Video Card FX 5200 VS 9800 Pro both 256 MB

Question

Video Card FX 5200 VS 9800 Pro both 256 MB

I am planning to upgrade my G4 Quicksilver 733MHz from its 32MB video card.

I am wondering whether the nVidia FX 5200 256MB or the Ati Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB is best.

Anybody have an idea? Thanks.

G4 733, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Feb 2, 2006 9:15 AM

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Answer 1

PB PM

Level 4

2,480 points

Feb 2, 2006 5:33 PM in response to Micha l Boudey

As far as I am aware the nVidia FX5200 is only for G5 Macs with x8 AGP slots, and the ATI card would require you to by a modified one (OWC does this) that works in x2 and x4 G4 Power Mac systems.

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Answer 2

Feb 4, 2006 5:34 PM in response to PB PM

Ok, didn´t remember that.

So the FX 5200 on sale on eBay for G4 are probably flashed cards.

Then the best solution to upgrade the G4 is the Ati 9800 pro , I suppose.

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Answer 3

FangSuede

Level 4

2,195 points

Feb 4, 2006 9:39 PM in response to Micha l Boudey

Hi,
The FX5200 that are flashed on Fleabay are not in the same league as an ATI 9800-256. Don't be fooled by the 256MB, it is the Core Frequencies that are important (GPU speed/Memory), the ATI is MUCH faster. The ATI 9800-256MB Mac/PC Edition is the fastest retail video card for a G4.

Another little detail is that flashed FX5200's don't push large LCD monitors very well. Anything over 19" is 90% not going to work. An ATI 9800 (even flashed ones are good) will push any LCD up to 24" easily.

I have all of them, flashed and Mac Editions. For a Mac tower system get an ATI 9800, either flashed or Mac Pro Edition - 128MB or 256MB. You wouldn't be sorry.

Regards,
Dave

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