Graphics Upgrade of G5 Early 2005

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Level 1

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Graphics Upgrade of G5 Early 2005

I'm looking into purchasing a new graphics card for my early 2005 G5, but I'm not quite sure where to start looking. I currently have the stock ATI 9600, but all the different needed specs to replace the card just kind of make me dizzy. My G5 has been good to me, and I'm not ready to replace it just yet. Any graphics card recommendations for an early 2005 model would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help

Dual 2.3Ghz PowerPC G5 (Early 2005), Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Aug 12, 2009 1:46 AM

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Answer 1

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 12, 2009 3:37 AM in response to Spencemyster

Hi-

Welcome to Discussions!
You don't say what your software needs are, but to make an upgrade feel like an upgrade, a Radeon X800XT, Geforce 6800 GT or Ultra, or a Geforce 7800 GS would be worthwhile.
The Radeon X800XT and Geforce 6800 Ultra were available from Apple, so used OEM cards may be found on eBay/Apple Components.

Those 2 cards as well as the 6800 GT and 7800 GS that I mentioned, are also available on eBay as flashed (WinPC card converted to Mac ROM) cards, and will provide a more economical purchase.
The flashed cards, with the exception of the X800, run exactly as a Mac edition will.

As it is, any card will cost you from $150-$300.

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Answer 2

Spencemyster Author

Level 1

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Aug 12, 2009 9:28 AM in response to Spencemyster

I'm going to be using my computer for some middle-weight gaming, video and some photo editing. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

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Answer 3

DPArt

Level 3

604 points

Aug 12, 2009 12:03 PM in response to Spencemyster

If you use CS4, the Nvidia 6800 and 7800 cards work with it for some GPU acceleration, the Radeon cards don't.

The 7800GS is by far best option, though it has but one DVI port and a second VGA port, only a problem if you are using two @ Apple DIsplays.

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Answer 4

Spencemyster Author

Level 1

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Aug 12, 2009 11:59 PM in response to Spencemyster

Would there be anyway to flash the drive myself to save some money?

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Answer 5

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 13, 2009 3:24 AM in response to Spencemyster

Hi-

Yes, it is possible.
Depends on your ability to find the right candidate card, access to a PC, and ability to use Google to find all the resources that you need.

I'll be nice and get you started:
http://themacelite.wikidot.com/

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Answer 6

Spencemyster Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 13, 2009 11:56 PM in response to japamac

Much obliged good sir. This is going to save me quite a bit of money.

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