Dell 2005FPW, pivoted, with Apple 20" Cinema?

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Dell 2005FPW, pivoted, with Apple 20" Cinema?

Is anyone using this configuration? I'm thinking of getting the Dell to use in portrait mode with the Apple 20" Cinema. Any advice would be ppreciated.

G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.3.9) GeForce FX 5200, Apple 20" Cinema display

G5 2GHz, Mac OS X (10.3.9), GeForce FX 5200, Apple 20" Cinema display

Posted on Dec 31, 2005 11:10 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 31, 2005 12:05 PM in response to Tom Flaherty

As far as I know the Dell monitor uses the same Phillips flat panel that Apple does but you might need a different video card to use it in portrait mode. I don't think the PowerMac nVidia cards support rotation.

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Answer 2

Tom Flaherty Author

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Dec 31, 2005 12:41 PM in response to Edwin Sneller

Thanks, Edwin. I gather that I will need a new video card, another undiscovered territory for me. I'll search the list and elsewhere, but if anyone has advice on video cards in general or for landscape/portrait monitors in particular, I'd welcome it.

Will multiple video cards slow the general operation of the G5? Is it therefore worth getting a high powered card? Most of my work is with music software. Finale, Digital Performer, MAX/MSP. Some virtual intruments.

Dual G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.3.9) GeForce FX 5200, Apple 20" Cinema display

G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.3.9) GeForce FX 5200, Apple 20" Cinema display

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Answer 3

Dec 31, 2005 12:57 PM in response to Tom Flaherty

Unless a recent update added the feature ATI video cards support rotation and nVidia cards do not.

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Answer 4

Tom Flaherty Author

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Jan 1, 2006 11:00 AM in response to Edwin Sneller

nVidia seems to have software (NVRotate) that will suppot the portrait configuration, but it seems to be for PC only, judging by their website. On the other hand the Dell monitors seem to be for PC only, judging by their website, but lots of people seem to be using them with Macs.

If necessary, I will replace or add a video card, but I would like to know what I am doing before shopping.

Is anyone out there using the Dell monitors in portrait cofiguration?

Dual G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.3.9) GeForce FX 5200, Apple 20" Cinema display

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Answer 5

Jan 2, 2006 5:08 AM in response to Tom Flaherty

I think it is highly unlikely that an nVidia AGP card will ever support monitor rotation so you will need to upgrade to an ATI card. Options include the 9600 for a modest speed boost, the 9800 for above average performance or the X800 for maximum performance.

I occasionally rotate my 2005FPW to portrait mode for such things as reading PDFs. I plan someday on getting a second Dell monitor so I can have one permanently in portrait mode. There have been reports that Dell will be releasing a 30 in model this spring along with an updated version of the 2005FPW.

PowerMac G5/2.3 Mac OS X (10.4.3) WD 250GB, Maxtor Diamond Max 10 200GB, 2GB RAM, Radeon 9600, Dell 2005FPW

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Answer 6

Tom Flaherty Author

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Jan 2, 2006 9:13 AM in response to Stephen Giles

Thanks for the info, Stephen and Edwin.

Pardon the cluless questions, but if I want both monitors to function, is it possible/better to use 2 video cards? Or should the nVidia simply be replaced by the Radeon? Can the resolutions and orientations be independently set when running two monitors? Is it possible to have an L-shaped desktop?

Thanks.

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Answer 7

Jan 2, 2006 10:13 AM in response to Tom Flaherty

I don't know if the rotation option can be set on one monitor and not the other. I'm guessing it can be I've just never done it.

You can have a desktop spanning two monitors of different resolutions if that's what you mean by 'L-shaped.'

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Answer 8

Tom Flaherty Author

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Jan 12, 2006 10:36 AM in response to Edwin Sneller

Thank you all. I have bought a Radeon 9600 Pro PC & Mac Edition and a Dell 2005FPW, and am eager to hook them up.

I've read here about some sort of power adaptor that is necessary for some cards. In fact the Radeon manual insists that an adaptor is necesssary, but there is not one included, and it turns out the manual that came in the package is for the 9800.

The G5 manual says "Combined maximum power consumption by the AGP and PCI cards is 90W."

After a long struggle trying to reach ATI tech support, I heard from someone that the 9600 does NOT need a power adaptor but DOES draw 250W. He suggested that I upgrade my computer power supply. This is not something I expected to face.

What's the scoop here? Has anyone else faced the same situation?

Dual G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.3.9) GeForce FX 5200, Apple 20" Cinema display

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Answer 9

Tom Flaherty Author

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Jan 13, 2006 2:30 PM in response to Tom Flaherty

Thanks again to all. The Dell 2005FPW does work splendidly with the Radeon 9600. I have them probably permanently set up with the Dell in portrait mode to the right of the Apple display. Each can easily have its resolution changed independently, although I don't think quite the same resolutions are available that were with the nVidia card. (not a big deal to me.) The Dell can pretty comfortably display a full orchestral score at a readable resoluton. It's also easy to disable one monitor with software if you only want one on, useful to me because both are behind a big plexiglass music desk, and the power buttons are inconvenient to reach.

I spent some time with Applecare before it was revealed (to several Applecare folks as well as me) that the power supply for the G5 is 600W, more than ample to power the Radeon, which acoording to THEIR tech support requires 250W. The line in the G5 manual that "Combined maximum power consumption by the AGP and PCI cards is 90W" is still a mystery to me and those several Applecare people, and doesn't interest the smarmy and unhelpful Radeon tech person. I don't see how this all adds up, but nothing has melted.

Thanks again, folks.

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