autodesk mudbox graphics card

Question

autodesk mudbox graphics card

hi,

I'm trying to run mudbox2011 - I've one of the earlier macpros and right now it's underpowered. Over on the autodesk forum I've been told that a graphics card update would do the trick, but no other advice is forthcoming.
Anyone know what the cheapest card is that would enable me to run mudbox? there's no way I can afford one of the quadro cards, and frankly, they would be overkill I think. I'm a student who's dabbling in 3D, I'm not interested in games engines, animation or high speed rendering.
thanks

Mac Pro 2x2GHz Xeon, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 3:19 AM

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Answer 1

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Jan 6, 2011 4:31 AM in response to why do I have to have an alias

There is only one update that makes sense, ATI 5770 $249 from Apple.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC742ZM/A

But you do have low end 2.0GHz dual/dual-core which is going to be limiting.

Quadro requires Mac Pro 2008 (EFI64 / UEFI 2.x) or later.

Mac Pro 1,1 can be found selling online for $900, why? because they run Tiger and older software.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB871LL/A

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/mac_pro

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Answer 2

Jan 6, 2011 5:20 AM in response to The hatter

thats not too bad, thanks. I understand it going to be limited, but that's the way with all hardware eventually, especially used in something as ridiculous as 3D. I can't justify spending (afford) £1k+ every few years on a complete new system anyway.

I'm in the UK and can get this for under £200, which was what I'd set myself. As long as it at least opens and runs I'm happy.

someone else mentioned a geforce 9800gt...? though I imagine it could be a false economy buying something this low.

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Answer 3

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Jan 6, 2011 5:27 AM in response to why do I have to have an alias

You can't use PC cards, not without flashing or extra steps, and 88000GT (not 98) cost about as much anyway.

You have to have EFI firmware card, meaning Apple version.

Now, if you run strictly under Windows, that is another matter and just turn the Mac into a PC.

But it isn't every few years, the early first Mac Pros are limited in PCIe 1.1, EFI32, and other things. 'Course those Ref'd units may not be available in UK.

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Answer 4

Jan 7, 2011 1:09 AM in response to The hatter

ah, well this other guy did say he didn't really know what's available for the mac.

so you're saying that technically the hardware in the macpro (tho not necessarily one as early as mine) can run a PC card??

the links you provided showed £1200+ machines... unless I didn't root around enough. But under £200 to keep this machine going 'til I finish Uni seems reasonable to me - I wouldn't get a new machine for that price, refurb or not.

thnaks very much for the help 🙂

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Answer 5

Jan 13, 2011 3:11 PM in response to why do I have to have an alias

hi,

i bought the card you suggested and alls well!!

thanks again 🙂

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Answer 6

Jan 29, 2011 4:36 AM in response to why do I have to have an alias

hello, 'the hatter'

hopefully you'll notice this bump/question -

I've got the new card running great, but I only have one monitor port. Could I re-fit my original card as well to run a second monitor? It'd be a small (15") low res affair, just for palettes etc.

thanks

J

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