Does the PowerColor Radeon 9600 work in a Mac aswell?

Unless the card's documentation indicates Mac-compatibility, then its ROM is not programmed for Mac use. A web search will provide information as to specific graphics cards and brands that can be flashed (reprogrammed) to work in a Mac. The flashing procedure often requires a PC to perform. If you don't want to hassle with this, you can often find flashed cards available online (eBay). Otherwise, go with a mainstream manufacturer - like ATI, that markets products for the Mac community. There is a distinction between cards that are "built by ATI" and "powered by ATI." The former are ATI's own retail product line, while the latter are manufactured/sold by third-party entities, paying a licensing fee to ATI for the use of its Radeon technology. I've never seen a Mac-compatible "Powered by ATI" product, unless it's one that has been flashed by the original purchaser. Also, I wouldn't recommend using a slower PCI graphics card in a computer with an AGP slot, unless my AGP card died and I had no other options.

Hi,
You must always use a 'Mac Edition" card in your Mac. Or, as stated, a properly 'flashed to Mac' PC video card. If the description does not say "Mac", then it won't work. The 9600 is a bad choice for G4's because it sometimes had issues with certain Mac's, not all G4's, just some, you never know which will have problems.

As far as Mac Edition cards with 64MB (or 128MB) of VRAM, there are some available on Ebay, like this (from fast to slower):
ATI 9800, ATI 9700 (rare), ATI 9000, ATI 8500, Nvidia GeForce 4Ti, Nvidia GeForce 3.

Regards,
Dave

Ah, thanks - that helps me as well!

A question: I have a 400mhz Sawtooth G4 (2x AGP). I'd like a card with mirroring, and core image/quartz support. Do any of these work with my particular G4? The 9800 is a bit too pricey - and due to the age of the processor (with no intention to upgrade it), I don't need much VRAM or speed- just Quartz/Core.

Thanks

Hi,
Most any Mac ATI Radeon video card over 32MB VRAM will mirror and have Quartz Extreme, Nvidia 2MX and GF3 also. But I'd stick with ATI brand, they work nice in older Mac's.

The other reason that a ATI 9600 won't work in your Sawtooth is because it's a 4X/8X AGP card, your Sawtooth is 2X AGP - it won't fit.

Because you have a Sawtooth you must find a video card that is DVI/VGA, the Sawtooth does not support Apple's ADC video connection. Look around, ATI 7000/7200/7500/8500 can be found with the DVI/VGA connectors, with 32MB/64MB VRAM.

Core Image is a newer technology and available in newer video cards only. The Mac 9800 is the only one that has it. Certain 'flashed' PC video cards also have it, Nvidia 5200's, for example.

Make sure you get a 2X/4X AGP video card and make sure it has two video out connectors.

Or, just but a cheap PCI video card, like an ATI 7000 PCI, it in one of your PCI slots, connect the other monitor on it. Two monitors, two video cards.

Regards,
Dave

Ah, OK. I'll keep an eye out for those. Actually, the PCI card is a pretty good idea! I currently have 2 PCI slots open, with a USB 2 card in the middle slot. Is it OK to put a second video card in such a confined space, or should I move the USB2 to the lower (or upper) slot? It gets fairly toasty in my room during the summer...

I have no need for ADC support, so that's no big deal.

In any case, it's a bummer Core won't work, but I'm glad Quartz will. I'll keep an eye open. What's a good place to find cards? I'm not much of a fan of buying computer parts on ebay.

Thanks,

-Dan

Hi,
The PCI card should be as far from other PCI cards as possible because of heat.

I don't like recommending places to buy from but if you shop carefully on Fleabay, you can find a good card.
Look in the Apple Computer section and just type in 'ATI 7000' in the Search function.

I just saw some Mac AGP ATI 7000's with DVI/AGP and QE for <$50.

There are also many Mac Edition PCI ATI 7000's for as little as $21.

Good hunting,
Dave

Thought so. I'm not sure which would be the best spot as far as airflow goes, i'll have to open it up and look.

I've never heard of Fleabay, I'll have to check it out! Thanks,

-Dan

I've never heard of Fleabay, I'll have to check it out!
I was just joking, I meant Ebay. It's a flea market...

oh, um.... right, I knew that.....

See, this is what happens when you're forced to get up for class at 7 - and not used to it - you're ability to sense humor fails! 🙂 Oh well, I suppose I need to get used to class now that school's back in! :/