G5 PowerPC Video Card Replacement Advice

[Steviespic]

I have a G5 single 1.8 and the video card no longer works with the ADC output. I wanted to replace so I can use two monitors again and was looking for some advice. I use it for music and was wondering if anyone can tell me if the compatible cards are better or worse in regards to using system resources. If I have a 12 or so tracks going, running two monitors, and also playing a video file in Pro Tools LE, would it help if I had a better video card with more memory? Or would a better card with more memory not matter unless I cared about the image quality? When I work on music for movies I usually downgrade the video as low as possible so it doesn't require as much from the computer to play. On Lowendmac i found this list . Any guidance is most appreciated.

Video: AGP 8x

• Nvidia GeForce FX5200 Ultra, 64 MB, standard
• Optional: ATI Radeon 9600 XT, 128 MB; ATI Radeon 9800 XT, 256 MB; Nvidia GeForce FX6800 Ultra, 64 MB

 

[AphoticD]

I have a G5 single 1.8 and the video card no longer works with the ADC output. I wanted to replace so I can use two monitors again and was looking for some advice. I use it for music and was wondering if anyone can tell me if the compatible cards are better or worse in regards to using system resources. If I have a 12 or so tracks going, running two monitors, and also playing a video file in Pro Tools LE, would it help if I had a better video card with more memory? Or would a better card with more memory not matter unless I cared about the image quality? When I work on music for movies I usually downgrade the video as low as possible so it doesn't require as much from the computer to play. On Lowendmac i found this list . Any guidance is most appreciated.

Video: AGP 8x

• Nvidia GeForce FX5200 Ultra, 64 MB, standard
• Optional: ATI Radeon 9600 XT, 128 MB; ATI Radeon 9800 XT, 256 MB; Nvidia GeForce FX6800 Ultra, 64 MB

Your question became more specific over here

I'm not sure if the FX 5200 would keep up as well when playing back video at the same time. Just for reference, I ran an ATI Radeon 9800 Special Mac Edition (256MB) AGP 8x card in my G5 for many years and used it for general audio production as well as "soundtrack" work. It ran two displays off this card (one ADC 17", the other DVI 19", both at 1280x1024) and never had any issues working with standard definition video (640x480 or the widescreen equivalent).

Of course, you can't expect the same out of current video standards. Anything HD (720, 1080 and up) are going to be much more taxing for the G5, especially while simultaneously running all of your RTAS plugins/eq's, etc

 

[Dronecatcher]

I'd run with the ATI Radeon 9600 XT - regard 128MB as a minimum. I don't think higher cards will benefit you for what you're doing - I tested my Quad running a 4500 Quadro and it offered zero performance increase over the stock 6600.

 

[Hrududu]

I'd run with the ATI Radeon 9600 XT - regard 128MB as a minimum. I don't think higher cards will benefit you for what you're doing - I tested my Quad running a 4500 Quadro and it offered zero performance increase over the stock 6600.

I'll 2nd the vote for the 9600XT as a good card for the right price. I tossed one in my June 04 G5 some years back and for the price you can't beat it.