Video Card Upgrade - Need help!

[daver11]

I have a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 (AGP 8X Pro / PCI-X (not PCI-Express)).

I want to upgrade my video card. What is the absolutely best video card available for me? What is the short list of the best cards available?

I have searched all over, but I just keep getting more confused. I've searched this forum and found some answers, but I'm still confused...

Please enlighten me!

 

[CanadaRAM]

I

Before the video card help, maybe a little keyboard help?

 

[Lovesong]

NVIDIA 6800 GT < ATI x800XT < NVIDIA 6800 Ultra

Some will say that the only reason for the Ultra being "better" than the ATI is that it can push 2 30" displays. I have the ATI, and it's awesome.

 

[Fearless Leader]

I have a BFG 7800GS in my dual 1.8 AGP8x G5, That preforms as a GT. That card right there is the absolute best AGP card you can put in a Powermac.

 

[daver11]

NVIDIA 6800 GT < ATI x800XT < NVIDIA 6800 Ultra

Some will say that the only reason for the Ultra being "better" than the ATI is that it can push 2 30" displays. I have the ATI, and it's awesome.

Will the ATI x800XT run both a 30" and 23" Cinema Display together? (I'm currently running two 23"-ers, but I want a 30").

Also, are there any PCI-X cards available? I'd like to have 2 video cards, rather than sharing the VRAM...

 

[daver11]

I have a BFG 7800GS in my dual 1.8 AGP8x G5, That preforms as a GT. That card right there is the absolute best AGP card you can put in a Powermac.

I checked the BFG Tech website, and they do not show this card as being supported by Mac. Did you have to flash the firmware or something?

 

[Lovesong]

Will the ATI x800XT run both a 30" and 23" Cinema Display together? (I'm currently running two 23"-ers, but I want a 30").

Also, are there any PCI-X cards available? I'd like to have 2 video cards, rather than sharing the VRAM...

Yes it will push a 23 and a 30". You'll need the 6800 ultra to push 2 30". Good luck finding them though:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/297454/

 

[Fearless Leader]

I checked the BFG Tech website, and they do not show this card as being supported by Mac. Did you have to flash the firmware or something?

Yes, and changed an opengl driver to use the 7800GT engine on the 7800GS. This card is probably you cheapest option (well for new cards anyways) and the most powerful.