How can I get a 7800 GS to run in my Power Mac G4 FW800?

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Level 1

5 points

How can I get a 7800 GS to run in my Power Mac G4 FW800?

Hi, I'm looking to max out my G4 since it's my main desktop and it's served me well (and still is!). I've decided to get a SATA II PCI-X card and a graphics upgrade, and for the graphics upgrade, I've found that the NVidia GeForce 7800 GS is probably the best option I have. I found one on eBay for $149.99 (within my budget), and I'd like to know how hard it would be to get it to run on my G4. I read about taping pins 3 & 11, doesn't sound too hard, but I'm not sure what to do about BIOS flashing.

Long story short, I want this card, but I don't want it to be FUBAR as a result.

Looking forward to feedback and a supercharged G4!

P.S, here's the link for the card -- http://www.ebay.com/itm/251729323084

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8), FW800 1.42GHz

Posted on Dec 14, 2014 10:33 PM

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Answer 1

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Dec 15, 2014 12:35 AM in response to alfonsojon

You may want to look at this first to make sure this card is compatible with your PowerMac MDD 1.42 Ghz CPU model.

Make sure that your particular card has already been ROM flashed to use in a Mac.

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

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Dec 15, 2014 10:30 AM in response to alfonsojon

Seems it'll be fine with the taped pins. 🙂

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Answer 3

alfonsojon Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 15, 2014 3:37 PM in response to MichelPM

According to the site, it should work with the Mac BIOS, and the card I'm looking at already has it pre-flashed! Does this mean I should be good to go following the pin taping? Thanks!

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