graphics card for hd video

Hi p, and welcome to Apple Discussions.

postalwriter wrote:
I keep hearing conflicting reports about the graphics cards needed to capture, playback, and render effects for HD video. I'm getting an older 2007 upgraded macbook pro. Mac osx 10.6 intel core dual 2.5 ghz. the graphics card is Nvidia geoforce 8600m GT. Is that good enough?

It's difficult to say without knowing what apps you're using. Many list the minimum GPU and VRAM requirement.

I've heard you supposed to have two graphics cards is that true? Is the card easy enough to change, ugrade and add second card? Thanks for any help.

Not possible. This machine has one GPU, it's soldered onto the logic board, it is not upgradeable, nor is there a slot for another one to be added (this is a common setup for laptops). Some of the Unibodies have dual GPUs, one with its own dedicated VRAM, one integrated into the LB and sharing system RAM (the 9400/9600 come to mind).

2007 upgraded macbook pro. Mac osx 10.6 intel core dual 2.5 ghz. the graphics card is Nvidia geoforce 8600m GT.

No such machine. The 15" was produced only in 2008, while 2.5GHz versions of the 17" were produced in 08 and into 09.

If you have the 15" 2.5GHz Original MBP, then you have 512MB VRAM, so maybe you can check the apps you want to use to see what will/will not work.

Also, this machine has a native/max built-in display resolution of 1440x900, but will drive a full HD external display (1920x1080) and higher (the earlier 17" 2.5GHz has native/max built-in resolution of 1680x1050, while the later 17" 2.5 is 1920x1200).

Message was edited by: tjk

postalwriter wrote:
My mistake, its a 2008 macbook pro. I want to run final cut pro. Will the nvidia geoforce 8600M gt graphics card work for capturing, editing and rendering effects for HD video?

See http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs/; sure looks like it to me.

postalwriter wrote:
Ok went to site this is what it says regarding card
"ATI or NVIDIA graphics processor (integrated Intel graphics processors not supported)"
sorry for sounding ignorant but, is the nvidia geoforce 8600MT G considered an integrated Intel graphics card?

No. It's an NVIDIA graphics processor.

postalwriter wrote:
OK now I'm really confused. The specs say to run Final Cut Pro on a macbook pro,it has to have Intel processor required.

Correct. The MBP needs to have an Intel processor. All MBPs have an Intel processor.

ATI or NVIDIA graphics processor (integrated Intel graphics processors not supported) and it never mentions what kind of graphics card it needs.

Actually it does, and you just did, and I have 2-3 times. Under "Requirements" it lists "ATI or NVIDIA graphics processor." *That is what is required. The MBP you stated you're getting has that. It fits the requirements.*

So a nvidea or ATI intel graphics processor is not supported but it needs an intel processor?

"(integrated Intel graphics processors not supported)" is in parentheses because, as it says, integrated Intel graphics processors are not supported. So if the MBP didn't have the required NVIDIA or ATI card, the low-power integrated GPU that Intel puts on its circuitry would not meet the requirements. But *Apple has put an NVIDIA or ATI GPU on the logic board* along with Intel components, so *the MBP DOES meet the requirements.*

Message was edited by: tjk