Updating G5 Quad Graphics Card woes

Hey everyone,
I have a PowerMac G5 (Quad) and the Graphics card is woefully inadequate (GeForce 6600).
I checked the Current Mac Pro specs and thought I could use the same graphics cards with my Quad - bought a Geforce 8800 GT - got home and ... OOPS!!
After putting the old card back, I checked out this message board and read a post titled "Graphics Updates" (probably just a few posts down from this one) where I found out that the Nvidia 8800GT and ATI X1900XT are incompatible with the PowerMacs, but the Nvidia 7800GT and ATI X1900GT should work.
Since there is no official Apple store in China yet, and I'd rather not make the same stupid mistake twice, can anyone tell me if there is a special "Mac Version" of these cards that I need, or can I just go and pick up one of them (Nvidia 7800GT or ATI X1900GT) up from a store and have no problems?
Just in case: do I need any power cord / adapter / other part for either of those cards to work?
Thank you,
Tim

Yes, there is a special Mac version of these (and any) card. The ROM on the card is different for the PC, as it needs to work with the PC's BIOS. A Mac card needs a different ROM to work with either Open Firmware (G5s) or EFI (Mac Pros). As you discovered, the Mac Pro cards work only Mac Pros, and you'd find the same to be true of the G5 cards, also due to the ROM differences.
You'll find it much easier to find the ATI X1900GT (aka G5 Edition). The 7800GT is generally only available as a replacement part, and as such, is very expensive. OWC has/had some in stock for a very reasonable price, but I have no idea if they can or will ship to China.

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Quote from: nathanbriggs94 on 07-April-15, 01:11:41
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Updating G5 Quad Graphics Card woes

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