What PCI-X cards are compatible with PowerMac G5?

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What PCI-X cards are compatible with PowerMac G5?

I am currently running a PowerMac G5 (2005). At first it wasn't working and I have finally got it up and running. It currently is displaying just fine via the stock AGP video card, but I am looking to connect another monitor for my studio.

Since I am new to this, and don't think to research or ask first (duh), I blindly ordered another AGP Mac video card.... which obviously does not fit into a PCI-X video card slot... needless to say, I now have an extra AGP just sitting here due to my stupidity haha.

This mac has 4 slots (slot one - AGP, slots 2-4 PCI-X).

I am well aware that the video card I have working now has two outputs (DVI and ADC), but an ADC to VGA adapter costs way to much for just an adapter... I'd rather spend the same (or at this point, less) for another video card to connect the second monitor to.... this is unless for some reason that won't work. I don't know, that's why I'm on here!

SO, my question is: If I were to buy a PCI-X video card (my computer definitely has the slot for it), what are my best options? I've read that some video cards are not compatible with Macs? I have no idea about this stuff, so I'd appreciate any help!

ALSO, if someone can find me an ADC to VGA OR ADC to DVI that's less than 10, I would probably just go with that... but I have yet to find that haha

PLEASE give me some suggestions... I want to start recording! Thanks in advance 🙂

PowerMac, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Dec 30, 2013 6:53 PM

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Answer 1

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BDAqua

Level 10

245,111 points

Dec 30, 2013 8:44 PM in response to Code-EZ

Hello,

ADC to DVI adapters are far cheaper than the DVI to ADC adapters! 🙂

PCI cards can be used if you Flash them with Mac Roms, but see this, as I think your best bet is anAGP card with two DVI ports...

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3896413

See japamacs page here on the best AGP cards for G4s & G5s...

http://www.jcsenterprises.com/Japamacs_Page/Blog/4B4B7BA2-7ABB-47F1-87AC-B03D379 42BEE.html

Rated slowest on top, fastest on bottom, hopefully japamac will drop in shortly.

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Answer 2

Code-EZ Author

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9 points

Dec 31, 2013 7:49 AM in response to BDAqua

Thanks so much for your response!

I did notice that ADC to DVI adapters are much cheaper than ADC to VGA... I guess I was so hesitant with that option because I wasn't sure how good an idea it was to use 2 adapters at the same time (Monitor -> VGA to DVI adapter -> DVI to ADC adapter -> computer). I mean, I know I technically COULD do that, but SHOULD I, I guess is the question there. But hey, if it doesn't matter, maybe I'll just look into that instead.

I'll keep this thread posted on my options 🙂

Thanks again BDAqua!

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Answer 3

BDAqua

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Dec 31, 2013 8:39 AM in response to Code-EZ

I can't remember, are the DVI connections in that scenario DVI-I or DVI-D, the latter not working for VGA?

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Answer 4

Code-EZ Author

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Dec 31, 2013 9:28 AM in response to BDAqua

The video card supports the DVI-I. To the right of the pins, there is an input that looks like a "+" (figure 1)

Here is the full name of the G5 stock video card I am running, just in case someone needs to know:

Nvidia GeForce FX5200 Mac 64MB AGP G5 MDD ADC Apple FX 5200 603-3254 or 630-4862

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Answer 5

BDAqua

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245,111 points

Dec 31, 2013 9:50 AM in response to Code-EZ

The video card is DVD-I & ADC, which both support Digital & Analog, but I can't remember if ADC->DVI adapter is DVD-I or DVD-D on the DVI end, VGA would need Analog... DVI-I or DVD-A, I'm sure it's not DVI-A though.

PS. the FX5200 is the slowest card they oput in a G5. 😟

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Answer 6

Code-EZ Author

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Dec 31, 2013 10:01 AM in response to BDAqua

OH, you were referring to the adapter. Ya I'm not 100% sure either... I guess if I find one to purchase I'll check that out first

crap... this is going to sound like a VERY stupid question. But if I'm not using the video card for gaming and stuff like that, is it a big deal? By using two monitors into that one slow card, will I run into problems? Becuase I defintely have not run into any slowness when using one. Thoughts?

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