What video card would you get?

[thefredelement]

There's a lot of after market video card information out there an I've read enough to be thoroughly confused. I have an ATI 4870 now and would like to upgrade. It doesn't make too much sense to buy a brand new ATI 5870 from Apple and the 2nd hand market doesn't offer too much of a discount. I've been checking out the flashed cards and am not too opposed to flashing a card myself.

I'd like a card that works with everything (boot screens, dvd player, steam), can run games and multiple virtual desktops across two 22" (1920x1080) screens easily.

As it is now with the 4870, games get a little choppy and when I have a lot of different programs open, switching fast between desktops can really bog down (a serious 4 - 10 second wait occasionally).

I'd like to spend around $200 (funny how when you put the words "Mac" and "video card" together the price just sky rockets) if it's at all possible, and not really have to manipulate too much with the power cables (I'd like to keep it clean). I had an old GTS 250 in my previous PC and would really just like that kind of performance. (4 virtual desktops was a snap in Ubuntu and StarCraft II, Diablo 3, AoE3 all played pretty nice and decent without being choppy).

I don't need max settings, just for a more "smooth" experience.

Thanks!

 

[Neodym]

As you have a MP 4,1 and don't mind flashing, I'd suggest going for a 6870, which is close to the 5870 in performance, cheaper than 7xxx cards and of course than original Apple cards, better supported (officially) than current nVidia cards (may change in the near future though, as the new Retina MBP has nVidia on board and thus soon the drivers will probably appear in an OS update for any machine - though for now it might not be as refined as the AMD/ATI drivers) and should be available within your budget.

For details regarding the status of nVidia support on OSX check out the huge nVidia thread by MacVidCards here on the forum or over at netkas.org.

 

[ActionableMango]

I second that. 6870 and flash yourself for about $150. It uses two power cables to the existing two connections inside the case.

 

[thefredelement]

Would an Nvidia card be more compatible with DVD Player and Steam?

 

[ActionableMango]

Would an Nvidia card be more compatible with DVD Player and Steam?

A flashed 6870 is compatible with DVD player and Steam.

There is no Nvidia meeting all of your requirements.

 

[derbothaus]

I 3rd or whatever the 6870. OP wants the world but can't have it unfortunately. I am waiting for Nvidia support but don't care about OS X Steam, Boot screens, or other and can wait for an actual upgrade to my 5870. GTX570 is faster but not enough to warrant any change right now. New card after new Samsung PLS 27" display. May be a good year.