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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Desktops > MacPro Dual Use--Mac OS X and Windows

MacPro Dual Use--Mac OS X and Windows
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buheper
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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Mar 9, 2007, 07:53 PM
 
I'm planning to purchase 2 MacPro stations for our school next year, however, I need some advice. The workstation will be used mostly for video editing--Final Cut Pro and other Mac OS X related activities, however, we need to run Windows-based applications such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD once every now and then. Furthermore, SolidWorks requires a robust video card. The software maker recommends Quadro FX cards. At present there is only one Quadro FX card available for the MacPro; it's price, however, is too high for us. Is it possible to run Mac OS X with the video card that comes installed with the MacPro when it ships and also boot up in Window XP or Vista via BootCamp using a second windows-only video card that would be specially suited to handle 3D modelling (SolidWorks) in a Windows environment? This would save me the need to purchase 2 Mac boxes and 2 Windows boxes. What difficulties would I encounter with the setup described above? Do you have any other recommendations as to what I could do? I'm also hearing rumors that Apple is planning to upgrade its MacPro workstation with possible new Quadro FX cards. Any other ideas?
     
mduell
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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Mar 9, 2007, 09:54 PM
 
Yes, you can do that. I think you may even be able to use the "windows" video card for a second display in OS X after you boot (I remember something about this, but I could be mistaken).

I don't think Apple will offer any of the lower end Quadros... it's really just there as a professional high-end option.
     
buheper  (op)
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Mar 10, 2007, 09:55 AM
 
hey, thanks for the reply. Are you saying that I will be able to use the window-only card (I'm assuming there are no drivers for the mac) in Mac OS X? Also, there won't be any system conflict when booting Mac OS X with a windows-based GPU in the second slot?
     
mduell
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Mar 10, 2007, 12:45 PM
 
As far as I know you can use an off-the-shelf "PC" video card as a secondary card in the Mac Pro, but you need an OS X compatible card as the primary card for use in OS X.
     
SierraDragon
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Join Date: Mar 2004
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Mar 11, 2007, 03:47 PM
 
And for sure wait until new MPs are announced, since graphics configurations will be changing.

-Allen Wicks
     
   
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