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silverflyer · Jul 2, 2007, 11:35 AM

Is this ever a possibility?

Will apple ever decide to give us more options for Graphics cards?

is it possible at all currently in a mac pro?

mduell · Jul 2, 2007, 02:07 PM

Yes, it is possible that Apple (or someone else) will release more Mac compatible video cards. Future releases (for a reasonable time period, i.e. not in a decade) will work in the current Mac Pro.

Current off-the-shelf cards will work in a Mac Pro in Windows/Linux, but not in OS X.

bballe336 · Jul 2, 2007, 09:58 PM

Apple sucks with graphics options. Fortunately everything they supply can be over clocked in windows if you want to play games or something.

silverflyer · Jul 3, 2007, 12:17 PM

Actually, it would be ncie if nVidia would see the potential and make the card work with apple and sell it as an upgrade.

I would buy it.

Phuncz · Jul 3, 2007, 01:56 PM

It has nothing to do with nVidia and about everything with Apple.

silverflyer · Jul 3, 2007, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Phuncz

It has nothing to do with nVidia and about everything with Apple.

How can you be so sure?

mduell · Jul 3, 2007, 10:32 PM

nVidia doesn't make any graphics cards.

svtcontour · Jul 3, 2007, 10:56 PM

Actually I think I've seen some Dell computers with actual Nvidia part numbers. I assume these are the reference boards. Unless Nvidia gets someone to build their reference boards.

Originally Posted by mduell

nVidia doesn't make any graphics cards.

silverflyer · Jul 4, 2007, 01:12 AM

Now that we are done arguing semantics...

When will I be able to get an 8800 Ultra or GTX in my Mac Pro?

himself · Jul 4, 2007, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by silverflyer

Now that we are done arguing semantics...

When will I be able to get an 8800 Ultra or GTX in my Mac Pro?

You'll be able to get one when Apple decides to release one. That's the best answer you're gonna get.

mduell · Jul 4, 2007, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by svtcontour

Actually I think I've seen some Dell computers with actual Nvidia part numbers. I assume these are the reference boards. Unless Nvidia gets someone to build their reference boards.

nVidia designs the reference boards, but I think they farm them out to one of the ODMs for manufacture. Just like ATi farming their 'name brand' boards out to Sapphire.

jamil5454 · Jul 4, 2007, 09:45 AM

I believe it's coming soon. The driver support for the architecture is there already in OS X, so all Apple needs to do is get the proper firmware loaded and voila an OS X compatible 8800. They don't really have any other route to go except for the Radeon HD 2900, but I think Apple's going to stick with Nvidia for the high end this time around.

silverflyer · Jul 4, 2007, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by jamil5454

I believe it's coming soon. The driver support for the architecture is there already in OS X, so all Apple needs to do is get the proper firmware loaded and voila an OS X compatible 8800. They don't really have any other route to go except for the Radeon HD 2900, but I think Apple's going to stick with Nvidia for the high end this time around.

It would be nice if they would just do that. I can not think of one reason not to do it.

Phuncz · Jul 4, 2007, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by silverflyer

How can you be so sure?

1. have you ever seen ANY official drivers for Mac videocards on the chip manufacturers ?
2. Apple wouldn't allow other cards so easily because it would cause more problems (see custom kext drivers)

silverflyer · 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Phuncz

1. have you ever seen ANY official drivers for Mac videocards on the chip manufacturers ?
2. Apple wouldn't allow other cards so easily because it would cause more problems (see custom kext drivers)

ATI has special drivers fro mac users using bootcamp.

Why would apple not allow other cards?

Phuncz · Jul 5, 2007, 06:04 AM

Yeah you are right. Too bad for us that deal has not been interesting for a long time.

silverflyer · Jul 5, 2007, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Phuncz

Yeah you are right. Too bad for us that deal has not been interesting for a long time.

That nearly makes no sense.

Phuncz · Jul 5, 2007, 12:43 PM

Next to the X800XT and the X1900XT that are rare to find, no other worthwile cards where introduced.
They are seriously more expensive too.

That is what I meant with it not being interesting. Also because ATi is the only alternative next to the few BTO options.

silverflyer · Jul 5, 2007, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Phuncz

Next to the X800XT and the X1900XT that are rare to find, no other worthwile cards where introduced.
They are seriously more expensive too.

That is what I meant with it not being interesting. Also because ATi is the only alternative next to the few BTO options.

Rare?

The Apple Store (U.S.) - ATI Radeon X1900 XT Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro

I cant believe it is so hard for nVidia/Apple to give up more card options.

Leonard · Jul 6, 2007, 05:16 PM

The X800XT is rare... It's easy to find it listed, hard to find it in stock or available within a few days - I'm wondering if ATI is phasing it out. The ATI X1900XT is easier to find.

svtcontour · Jul 7, 2007, 01:44 AM

The X800XT was introduced in mid 2004 so its absolutely ancient by todays standards. The X1900 series is about a year and a half old I think. Its decent video card but hardly cutting edge.

Originally Posted by Leonard

The X800XT is rare... It's easy to find it listed, hard to find it in stock or available within a few days - I'm wondering if ATI is phasing it out. The ATI X1900XT is easier to find.

Phuncz · Jul 7, 2007, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by silverflyer

Rare?

The Apple Store (U.S.) - ATI Radeon X1900 XT Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro

Maybe in the USA, here in the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) it's a little bit different: 7 to 10 weeks according to the Apple site. Getting this requires going through international channels which can be a real pain.

Phuncz · Jul 7, 2007, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by silverflyer

Rare?

The Apple Store (U.S.) - ATI Radeon X1900 XT Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro

Maybe in the USA, here in the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) it's a little bit different: 7 to 10 weeks according to the Apple site. Getting this requires going through international channels which can be a real pain. It also costs 410 euro here which is a lot more expensive too.

Knaledge · Jul 9, 2007, 03:50 PM

Google for "Titan nvidia mac" and click on the MacGeekBlog.com link

There are DIY options for users willing to take a (fairly soft) risk against their systems but overall, end up satisfied with the results. In your case, the ability to run most (if not close to all) basic off the shelf nVidia cards. Follow the rabbit hole to find more info but there's plenty of it out there. If you prefer ATi, check out natit (search: natit dm_webd).

Currently, nearly all 7xxx and under cards work flawlessly (or close to it) with even some reports coming in of 8600 GTS and 8800 GS/GT working fine.

Hackintosh ftw.

rufosx · Jul 9, 2007, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Knaledge

Google for "Titan nvidia mac" and click on the MacGeekBlog.com link

There are DIY options for users willing to take a (fairly soft) risk against their systems but overall, end up satisfied with the results. In your case, the ability to run most (if not close to all) basic off the shelf nVidia cards. Follow the rabbit hole to find more info but there's plenty of it out there. If you prefer ATi, check out natit (search: natit dm_webd).

Currently, nearly all 7xxx and under cards work flawlessly (or close to it) with even some reports coming in of 8600 GTS and 8800 GS/GT working fine.

Hackintosh ftw.

I'm running a 256 MB 7900 GS card in my Mac Pro right now. Much, much better than the 7300 GT. Few things : you need natit v0.02 installed (not Titan). I think the card might be limited to 256 MB. You need another nVidia card in another slot (the natit card won't come up until further into the boot process).

:dragonflypro: · Jul 9, 2007, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by rufosx

I'm running a 256 MB 7900 GS card in my Mac Pro right now. Much, much better than the 7300 GT. Few things : you need natit v0.02 installed (not Titan). I think the card might be limited to 256 MB. You need another nVidia card in another slot (the natit card won't come up until further into the boot process).

Still 10.4.8 or are you .9/.10 ?

rufosx · Jul 9, 2007, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by :dragonflypro:

Still 10.4.8 or are you .9/.10 ?

Works in both .9 and .10. Also, you'll need to either run a long power cable from the optical drive area, or purchase a Mac specific power cable that connects to the motherboard (I only found one and it was $30).

silverflyer · Jul 9, 2007, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Knaledge

Google for "Titan nvidia mac" and click on the MacGeekBlog.com link

There are DIY options for users willing to take a (fairly soft) risk against their systems but overall, end up satisfied with the results. In your case, the ability to run most (if not close to all) basic off the shelf nVidia cards. Follow the rabbit hole to find more info but there's plenty of it out there. If you prefer ATi, check out natit (search: natit dm_webd).

Currently, nearly all 7xxx and under cards work flawlessly (or close to it) with even some reports coming in of 8600 GTS and 8800 GS/GT working fine.

Hackintosh ftw.

While appealing, I dont think I want to take the risk of messing up my system. I will stick with the X1900XT for now, and hope Apple/nVidia will step up and expand their GPU options.