I think I'm in need of a graphic card upgrade. Currently, I am using a Mac G4 dual 1.25 with 2GB of memory. I'm operating with panther OS 10.3.9. My machine has a Radeon 9000 Pro 64 MB card in it. That card allows for dual monitor set up. As I said, I think I need another card, so I might as well improve my system too. What recommendations would anyone offer. I've been looking at the Radeon 9600 Pro Mac but have also considered the 9800 Pro Mac. I do some 3d modeling as well as graphic work with Illustrator and Photoshop. I am not a game player. Recommendations will be welcomed.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
New graphics card
- Thread starter moea
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I've used the 9600 edition that was in the Rev. B iMacs but I'm not sure if it's the same card as the one you're looking at. I thought it was a decent card for what I used it for but a lot depends on how long you want it to last you. If you plan on upgrading your card in the next year or so then you may just want to get the 9600 and save some money. However, if you plan on using your computer for 3 or more years then I think I would just get the 9800 and be done with it. I've heard nothing but good things from people who have upgraded their machines with that card. I'd wait for a little more input from other users who have used either cards with the apps you have listed because I've only used them on one computer so I can't really compare performance with any other computers.
I just got the 9800 for my lowly Mac and I have noticed an improvement in a few areas, such as video playback (especially of windows media files). I haven't tried gaming yet and I don't do any 3D modeling.
I say get the 9800. You'll have more useful computer life if you do and you'll have much better resale value when you go to sell it.
I say get the 9800. You'll have more useful computer life if you do and you'll have much better resale value when you go to sell it.
My vote is for the 9600. For your needs the performance difference between the 9600 and 9800 will be negligible, but the difference in price is not so negligible. The 9800 is a significantly better card - if you're gaming.
WHAT?!?! Only 200 USD for a 9800 mac edition?? Here in the Netherlands they are still about 500 Euro after taxes. I could better get an X800 XT. Could you post a link for that 9800?? Maybe they ship to Europe, and with that conversion rate... it's about 160 Euroxyian said:
Dreadnought said:WHAT?!?! Only 200 USD for a 9800 mac edition?? Here in the Netherlands they are still about 500 Euro after taxes. I could better get an X800 XT. Could you post a link for that 9800?? Maybe they ship to Europe, and with that conversion rate... it's about 160 Euro
He must have been rounding off. They are $249 US dollars direct from ATI and everyone else I've checked is close to the same. If it is $200 somewhere, I've never seen it. As it is, they may indeed ship to the Netherlands. Check ATI's US website and see.
unfortunately they don't sell outside North America...
I really would have gone for the X800. Great card. I always thought that the 9800 is 8x AGP, but is says that it's for a 4x or 2x compatible AGP Mac. Did they crippled it?
I really would have gone for the X800. Great card. I always thought that the 9800 is 8x AGP, but is says that it's for a 4x or 2x compatible AGP Mac. Did they crippled it?
Go to Newegg.com or even OWC. They both have them for relatively cheap these days. Not much interest in them anymore.
Dreadnought said:WHAT?!?! Only 200 USD for a 9800 mac edition?? Here in the Netherlands they are still about 500 Euro after taxes. I could better get an X800 XT. Could you post a link for that 9800?? Maybe they ship to Europe, and with that conversion rate... it's about 160 Euro
I just flashed a PC GeForce 6800GT 256MB dual DVI for my G4 tower. It cost less than a 9800 Pro Mac Edition and is way faster.
Overall, the 9600 Pro from OWC is a better buy than the 9800. It is a lot cheaper, is passively cooled (silent) and has good performance. However it has an un-powered ADC port so it isn't the best choice for people that use a dual-display setup. $250 for a Radeon 9800 is steep considering that card's age, though it is the best card that will work in a G4 out of the box.
Overall, the 9600 Pro from OWC is a better buy than the 9800. It is a lot cheaper, is passively cooled (silent) and has good performance. However it has an un-powered ADC port so it isn't the best choice for people that use a dual-display setup. $250 for a Radeon 9800 is steep considering that card's age, though it is the best card that will work in a G4 out of the box.
Now there is an idea! You could start your own business selling flashed pc cards for the Mac. I would definately buy one!
Actually, it isn't too hard to DIY. And it's fun!
A 6800 like mine was $223 shipped from Newegg. So you're saving around $30+shipping over a 9800 Mac Edition for a card that is a generation better than the 9800.
A 6800 like mine was $223 shipped from Newegg. So you're saving around $30+shipping over a 9800 Mac Edition for a card that is a generation better than the 9800.