Looking to get a new Video Card for my G5, Suggestions?

[microchip13]

So currently I've got an nVidia 5200 in my 1.8 Dualie G5.

It's ok, but I wouldn't mind Sims 2 looking better, as well as Roller Coaster tycoon and such. And I'm looking at possibly getting some new games for my mac.

But my 5200 is holding them up.

It looks as though I could get a 9600 for around $80, maybe as low as $60, or I could get a 9800 for around $130.

I've looked at Barefeats and such, but don't really know what I should do.


Suggestions?

TiA.

[M A V I C]

I'd go for the 9800. Are you looking at Mac cards or looking to get PC cards and flash them?

[microchip13]

Eitherone.

I found a flashed 9800 for $120 and a not flashed 9800 for $130.

Does it really make any difference? I havn't heard reports of people having problems with flashing cards.

EDIT: I probably wouldn't flash them myself, but if it makes it loads cheaper and if it's somewhat easy to do, I'd consider it.

[BigGuynRusty]

OWC has this one for 65 bucks.
ATI RADEON 9600 PRO
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/ATI%20Tec...30ATI9600/

BGnR

[tahoedrew]

'chip --

I believe I've read reports somewhere of some issues with flashed cards, XLR8yourmac or possibly Barefeats. Nothing I can confirm. It seems if the price difference is less than 10% I wouldn't think twice about paying more for the Mac version.

~A

[M A V I C]

There can be a big difference with games. A 9200 is closer to a 9600 than a 9600 is to a 9800. The 9800 is 256bit, which gives a big boost with games.

Depending on your budget, the 9600 might be a better bang for the buck.

[microchip13]

True. It looks like the 9600 is looking pretty good, though the 9800 Mac Edition is very tempting but it is twice the price.

It seems that the 9600 is not that much faster than my 5200(According to Bare Feats), and the 9800 is about twice as fast as my 5200.


I don't know how much real world difference I will see though.

[The Grim Ninja]

Do not pay more than $30 shipped for a standard 9600.

Don't even bother with a 9600. You can get a 9600 XT for $65 shipped pretty easily (ebay). XT's are very nice cards for their price.

The 9800 SE is next and you should be able to manage $110 shipped if you wait/snipe.

9600 Pro PC/Mac is next, a retail card, and should be obtainable for $160 shipped. That's what I just sold mine for. But, these are slower than the 9600 XT, which is why I just sold mine..

[Mr645]

For games I would look at the 9800 or 6800. If you go to a 9600XT you will probably be looking for another upgrade down the road.

[M A V I C]

And when Grim says "9800 SE" he means 9800 Mac Special Edition (right?)