Which graphics card do I need?

I'm ready to buy a 3GHz Mac Pro, but am confused as to whether the default 7300 graphics card is enough for my purposes, or if I need to spend more for the X1900.
First off...I never play games on my Mac, and have no desire to ever run Windows on it either...hopefully that will simplify things
Here is what I do have and use:
- a single 30" cinema display
- will be installing 8gb of memory in the Pro
- use Photoshop heavily...including extrememly large files from scanned large format film
- only real video-intensive thing I do is watching the occasional DVD movie
- do a lot of work with large audio files
- general web surfing and iLife application useage
...does anything on that list scream out for an X1900, or will I be just fine with the default 7300? I'm quickly reaching the limit on my budget for this, and it would be real nice to not have to worry about this upgrade. Appreciate any advice!
I had been planning on holding off on this til Adobe releases CS3, but I got to play around with CS2 on another Pro recently, and I think it will be plenty fast enough for now.
Mac Pro Mac OS X (10.4.7)

I had the 7300 card and upgraded to an X1900. I only notice the difference playing games (especially in Windows), or using Motion or Second Life. The speed difference in 3D apps compared to the 7300 is basically extraordinary. I had no idea video cards went that fast!
In every other non-3D app (or limited 3D app, like FCP, the OS, etc.) the 7300 is more than fine.
I have played with both configurations, so I say this from experience.
All of that said, I heavily question the 3 GHz model where money is limited. Here's why:
I had the 3GHZ model and now have the 2.66.
The 13% speed difference is not really noticable, even in intensive work like FCP. The 2.66 is still incredibly fast. I'd advise only the 3.0 where "time is money", literally.
I saved over $1000 by returning my defective 3.0 model [bad hard drive bays] and upgrading a 2.66 model with my own RAM, drives, etc. $1000! For no noticable real-world speed decline, and a marginal at best decline on benchmarks.
That money I saved I was able to add AppleCare, additional HD, upgrade the RAM and/or video card. I saved a LOT of money.
I'd put all that money to RAM if I was in your shoes... I have 4GB now and it makes a huge difference over even 2GB.

Similar Messages

Which Graphics Card do I need for H520S

I have a few questions for you lovely people out there and hope you can help.
My son has asked me for a new Graphics card for his PC.(Not a xmas present)
On an old post it was suggested that an Nvidia Geforce GT620 1Gb or an AMD Radeon HD7570 2Gb were the ones to go for. Is this still the case or are there newer/ better cards available.
I have a reasonable budget of £100 ($160)
If these are the cards to upgrade his PC with, will I need to upgrade the PSU? If so what unit do you suggest.
I would need the graphics card and PSU combined to be near my budget.
Lastly, Is it easy to install the graphics card and PSU (If needed) myself or would I need specialist help.
Hoping you can help
Happy Christmas
Mark

so i now need a new graphics card so i only have to use the new Mac mini port connecting cable, but which card to buy and should i remove the older card.
Replacing the graphics card will do nothing to help you unless your current card doesn't have a dual link DVI port (most all 2 DVI port G5 cards do have at least one dual link DVI port).
There are NO graphics cards that will work in the G5 that have mini display port.
I don't want to use multi cable connections
Using a dual link DVI port from a G5 graphics card, connection to the iMac via the Atlona adapter is the only way to achieve use of the iMac as a monitor with a G5.
http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-Dual-Link-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-USB-Pow ered.html

Which Graphics Card for a 40 inch HDTV LCD or Plasma Monitor for the best

Which Graphics Card for a 40 inch HDTV LCD or Plasma Monitor for the best value and price?
Hi, I was wondering if I replace my current standard graphics card for a MacPro Early 2008 for a graphics card for a 40" HDTV, which was is the best for the price and value? My current card when used with such a large monitor/ TV isn't very good, I think? So thinking of updating...

This sounds like a price match question. Without knowing all the details, it sounds like a yes for the Westinghouse, but I would encourage you to read the price match policy link here:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Help-Topics/Bestbuy.com-Price-Match-Guarantee/pcmcat204400050011.c?id=pc...
If all you care about is 1080p definition and an HDMI input at a $300 price point then this tv should suit your needs. (As a bonus it has 120Hz refresh for smoother action scenes.)http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Westinghouse+-+40%26%2334%3B+Class+-+LCD+-+1080p+-+120Hz+-+HDTV/5772998....
Although I do work for the Best Buy, all comments and opinions are my own.

Which graphics card will my MBP be using in bootcamp?

Hey guys I'm considering installing bootcamp on my MBP. It has Intel HD4000 and Nvidia gt 650m. I was wondering which graphics card it would be using in bootcamp. THanks

Windows will only use your dedicated graphic card, in this case, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, because the integrated graphic card can't be used (there are problems with the GPU switch in Windows).
After installing Windows, install the most recent driver for your GPU from the NVIDIA site > http://www.nvidia.com

How to know which graphics card is currently in use? (2010 MBP)

Is there a way to check which graphics card is currently in use? I have the new 2010 15" 2.66 ghz MBP.

gfxcardstatus - http://codykrieger.com/gfxCardStatus/

Which graphics card with a new 24"?

I come to the all-wise gurus of the Apple Discussion board seeking knowledge and direction. <lol>
Now that I have the formalities out of the way:
I am considering a new 24" iMac and am wondering which graphics card I should get. What are the advantages/disadvantages between the standard "ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR3 memory" or the "NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics processor with 512MB of GDDR3 memory"?
I will use the mac primarily for home use, creating DVDs, working with iPhoto (only hobbyist) and the like. I would also like to have the ability to extend the desktop by hooking up a mini-DVI adapter and an external monitor eventually. I might run a PC emulation app or BootCamp, but I don't know that I'll be a "gamer".
Thanks in advance for any advice.
-Bret

My two cents is that if you can afford it, go with the upgraded card. You never know where your interest will take you and, while I love my 24" iMac (late 07 model), I do lament about the fact that you can't really upgrade components such as the video card or the hard drive. You can solve the hard drive issue with external storage but you are basically stuck with the video card that you get at the time of order.
I know, not really sage advice but that's my take on it. By the way, the 24" rocks so whichever way you go you will enjoy!
G

HP ENVY 700-074 Desktop - what graphics card do I need to install to use a blu ray player?

I purchased an external blu ray player - "LG 14x external blu-ray/dvd writer super multi blue be14". For some reason I thought my system was compatible. However, it's not - apparently the Intel(R) 4600 won't work. What graphics card would I need to install to allow using this blu-ray device? What else do I need to know?

Ah, I should add, the Blu ray player's support site (for Cyberlink) suggested a pile of different drivers - 30 or 40, but didn't offer any specifics regarding my particular system. What I really need to know is what would be the best option for my particular system.

What upgrade graphic card do i need for a early 2008 mac pro

I have a early 2008 Mac Pro. ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256 MB is what i have now. What is a good upgrade graphic card to get.

The GTX 780 6GB runs fine on the dual PCIe internal power cables -- as does the GTX 680 and Radeon HD 7950. The same can't be said of the GTX TITAN or GTX 780 Ti or Radeon R9 280X -- all of which require an auxiliary power feed to avoid a nasty power down of your tower at the worst moment when too much wattage is demanded of the Mac Pro's factory power supply.
Did I mention that the GTX 780 with 6GB of GDDR5 matches the 6GB of GDDR5 in the TITAN?
The one fallacy to my 'sweet spot' award has to do with OpenCL. In case you hadn't noticed, the AMD Radeon GPUs smoked the NVIDIA GeForce GPUs running Photoshop's OpenCL accelerated Iris Blur filter and rendering LuxMark's OpenCL accelerated Room scene.
- http://www.barefeats.com
So depends on budget, whether you want a PC card for less but no "early EFI boot screen" prior to drivers loading, and what apps and needs you have.
The one thing for sure is that 2600XT should have been retired ages ago and even more so with 10.8.3 and above, it could be trouble or just... PITA/POS.

27" iMac graphics card, do I need the upgrade?

I'm intending to purchase my first iMac, which I hope to use for recording and editing video gameplay via a PS3, and in some cases games played on the iMac as well. Most games I'll be playing aren't going to be triple-A games, so I'm not sure if I need to invest in the more powerful graphics card (about 70% of the games will be via PS3 anyway), so is the additional cost really worth it? Same question goes for the processor, I was planning to upgrade to the 3.4 GHz i7, but is this really going to pay off over the course of my computer's lifespan?

I can't quite buy into throwing down the extra $140.
Depends on the App & the future, but how may hours a year doing video editing would it take to amortize $140?
Not the iMac model, but...
http://www.evga.com/about/pressrelease/default.asp?id=149
http://www.evga.com/articles/00730/

Buying new iMac, which graphics card would be best?

I'm getting ready to buy a new iMac. I already have a 2010 27-in with a Radeon HD 5670 512 MB graphics (card? was built in as I remember). I need an additional iMac for my studio space and am deciding between the 21.5-in. w/ Intel Iris Integrated graphics and the NVIDIA GEForce graphics models. I do photography and art related video projects with music (Final Cut, Photoshop CSS, Logic Pro).
The 2010 iMac has worked fine for me. Which of the new iMacs would you recommend? Do I need extra dedicated graphics card or is the Intel Iris pretty comparable to what I've been getting with the Radeon?
I wouldn't mind saving a couple of hundred dollars to use on other things like a back up drive, but if it's going to be a big difference I could spend the extra $ for the NVIDIA.
I'm not a gamer BTW.
thanks for your input, tech-heads!
Christine

Although the processor speed is slower, the i5 is much more efficient
than the i3. In addition, the memory bus speed is faster than your
2010. The result is you will have a faster computer.
Just for some performance numbers, here are the Geekbench
scores for your current computer and the one you are considering.
(64 bit single core test score/64 bit multi core test score)
2010, i3, 3.2 GHz iMac ---> 2086/4491
late 2013, 21.5", i5, 2.7 GHz ---> 3172/10255

My next iMac-- which graphics card; which display size?

Hi all,
I'd like some advice in choosing my next iMac, specifically regarding the graphics card and the display size.
Graphics Card:
I'm not a gamer nor am I doing any 3D animation. Is there any other reason to upgrade the graphics card? I DO want the best possible video playback (QT movies), but I don't know if the graphics card has any bearing on video playback quality.
Display size:
Aside from the obvious differences in resolution, do any of the three displays sizes (17,20,24) have any history of being better or more reliable?
Thanks in advance for any tips

Your needs will better dictate which model is best.
Video playback of QuickTine movies will not be affected by upgrading to the 24" with the nVidia chip.
No 3D gaming or animation means no need for a higher end graphics card. In my case, the x1600 ATi in the original Core Duo 20" is more than sufficient for everything I've thrown at it so far including full resolution "Call of Duty".
For your use, you may not need the extra VRAM but I personally would bump it up to 256MB though. Adding an external monitor will split the total VRAM between the two monitors and with Apple continually moving a lot of Mac OS X's graphical features to the GPU, the extra memory may be a blessing.
Display Size:
I believe that reliability between the three models is pretty much the same.
The advantage to the 24" is, of course, the extra screen real estate and resolution. However The price difference between the 20" and 24" could allow you to go with the 20" model and add an external LCD for a dual screen setup (if space permits).
Weigh your needs - now and the immediate future - and then look at both models in person if possible.

CanoScan 9000F Mark II: HP or Dell what graphics card etc are needed to use the 9000F?

My computer is not up to snuff to handle the 9000F scanner. I am shopping for an HP or Dell unit. What should I look for in the details to be able to select one that is adequate or better. Sometimes a graphics card is indicated and I don't know which can do what though I know the one I have can't do it. What about processors an i5 or i7 intel can do it I think?. What hard drive capacity is required or recommended? I am not a techie but would like to be able to purchase something that will get the job done. I shall be scanning many slides, negs and photos. Thanks

Hi EddS,
The system that the CanoScan 9000F Mark II will be installed on will need to meet the following minimum requirements:
OS Requirements (any OS listed below)
Windows® 8, Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, Windows XP and Mac OS® X v10.6.8 to 10.9
Power Requirements
AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz
This didn't answer your question or issue? Find more help at Contact Us.
Did this answer your question? Please click the Accept as Solution button so that others may find the answer as well.

Which graphics card for Photoshop CS4

I will be adding a graphics card to my Vista 64 machine which currently has integrated graphics. I normally don't care about 3D performance, so I was looking at the Radeon HD 4550. Please let me know what I should look for in a card if my primary objective is to (1) enable movie playing (HD and blu ray) and (2) speed up Photoshop. The machine has one x16 PCI slot and two x1 slots (it's a Dell Studio).
Current specs are:
Intel Q9400 quad core
8GB RAM (this is the max for the motherboard)
750GB SATA drive

Hi Curt,
Thank you so much for your reply, the info/advice you have given me is really helpful!!! I think its important that I also keep in mind what I might need to use it for in a couple of years time, which could be video editing and of course who knows what demands newer versions of PS, LR etc will put on the PC. I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and go for the PC that is pushing the absoulte limit of my budget (and a bit extra!) as then I have something with a spec I am not going to out grow for a reasonable period of time - so long as the computer does not give up on me first! The one I am looking at has 256GB mSATA SSD + 2TB SATA hard drive. It also has 16 GB ram.
Thanks again, really apprecaite your help!
Keri

Which graphics card for a G5 Dual 2.7

Hi. I've got a Dual G5 2.7GHz and I'm thinking about upgrading the graphics card. Problem is, I'm not sure which cards will work and how much improvement they will give me. I currently use two 20" cinema displays so the new card will need 2 DVI out ports, or some way of connecting 2 DVI monitors. Currently my G5 has an NVIDIA 9650 card in it which came with the machine. I mainly need extra graphical grunt for games and sims. Can anyone give me some advice as to an upgrade path please ?
Thanks.

The ATI Radeon X800 XT - Mac Edition is probably your best bang for the buck. It has one DVI and one ADC connector so you'll need the ADC to DVI adapter to drive two DVI monitors.
You can find it at the Apple store.

Which graphics card should I buy

Would need some purchase assistance.
Which of these cards gives me the most performance for the money?
I need it for Red Giant software Looks 1.2 and Premiere CS4 (soon CS5) and for rendering out my 720p 25fps and 1080p 25fps CineForm files.
I also use ProCoder 3, will it help me there too?
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 1792MB PhysX CUDA
Or
NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 with Elemental Accelerator
Regards
Mikael

I just found this at Red Giant home page, I guess I was not wrong after all.
Rendering
In most cases, the Looks plug-in requires rendering to generate final color-corrected output. With host applications like Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro, you can use Looks as a real-time color correction effect with the dynamic playback capabilities. With applications such as Apple Motion and Adobe After Effects, rendering is required to generate any output with Looks applied. In general, the faster the graphics card, the faster the rendering of media. NVIDIA cards are generally faster than ATI cards of the same level for HD or HDV projects."
Regards
Mikael
PS I will go by the Nvidia path now for sure, but keep my other cards ATI cards for later:-)

Which graphics card do I need?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for