What to get - better graphics card or bigger monitor?

[turtlebud]

I'm gearing up to upgrade to a dual core powermac at some point in the next few months and am torn between deciding on a better graphics card (7800 vs. the 6600) and getting a bigger monitor (20" vs 23"). The price difference for each upgrade is similar, but I'm likely going to have to pick one or the other. I don't so much graphic design, but I do a bit of picture post-processing (and will probably do more in the future).

Any thoughts on which I should pick?

 

[sw1tcher]

If you're deciding between Apple's 20" Cinema and the 23" Cinema, get the Dell 24" 2405FPW instead. Then use the money saved to get the 7800 GPU too.

On the other hand, if that's not an option, I'd go with the larger display over the faster GPU.

 

[risc]

On the other hand, if that's not an option, I'd go with the larger display over the faster GPU.

I'd do the exact opposite Apple don't make it easy to upgrade a video card after purchase. I'd buy the best video card I could afford and worry about the monitor later.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

If graphic design is your primary task, then I'd go with the bigger screen. The upgraded GPU (from 6600 -> 7800) will make a BIG difference in games, but not so much in other tasks that don't require 3D rendering (i.e Motion will benefit from the better GPU also).

Personally I'd probably go with the smaller screen and 7800GT, but I'm not a graphics designer.

 

[Dreadnought]

Wait till MWSF is over. I think that Steve will announce new ACD! The 6600 is a beast of a graphics card already. I would say buy that. You can easily put a newer/faster card in later and sell the 6600. It will hold it's value.

 

[risc]

The 6600 is a beast of a graphics card already

LOL, that is a classic comment! The 6600 is a POS!

 

[Dreadnought]

Compared to old G5's the 6600 isn't that bad at all. Especially the one with 256 MB is very attractive!

 

[Lord Blackadder]

LOL, that is a classic comment! The 6600 is a POS!

I wouldn't go that far, but the 6600 isn't a great leap forward either - the 6600 gets stomped by the X800 series, the GeForce 6800 series (obviously) and even the Radeon 9800 Special Edition (and presumably the XT as well). So the older AGP macs have a l,ot morte options than the new PCIe Macs - the 6600 is fine for non-gaming/3D stuff, but if you need a better card you either have to wait for the 7800 or shell out for the Quadro.

If you are getting a new Powermac G5, the 7800 is the way to go, despite the wait. I really hope Apple revamps their video card lineup after MWSF or at least makes the 7800 more available.