Odd Video Card - ATI 9600 For Mac?

Question

Level 1

90 points

Odd Video Card - ATI 9600 For Mac?

Hi Gang

Chris, (japamac), if you see this post, here's an odd situation for ya; I was helping a freind install a so-called ATI 9600 256 MB AGP Video Card into his earlier G5 1.8 single, no fan just a heat sink.

Check it out;
http://www.locationstudio.net/ATI-9600.jpg
http://www.locationstudio.net/Box-1.jpg
http://www.locationstudio.net/Box-2.jpg

He bought it, (brand new), from an Apple Store here in the city about a year ago. The box description claims that the card is compatible with both MAC and PC. There is no connection port on the card itself for an external 'Y' power cable. I found that odd, because most of the ATI cards I've installed in older G5's require that power connection.

Anyway, upon boot, end result was that the machine could not produce any display, just a blank screen. Couldn't install the disk included in the package. So we booted down, and put the old card stock card back in.

Any idea what Apple sold him or what the problem could be?

Thanx
Mike

Dual Core 2.0 G5: 8 Gigs RAM - Geforce 7800GT, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Older G5 1.8 Single 5 Gigs Ram Radeon 9800 Pro (System Back Up)

Posted on Feb 6, 2010 7:22 PM

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Answer 1

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 6, 2010 7:54 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

Hi-

The infamous Radeon 9600 PC and Mac Edition.

The problems are normal.
About 50% of the compatible Macs can't use it.

The card is garbage that thinks it isn't.

Tell your friend to return the card for a refund.

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Answer 2

Jacobo

Level 2

228 points

Feb 6, 2010 8:12 PM in response to japamac

Hi there,

I have the 9600 and it has been a solid and reliable performer for many years. Before making such a "punishing" remark about a product, it is always wise to gather data before jumping the gun.

From where did you find the "numbers" to say ... "About 50% of the compatible Macs can't use it."

We have the responsibility to forward reliable, unbiased, and accurate information.

Have a good one,

Jacobo

Message was edited by: Jacobo

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Answer 3

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 6, 2010 8:14 PM in response to Jacobo

From where did you find the "numbers" to say ... "About 50% of the compatible Macs can't use it."

I got the numbers from all of the post in this forum regarding trouble with the card since release.
You might say I've been around here for a while.....

have the 9600 and it has been a solid and reliable performer for many years. Before making such a "punishing" remark about a product, it is always wise to gather before jumping the gun.

There are those that can and those that can't use it.
I am happy for you that you have had successful use.

We have the responsibility to forward reliable, unbiased, and accurate information.

Which machines are truly compatible has never been stated by Apple or ATI.
There lies the responsibility.
I only help people get their machines up and running after they are broken by incompatible parts, etc.

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Answer 4

ENIGMACODE Author

Level 1

90 points

Feb 6, 2010 8:27 PM in response to japamac

Hi Chris 'japamac' 🙂

Thanx for spotting this.

I strongly suspected that something was wrong with this card, and now I know for sure that my friend should bring it back to the store, or if he can't return it, maybe I'll try to sell it on Ebay for him, (if it will work in a PC?)

I found it odd that there was no power cable.

Chris could you please give me the reliable Ebay folks who sell those flashed cards?

"Which machines are truly compatible has never been stated by Apple or ATI. There lies the responsibility. "I only help people get their machines up and running after they are broken by incompatible parts, etc"

CASE CLOSED

BTW Jacobo, 'japamac' is our Video Card resident expert! 🙂

Thank You
Mike

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Answer 5

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 6, 2010 8:50 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

Hi-

What are your friends needs and reasons for upgrade?
Port needs?
Acceleration?
Particular software?

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Answer 6

ENIGMACODE Author

Level 1

90 points

Feb 6, 2010 9:05 PM in response to japamac

Hi again Chris

He's got the original AGP nVidia 5200 64 MB Stock Card. We both do a lot of Video Editing. He really needs to upgrade.

Mike

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Answer 7

Jacobo

Level 2

228 points

Feb 6, 2010 9:13 PM in response to japamac

Hi Japamac,

Like you, I've been hanging in these forums for a while (2003-present). However, unlike you, I don't have the 4 "stars" you enjoy as I just don't have the time to construct possible solutions to the many queries posted here. I simply enjoy coming here from time to time (and every now and then) try to help out.

You made a very good point when stating ... "Which machines are truly compatible has never been stated by Apple or ATI. There lies the responsibility." However, stating that .... "The card is garbage that thinks it isn't." is an absolute and unfair remark.

Keep up the good work and your opinions objective. [is this an oxymoron : )]

Have a good one,

Jacobo

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Answer 8

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 6, 2010 9:15 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

Hi Mike-

Of the current offerings, I would buy this Geforce 6800 GT or this Geforce 7800 GS.
Either will shock your friend with the improved performance!

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Answer 9

ENIGMACODE Author

Level 1

90 points

Feb 6, 2010 9:52 PM in response to japamac

Hi Chris

Those cards are great but we're lookin for Dual DVI ports, if possible. And BTW, (unless I'm missing something), I just noticed that OWC doesn't has anymore AGP video cards for older G5's? These babies are getting more and scarse..

How bout your buddy in Japan?

Or maybe I'll try
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Mac-ATI-Radeon-9800-XT-256MB-AGP-Video-Card-G4-G5_W0QQ itemZ270495136914

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Answer 10

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 6, 2010 10:10 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

Those cards are great but we're lookin for Dual DVI ports,

THAT's why I asked about needs.....
Currently, the best dual DVI buy is This Mac Edition Geforce.

Other, flashed dual DVI Geforce cards are currently outside of what I would consider to be recommendable.

The card that you linked is fine, expensive, but otherwise fine.
Be aware that it is flashed with 9800 Pro ROM, so the fan runs full speed all the time (noisy, maybe?) and there is only one DVI port.
The first Geforce 6800 GT that I linked is also faster (for less) than the 9800 XT......

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Answer 11

ENIGMACODE Author

Level 1

90 points

Feb 6, 2010 10:24 PM in response to japamac

And BTW, (unless I'm missing something), I just noticed that OWC doesn't has anymore AGP video cards for older G5's?

These babies are getting more and scarse..

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Answer 12

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 6, 2010 10:33 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

I just noticed that OWC doesn't has anymore AGP video cards for older G5's?

That's correct.
Also, nobody carries new cards, retail wise.
No new cards are produced for AGP Macs, and no vendors have anything but used or old, very expensive stock.

These babies are getting more and scarse..

And more expensive.
The price of used PC cards for flashing is also quickly rising, as demand outstrips supply.

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Answer 13

dave48

Level 1

0 points

Feb 6, 2010 10:41 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

I pulled the 9650 0ut of a G5 and it works fine as a graphic sever card on my Silver G4.
i had to do the #3, #11 scotch tape pin cover trick for th Silver.
The ATI identifiers are: ATI Radeon 9650: Chipset Model: ATY,RV351.

Link to a picture of it. with Apple part number. Not saying to buy it here just research info. Hope this helps.

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Answer 14

ENIGMACODE Author

Level 1

90 points

Feb 7, 2010 8:42 AM in response to japamac

japamac, or anyone else who would like to reply;

We've all had this discussion before regarding ATI and the fact that nVidia makes AMAZING cards too. In fact I personally prefer nVidia. Why? For one reason nVidia incorporates temperature sensing, where ATI doesn't. BUT, as japamac stated;

"nobody carries new cards, retail wise. No new cards are produced for AGP Macs"

Therefore I wonder if these are 'New Flashed Cards'?
http://www.dvwarehouse.com/Video-Card-ATI-Radeon-9800-256MB-DVI/VGA/S-Video-for- PowerMac-G5-p-33181.html < Anyone have any experience with these folks?

Actually, (for an older AGP Mac), I would prefer something like this;
<a class="jive-link-external-small" href="http://">http://cgi.ebay.com/Mac-G5-Edition-nVidia-Geforce-6800-GT-256MB- DDR3-G5-AGP_W0QQitemZ250500696608

OR

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mac-Nvidia-6800GT-6800-256-Meg-DVI-VGA-G4-G5-9800_W0QQitemZ2 30429117339 < Except there's only one DVI port.

I've actually stockpiled an 'extra' Radeon ATI X1900 PCIx for my Dual Core, (just for emergency).

Mike

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Answer 15

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Feb 7, 2010 2:28 PM in response to ENIGMACODE

The first link pictures a 9800 XT, yet describes the card as a 9800 SE, and calls it refurbished.
If as pictured, it is flashed.
If a SE, they aren't as desirable.

The second link is used OEM G5 6800 GT cards.
A very good card.

The third link is a flashed Geforce 6800 GT.
The differences as compared to the OEM are 1 DVI port vs 2, and a thinner cooler that doesn't take two slots like the OEM.
Performance is the same as OEM- great.

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