Which Graphics Card?

[adn rcd dly]

Hey guys.

I am trying to start a videography business. I was going to go with a Powerbook for mobility, but after MWSF and the announcement of the MacBook Pro, I am skipping the Mobility and going to go with a Dual 2GHz G5 and 2GBs of RAM. But I have no idea about the graphics card. I am going to get Final Cut Studio, so I would be using Motion to some degree. But it is mainly DV Editing and DVD Authoring.

On to the questions

One: Which graphics card should I go with? I am not a computer whiz at all nor do I claim to be. I know what I need as far as storage and RAM go, but beyond that I am lost.

Two: Should I just get all of my RAM preinstalled by Apple, or would it be cheaper to find my own RAM and do it myself?

(if yes to 2, then) 2.1 What is the best brand and where to find it cheap?


THanks in advance guys. Please don't hurt me

 

[Lord Blackadder]

If you can afford it, I recommend the GeForce7800GT. It is a LOT faster than the GeForce6600, it will make a big difference in Motion and with games, and a small to no difference in other pro apps, depending on what you are doing.

Getting your RAM from a third party like Crucial Technologies is usually cheaper. Look also at OWC's web site for RAM.

 

[adn rcd dly]

So as far as GarageBand, Soundtrack, FCP, and DVDSP that would be little to no difference? Because if so, I would just stay standard and maybe go a little higher on RAM. And I also heard they have to be installed in pairs. So does that mean if I go 2GBs RAM at 2x1 GB SO-DIMMS I would have to get 2 more gig sticks?

Thanks again

Edit: And as far as ECC and Non-ECC, which is better? Would one need error correction? It sounds useful, but I don't want to pay for something I don't need.

 

[adn rcd dly]

And I don't plan on ANY gaming. At ALL!

 

[PowerMike G5]

Besides Motion, I don't believe any of Apple's other pro apps take advantage of the graphics card, so I would spend the money on getting more RAM instead, which would help out everything. And go for Non-ECC ... you'll save a lot more money ...

 

[velocityg4]

For memory I would recommend getting one of these two.
2x512mb Corsair $68 http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatingReview.asp?Item=N82E16820145526
2x1Gb Corsair $148 http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16820145527

If you read the reviews they have been reported by Powermac G5 users as compatible. Personally I would get the 2Gb of memory because both Motion and Final Cut will be much happier. You will also save a fortune over Apple or Crucial memory.

As for the Video card save money and just upgrade from the 6600 LE to the 6600 it's only $50 and will make Motion go faster. Then take that money you saved from not going to the 7800 and throw it into two of these Maxtor 300gb Serial ATA hard drives http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Shopping/shoppingcart.asp?submit=ChangeItem I have these in my dual 2.0 and it gives you plenty of storage space for video and gives a major speed boost when exporting video for iDVD/DVD Studio Pro. To get this speed boost make sure you set them up in RAID 0.

 

[adn rcd dly]

but what about the ECC stuff? I think what I have is very affordable. But then as far as storage goes, is it smarter to buy an actual hard drive as opposed to external storage?

what I have so far (edu. discount)


Dual 2.0 GHz G5
2 GBs RAM (1 Gb ECC Sticks)
250 GB HD @ 7200 RPM
6600 256 MB Graphics
and AppleCare for a grand total of $2,561

 

[tweakers_suck]

but what about the ECC stuff? I think what I have is very affordable. But then as far as storage goes, is it smarter to buy an actual hard drive as opposed to external storage?

what I have so far (edu. discount)


Dual 2.0 GHz G5
2 GBs RAM (1 Gb ECC Sticks)
250 GB HD @ 7200 RPM
6600 256 MB Graphics
and AppleCare for a grand total of $2,561

You don't need ECC. Buy non-ECC and save some money.

 

[adn rcd dly]

New....

Dual 2.0 GHz G5
2 GBs RAM (1 Gb Non ECC Sticks)
250 GB HD @ 7200 RPM
6600 256 MB Graphics
and AppleCare for a grand total of $2,381

 

[radiantm3]

Besides Motion, I don't believe any of Apple's other pro apps take advantage of the graphics card, so I would spend the money on getting more RAM instead, which would help out everything. And go for Non-ECC ... you'll save a lot more money ...

There's Aperture. Also HD video runs a lot better with a better GPU. I'm not sure there will be a difference between the 6600 and 7800, but I went from a 64meg 5200fx to a 256meg 6800GT and 1080p h264 video went from 12fps to full frame. In fact, I can say the whole UI runs smoother with more VRAM. But I'm comparing a 64meg card to a 256meg card.

 

[tweakers_suck]

New....

Dual 2.0 GHz G5
2 GBs RAM (1 Gb Non ECC Sticks)
250 GB HD @ 7200 RPM
6600 256 MB Graphics
and AppleCare for a grand total of $2,381

You saved $180 with the non-ECC. Very nice system.

Have fun.

 

[adn rcd dly]

hey guys

i am putting together a business plan so i can get a loan to afford this system.

i need one more piece of advice.

i need a display. now as beautiful the ACDs are, I don't want to make the loan amount that much larger. with that in mind, what is the next best display under $400-$500? Something that is beautiful and sensible to run the Production Suite on?

 

[SmurfBoxMasta]

hey guys

i am putting together a business plan so i can get a loan to afford this system.

i need one more piece of advice.

i need a display. now as beautiful the ACDs are, I don't want to make the loan amount that much larger. with that in mind, what is the next best display under $400-$500? Something that is beautiful and sensible to run the Production Suite on?

Get the Dell LCD's.......same insides as the ACD, just not as pretty on the outside, but WAY WAY WAY less $$$, and EXCELLENT user reviews all over the web

 

[Lincoln]

I second the Dell Display

I have a Dell 20" (not widscreeen) and I cannot praise this display enough. It's razor sharp, clear and has a good response time too. In addition I can calibrate the individual Red, Green and Blue channels independantly which makes calibrating the display with my Gretag Macbeth EyeOne Display much Easier.

NOTE: If you do go for the 7800GT Graphics Card be prepared for a long wait. I ordered a new Dual Core 2.3 with that card (yesterday) and will be waiting until March 24th! However, unless you are planning to use Aperture or play games then this card isn't really needed.

 

[topgunn]

Non-ECC is not only cheaper but faster, too.

 

[dothog]

And I don't plan on ANY gaming. At ALL!

That's odd: I use this line quite frequently with my wife, and I put the emphasis in the exact same locations.

It worked once.

Now it's a matter of form, but that doesn't prevent me from sticking to the original. Good to see somebody else is getting mileage out of it. Cheers.