ATI Radeon X1900 XT - Mac driver updates?

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Level 1

115 points

ATI Radeon X1900 XT - Mac driver updates?

Hello,

I've looked around the forums and have found driver related questions for windows / bootcamp but not the Mac.

Does 'Software Update' include ATI Graphics software? Maybe I'm still used to the PC end of things that every week or so (if you're a gamer and such) one needs to be very aware of their directX, graphics, audio drivers etc.

The main reason I ask is I seem to crash often in World of Warcraft, get visual artifacts, and occasional full screen patterns along with lockups. These types of things only happen in WoW.

I've opened up the side of my Mac Pro and cleaned out some dust (i used to build PC's so i thought this might be heat related.) Still though, same issues and I'm thinking either WoW is the issue, my graphics card is the issue, or the driver needs to be updated.

thanks 🙂

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on May 23, 2007 7:56 PM

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Answer 1

May 23, 2007 8:28 PM in response to BKRonline

ask apple for a replacement card. that's about all you can do. I did so and had no further trouble but I did start to use smcfancontrol at the same time.

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Answer 2

May 23, 2007 8:42 PM in response to BKRonline

Software updates (e.g. 10.4.9, etc.) do include graphics updates from time to time. That's generally the only place the drivers are available -- from Apple in those updates.

If the issues happen only in WOW it's tough to say -- it could be a game bug. The above comment to ask Apple for a replacement card will likely not be workable unless you're able to demonstrate a problem using Apple's hardware test utility (see instructions for running it on the DVDs that came with your computer).

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Answer 3

BKRonline Author

Level 1

115 points

May 23, 2007 9:14 PM in response to William Lloyd

thanks for the quick replies!

I say this happens in WoW only, however I'm not running any other 3D application or game unless I use bootcamp and go to windows, although I don't spend much time in windows on my Mac Pro, I haven't seen a major issue... then again I'm able to update the drivers as soon as ATI releases them.

I'll check out the DVD, I'm sure it's around here somewhere. I'm assuming there's diagnostic info on the DVD or documentation?

Thanks again 🙂

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Answer 4

May 23, 2007 9:23 PM in response to BKRonline

Yeah, the DVD says "Apple Hardware Test" on it.

Read the print on the DVD itself -- I believe it says to reboot and hold down the 'D' key at startup and it will boot to AHT.

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Answer 5

tribe

Level 4

1,255 points

May 23, 2007 9:26 PM in response to BKRonline

Hi,

I've been doing a lot of reading on this card on many forums -- since I want to upgrade to it -- and I reached the conclussion that with heavy gamers, the ATI X1900 just cooks over a period of time -- 3 to six months typically -- and after that it just irreversibly fails.

keeping it well ventilated from the start can avoid the tragic end, but once the pendorchos inside feel the heat its fate is sealed.

There is a voodoo at the WoW forum that will lobby for you with Apple to get a replacement. Check there.

That said I'm still thinking of buying it since I don't play WoW or any other VC crunching game, and it seems to be doing a terrific job for video and some photo related programs.

best Luck!

Pablo

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Answer 6

BKRonline Author

Level 1

115 points

May 24, 2007 10:21 AM in response to tribe

Thanks for the updates!

Especially now with smcFanControl I know for certain the temperatures are proper, prior to this I'm not 100% sure, and it's an expensive item to replace every 3 - 6 months. When I have the time, I probably work the card pretty hard by gaming and LightWave 3D, although I wouldn't say I've abused my system by any stretch of the imagination.

Thanks again for the updates, I'll break out the Mac documentation and run some tests. I'm suspect that something has over-heated however.

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Answer 7

BKRonline Author

Level 1

115 points

May 25, 2007 8:55 AM in response to BKRonline

This is just a quick update.

I've recently called Apple support, we went through some troubleshooting steps and came to the conclusion that a replacement is needed. Since my Mac Pro is under warranty, the needed replacement is on it's way with no charge. I opt'ed to install the card myself, and Apple requested a CC number to secure the replacement in case I decide against mailing back the faulty ATI card within 10 days.

That's it, easy stuff. Apple seems to stand by their products 110%, and I have nothing but rave reviews and warm fuzzies for Apple technical support!

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