Hi, all. Just inherited a Formac Proformance III Plus, 128-bit/32MB/300Mhz. Is this card better than the ATI Rage 128 that came installed in my G4/500Mhz? I'm currently using an Apple 21" Studio Display as my main monitor; I also own an Apple 17" Studio Display which I'd like to connect to my system. Which video card to which monitor would you all suggest? Thanks in advance.

DavidQ

[Blakhawkg3]

That depends on what you use your [super]computer for.

Although they both have great 2D, the Formac card is slightly faster. If you need 3D more, the Rage 128 Pro is faster (but still not as fast as a Voodoo 3).

If you need faster 2D, use the Formac card with the larger monitor. For faster 3D, use the Formac card with the smaller monitor. Switching around which monitor is hooked up to which card won't affect your performance, but it'll make it look nice and big.

-Blakhawkg3

[Misha]

The Formac is better at 2D (less good at 3D), but keep in mind that the ATI card is AGP whereas the Formac is PCI.

[Sam Venning]

The specs say that the ProFormance card is faster but I've been getting better results playing back a 800x600, 25FPS QuickTime movie (Sorenson) on the ATI card. PowerMac G4/450 contains the ATI card and the latest ProFormance card (with latest driver and firmware). Both cards are connected to Apple 17" Graphite display. The ATI card plays back smoother - doesn't drop a frame. The ProFormance card does.

Hey, thanks for all the feedback. Since I posted the question, I have been experimenting with different combinations and I've found that the ATI does indeed play back 2D animation (Flash) smoother than the ProFormance. As for 3D, I haven't got that far in my testing; I'll try to post something when I find out more. For now the 21" is hooked up to the ATI, and the 17" is hooked up to the ProFormance IIII. Looks like I'll eventually need to get a Voodoo 3, 4, or 5. Any suggestions about which Voodoo to get? I don't do any gaming (or hardly any), mostly 2D (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and motion graphics (After Effects, Director, Flash, etc.) Thanks again.

DavidQ