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simonmartin · Dec 29, 2003, 02:00 PM

Hi,

I want to use an old ATI graphics card in a new G5 to hook up a second monitor and wanted to know if you guys thought it would work.

The card says 'Graphics by ATI Rage 128' on it.

I seem to remember that there is a voltage issue with the new G5s...? 3.5v V 5v?

Will I damage the G5 if I just try it out?

Thanks

Simon
London Uk

jedimstr · Dec 29, 2003, 02:23 PM

What's your current video card in your dual G5?

Both the nVidia and ATI cards that ship with the G5's support dual monitors already... as stated on Apple's site:

"All cards ship with an Apple Display Connector (ADC) port for connecting an Apple display, and a DVI port for a second digital display � with support for both extended desktop and video mirroring modes."

With ADC and DVI connectors you have a few options for displays...pretty much any combination of ADC, DVI or Analog monitors as long as you have to correct adapters.

You don't need the PCI ATI Rage for dual monitor support.

BTW- the PCI-X slots do not support 5v PCI cards.

simonmartin · Dec 29, 2003, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by jedimstr:
What's your current video card in your dual G5?

Both the nVidia and ATI cards that ship with the G5's support dual monitors already... as stated on Apple's site:

"All cards ship with an Apple Display Connector (ADC) port for connecting an Apple display, and a DVI port for a second digital display � with support for both extended desktop and video mirroring modes."

With ADC and DVI connectors you have a few options for displays...pretty much any combination of ADC, DVI or Analog monitors as long as you have to correct adapters.

You don't need the PCI ATI Rage for dual monitor support.

BTW- the PCI-X slots do not support 5v PCI cards.

jedimstr,

I had totally forgotten that! Good news, I think...

I have a standard G5 Dual. The second screen I wanted to hook up is an old Compaq 15 inch thing. It has a standard VGA connector, the small D shape.

Will that hook straight up then, with the adaptor which came with the G5. Or do I need another adapter?

Thanks

Simon

jedimstr · Dec 29, 2003, 02:36 PM

As long as your other monitor is an ADC monitor you are all set!

Your G5 came with the DVI->VGA Analog adapter you'll need to hook up the old Compaq 15 inch monitor with.

Originally posted by simonmartin:
jedimstr,

I had totally forgotten that! Good news, I think...

I have a standard G5 Dual. The second screen I wanted to hook up is an old Compaq 15 inch thing. It has a standard VGA connector, the small D shape.

Will that hook straight up then, with the adaptor which came with the G5. Or do I need another adapter?

Thanks

Simon

simonmartin · Dec 29, 2003, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by jedimstr:
As long as your other monitor is an ADC monitor you are all set!

Your G5 came with the DVI->VGA Analog adapter you'll need to hook up the old Compaq 15 inch monitor with.

jedimstr,

The existing screen is a Mitsubishi which must mean that I need to get a new adapter... ?

Simon

jedimstr · Dec 29, 2003, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
jedimstr,

The existing screen is a Mitsubishi which must mean that I need to get a new adapter... ?

Simon

What you need is either an ADC->DVI adapter or ADC->VGA adapter for your Mitsubishi monitor depending on which connection it takes. Apple, Belkin, and others make these adapters (available at the Apple Store).

How do you connect your Mitsubishi now? To the DVI connector? In that case you can get an ADC->VGA to connect the Compaq.

Lots of options...

simonmartin · Dec 29, 2003, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by jedimstr:
What you need is either an ADC->DVI adapter or ADC->VGA adapter for your Mitsubishi monitor depending on which connection it takes. Apple, Belkin, and others make these adapters (available at the Apple Store).

How do you connect your Mitsubishi now? To the DVI connector? In that case you can get an ADC->VGA to connect the Compaq.

Lots of options...

jedimstr,

Thanks for all that. The G5 is across town and I can't remember how the Mits is hooked up.

Anyway, it's obviously possible to do without a new card.

Many thanks!

Simon

jedimstr · Dec 29, 2003, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
jedimstr,

Thanks for all that. The G5 is across town and I can't remember how the Mits is hooked up.

Anyway, it's obviously possible to do without a new card.

Many thanks!

Simon

You're welcome!

SuperM · 06:59 AM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
Hi,

I want to use an old ATI graphics card in a new G5 to hook up a second monitor and wanted to know if you guys thought it would work.

The card says 'Graphics by ATI Rage 128' on it.

I seem to remember that there is a voltage issue with the new G5s...? 3.5v V 5v?

Will I damage the G5 if I just try it out?

Thanks

Simon
London Uk

G'day from down under!

I have the exact video card setup you're enquiring about in my dual G5. When I first installed it, it did play up bit, even after D/L the driver from ATI. After I reinstalled OS X from the original CD, it worked and has worked flawlessly. I'm on the latest OS X version 10.3.2.

simonmartin · Jan 3, 2004, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by SuperM:
G'day from down under!

I have the exact video card setup you're enquiring about in my dual G5. When I first installed it, it did play up bit, even after D/L the driver from ATI. After I reinstalled OS X from the original CD, it worked and has worked flawlessly. I'm on the latest OS X version 10.3.2.

<img src="http://www.buttonboxproductions.com/ATI.Rage128.jpg">

SuperM,

Thanks mate.

Doing a clean install is a drag though, as I have just found out. I think I'll by an adapter for the G5 an run the screen off the built in card and use this ATI card to hook up a third screen to my G4 at home eventually.

More screens means a faster computer, right?

Simon