Giraffe Raff Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 Hi what would be the most compatible graphics card right now for an osx86 system? I want to buy a new one anyway, so of course I'd like to buy one that gives me the smoothest possible experience under osx86 (uphuck 1.4). Any recommendations? I am not a gamer, so I don't need a very high end one, just one that gives me smooth os x effects etc., and isn't too expensive. Thanks a lot guys! Michael Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewno Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 I used to have x1600 pro (512 Mb) and then I bought the Sapphire X1950XT 256 Mb. PERFECT!!! Both cards will run fine on OSX. If you're a gamer, I recommend the latter. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-410428 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zulu.Walker Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 A 7300GT similar to what Apple offers will suffice. But if you occasionally game a 7600GS/GT will also be good without breaking the bank. 512MB video memory is not too pricey, but 256MB is enough and will probably spare you the headache (I'm not sure though if there are still issues with 512MB cards). Anything higher would be overkill for what you have in mind for your machine. Anything older, why bother? Stick with nVidia (not to put down ATI), but you can't deny their success rate on osx86 rigs compared to ATI. I wish you luck. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-410431 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbau Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 I agree with Zulu Walker. The 7300/7600GT cards are the easiest to get working. But if you're looking for the fastest, that would be the X1950XT that Brewno recommended (which is also pretty easy to get working most of the time). Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-410649 Share on other sites More sharing options...
deleted_account Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 will i regret getting an X1950XT (Sapphire) instead of getting an nVidia graphics carD? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-410918 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zulu.Walker Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 No regrets really, that thing's pretty damn fast but sadly almost at its end of life. We were simply recommending a suitable graphics card for Giraffe Raff, something that would fit his needs while not going overboard. If you can spend the extra cash to get the X1950XT and you're a gamer, I won't stop you. If you want a second opinion, look for a credible review site and check out how the 7900GS/GT or anything pre-8xxx series to see how it compares in performance and price. True satisfaction lies in that 'price/performance/planned usage' sweet spot. If you're not pushing it to its limits, then it's simply not worth it. For gamers, sky's the limit! But me, I'd rather spend the saved cash on something else. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-411782 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheeplover Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 You definetly won't regret the x1950. It was my first choice while configuring my new system. Take a look at this for example: http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/06/11/the...oney/page2.html or this: http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/05/01/the...oney/page3.html I barely use to play games, so I choose the 7300GT. I costs only a third of the nVidia and does the job for me. If you are in 3D Animation or similar take a look at the 7900GT or GTX and talk to aqua-mac here. These cards are nearly identical to the much more expensive Quadro FX 5500 cards. Aqua-mac can patch the firmware so it converts the card to a real Quadro FX. Really nice :-) Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-411816 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telephone Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 After reading this thread I've now narrowed down my graphics card choices to either a 7900GS or X1950XT. Will OpenGL work on both of these cards within OS X? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-418077 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJMoose Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Just remember that with any card in OSX86 that is over 256mb, you will have to flash the rom to get all capabilities. While this is pretty easy (I did it) and safe, it still represents a risk of ruining your card. So if money is of a concern, I'd stick with 256mb just to be safe. Lots of good cards out there. Be sure to ask specific questions because one person's 'perfect' might be another's 'disaster'. If you need to run dual dvi monitors, some will only run one, others (like my 7600GS 512mb) will run 2 but only 1 dvi and 1 with dvi/vga converter. You should also decide whether you're building a Hack only machine where OSX will be its primary use...or if you are building a primary windows machine with OSX to be used for fun or just occasionally. Also, you can check out the wiki for more info. Hope this helps. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-418082 Share on other sites More sharing options...
four! Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 NVIDIA 6600 PCIe is my pick Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-418459 Share on other sites More sharing options...
jl8080 Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 From experience ATI driver support is less than desirable. I have a laptop with a Radeon Mobility X1600. If I load up a game, watch a film, youtube clip or just simply leave my computer on for a while - I get multiple instances of CLI.exe (a background service of some sort) which is part of the Catalyst drivers. Sent ATI emails with no reply, looked on the forums and it appears that ATI have ditched their current customers to concentrate their efforts on DX10, being that they are so far behind Nvidia. Of course as a result of this, I have to reboot my laptop as it ceases to function properly. Personally I have no experience with later ATI cards, but I'll never buy one again. I bought an XFX 7900GT 256mb for my hackintosh. (£70 from eebs) Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-418465 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synaesthesia Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 I don't recommend the 1950xt or 7900Gt if you're NOT a gamer. Get the 7300GT or 7600gs, and save yourself some $$$. Probably to late though... Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/57465-best-graphics-card-for-osx86/#findComment-418495 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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