 10.6.X update and it isn't "supported" by Apple. I know it is doubtful that it would be removed, but it could be possible. So what would you get and why?

If you can, wait 6-8 weeks. Apple will very likely offer a 5870 when they announce the new 6 core Mac Pros.

 

[Ikyo]

That would be awesome, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it. Then you would have to consider the pricing and how long it will take for a aftermarket ROM to be out for it. We would be talking probably 8 weeks to see it then another 12 weeks to see a ROM.

 

[nanofrog]

That would be awesome, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it. Then you would have to consider the pricing and how long it will take for a aftermarket ROM to be out for it. We would be talking probably 8 weeks to see it then another 12 weeks to see a ROM.

Going by recent history, it likely will show up, and on the same day the 2010 systems ship (which means the ROM will be ready).

The cards are out now (PC side) and have been for a little while, so they could already have developed one, or are at least currently in the process of doing so.

 

[Ikyo]

Yeah, I wish I could wait, but my 120 is just a big pile. I would love to find a local 4870, but no luck.

 

[nanofrog]

Yeah, I wish I could wait, but my 120 is just a big pile. I would love to find a local 4870, but no luck.

Sounds like where I'm at. The stuff I need always has to be ordered, as the local shops don't carry squat.

 

[Ikyo]

I was hoping to fin a 4870 used online, but have had 0 luck. Not sure why they are in a short supply.

 

[Mackilroy]

$299? Are you in Australia or something? There's three 4890s on Newegg right now which are all ~$199.

 

[Ikyo]

Yes, there are some on Newegg for that, but you have to factor in the power cables too. That was also a preflashed card that I know works. The main problem with Newegg is that you aren't 100% sure a card will work.