[dynsight]

I have a single proc 1.8 G5 with 2.5 gigs of ram. However, the video card is woefully underpowered (64 MB). Most apps run okay, but knowing how OS X works, upgrading to a better video card should vastly improve aperture, photoshop, and possibly final cut express.

I have tried a couple of places DVWarehouse, welovemacs, but the former sent a card for PC's and would not refund my money until I threatened to call the credit card company..the latter took my order, and then five days later said the product was not in stock. One was the Radeon 9600, the other was a Radeon 9800 XT

So, what is a good, obtainable video card for my computer for under $500? I would assume that 256 MB is essential.

[gorbag]

Personally, I deal with vendors that specialize in Macs, like Other World Computing. I've got a stock 9600/128 in my machine, but have hear good things about the X800. Unfortunately, it's currently out of stock:

Video Cards, Adapters & KVM Switches at OtherWorldComputing.com

Prices all seem high given these are old cards, so you might also check folks who deal in used equipment, e.g., Small Dog.

Good luck.

[Don Pickett]

The X800 XT is the best card out there for the AGP-based G5s. As you said, it is out of stock. I've been waiting for mine since April.

[QTI]

I was recently lucky enough to pick up a used X800 for "only" $230 last weekend.

I was using a "stock" 64MB video card.

From experience I can tell you the difference is night and day.

Aperture was slow and unresponsive then and it was basically the only reason I was considering an upgrade to Mac Pro (didn't really want to otherwise, as I'm happily using Mac Office and Photoshop CS2, and couldn't see why I should upgrade and incur the extra costs). After installing the X800, on my Dual 2G (not dual core) with 3.5G ram, Aperture is very quick and useable.

I can now postpone my upgrade plan for quite a while I guess.

Try to find one on ebay etc. if you can.

[Big Mac]

The 9800XT is probably the best choice if you cannot find the X800.

[pixelperson]

Yes, I agree, the 9800XT is probably the best solution for you. Check out eBay, but make certain that the seller has a lot of positive feedback. I saw some that were reasonable.

Good luck

[Cadaver]

I have a Radeon 9800 XT Pro Mac Special Edition for the G5 I'm willing to part with.

Edit: Sorry, its a 9800 Pro Mac Special Edition. There was no XT Special Editon. Pardon the typo.

[Kenneth]

I bought a used DP 2.0Ghz G5 from my friend couple months ago for $1K and it came with a X800 XT in it. It's pretty nice actually although I don't play any game at all.

I read about that ATI is no longer offering the X800 XT card from its online store.

[QTI]

all that for 1k is a steal. you could have sold the x800 xt for nearly $400 alone on ebay i think.

[Kenneth]

Originally Posted by QTI 

all that for 1k is a steal. you could have sold the x800 xt for nearly $400 alone on ebay i think.

The G5 was one of the xbox 360 development kits and Microsoft sold them to its employees at such low low price. My friend bought one and sold it to me with a profit. Later, I threw in more hard drive storage and RAM.

I never checked the ebay price on the X800 XT, it surprised me.

[Timo]

The X800 XT is finally in stock; got mine the other day from the ati store (still not at OWC).

[Don Pickett]

Originally Posted by Timo 

The X800 XT is finally in stock; got mine the other day from the ati store (still not at OWC).

I finally broke down and ordered one off of eBay.

[nikstar101]

Yeah i have a X800Xt in my Dual 2.0Ghx G5 and it is a great card. I reckon it will keep the machine usable for another year with an update.

Nik