new iMac ATI graphics card - 3D programs

[DuFFy]

I've been reading a lot of talk about gaming on the new iMacs but I was wondering how well the ATI card would handle autodesk products and 3d modeling programs similar to those. I am particularly interested in how it could handle Maya and rendering and such. I don't see it having any problems handling it but I don't know that much about hardware and there doesnt seem to be a whole lot of talk anywhere about this cards performace in this field. And how would the GT 130 handle it, and would the ATI be a huge performance boost in comparison? Thanks..

 

[Battlefield Fan]

I've been reading a lot of talk about gaming on the new iMacs but I was wondering how well the ATI card would handle autodesk products and 3d modeling programs similar to those. I am particularly interested in how it could handle Maya and rendering and such. I don't see it having any problems handling it but I don't know that much about hardware and there doesnt seem to be a whole lot of talk anywhere about this cards performace in this field. And how would the GT 130 handle it, and would the ATI be a huge performance boost in comparison? Thanks..

Well it's only a $50 upgrade so everyone should go for it. And compared to apples benchmarks the ati 4850 is all around faster than the nvidia gt 130.(when customizing the machine under graphics click learn more to see apple's benchmarks)

I don't really know anything about the programs you mentioned but I figure I would try and give my point of view.

 

[stormtroopar]

I am really curious too. What I really want to know is how the new ATI card's driver is for using 3d apps like Maya or 3dsmax... The card itself should be a lot faster than the GT130 (which I am really disappointed in Apple for choosing this card when Nvidia clearly has many more faster performing mid range cards), but if its opengl driver isn't stable or as good, then it will have a lot of problems. I have had bad experience with consumer ATI cards doing 3d work in the past so I am really curious if these new cards have better drivers. Anyone had any actual experience with this card using 3d applications like such yet? It would be great to know.

Thanks.

 

[pacificmac]

I am really curious too. What I really want to know is how the new ATI card's driver is for using 3d apps like Maya or 3dsmax... The card itself should be a lot faster than the GT130 (which I am really disappointed in Apple for choosing this card when Nvidia clearly has many more faster performing mid range cards), but if its opengl driver isn't stable or as good, then it will have a lot of problems. I have had bad experience with consumer ATI cards doing 3d work in the past so I am really curious if these new cards have better drivers. Anyone had any actual experience with this card using 3d applications like such yet? It would be great to know.

Thanks.

From what i understand Autodesks 3ds Max doesn't support apple products even if it runs through windows. "Note: Apple® computers based on Intel processors and running Microsoft operating systems are not currently supported." http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5659453. I don't think there will be an issue running Maya though it supports apple and imac is good enough. http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=7639522