Which graphics card should I choose?

[capitanbuzo]

Alright, well I plan on buying a Mac Pro soon and can't decide which GPU I should go for. I will be buying a 2.66 quad. My main uses are photoshop, FCP, dreamweaver, and some gaming (wow, cod4, etc.). Should I go for the 4870 which will cost me $200 or the GTX 285 which will cost me $450? Hearing mixed things about the 285 worries me as well as the increase in cost but I just sold a machine with a 4870 in it so would like to mix it up. I know that support forums are filled with negativity over praise but just want to hear from some people who may not have problems. So, 4870 ($200) or GTX 285 ($450) for my needs?

And yes, I am very happy to be getting rid of my failed hackintosh attempt for the real deal (MSI X58 Platinum mobo sorda screwed me over).

 

[brock2621]

The Nvidia is a tad faster but not near worth the premium price on it IMO. But if you've got cash to blow get it. Otherwise, go with the 4870 and you'll save lots of $$$ and only be out 10-12% performance.

 

[capitanbuzo]

Thanks for the input. Honestly, at this point I do not mind blowing the extra cash. I tried to build an i7 hackintosh to save myself a grand over getting a MP but that didn't turn out to well. That had a 4870 1GB in it so i'd rather get something better than what I had.

 

[seisend]

In OS X is the 285 GTX not much faster than the 4870 because of the bad drivers (this may change). But in Windows (Bootcamp) , it blows the 4870 away !

 

[marcosc]

I just added the 285 GTX to my 2008 Mac Pro over the weekend, and so far, I haven't had any problems whatsoever.

So far, I'd definitely recommend the card, if you don't mind coughing up the extra $$.