Upgrading Video card on older machine?

[David Roth weiss]

Don’t bother. Your model G5 was saddled with an AGP slot and graphics card that was used briefly in the G5s before being replaced by models with PCI-x slots and cards, and then by PCI-e slots and cards in later models, which are used still used in today’s MacPros.

Your best bet is to buy a used, later generation G5, such as a dual 2.3ghz model, especially if you can find one with an ATI x800 XT video card, which will run both Motion and even Color.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.

[Chuck Purnell]

Well if I was going to go that route I might look into just getting a new Mac Pro system. I did some digging online and found the ATI Radeon 9600 AGP card is recommended for my system. So are you suggesting that I don’t even bother with that card either?

Cre8tive Minds Entertainment, LLC

[David Roth weiss]

I don’t think that card supports Motion.

And, there’s quite a huge difference between buying a used G5 and MacPro.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.

[John Davidson]

Do keep in mind that there’s a strong chance that the current line of mac pros are likely going to be upgraded in January. If you decide to go the mac pro route, it might be smart to wait if you can.

John
Magic Feather Inc.

[David Roth weiss]

Good point John. Based on prior experience I too am expecting to see new Macs released in Jauary. We could both be wrong, but we could both be right.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.

[David Bogie]

Lots of rumors about the new Macs start up every year about this time because Macworld Expo is in San Francisco in January. Apple has not released new models EVERY year MWExpo.

When they do, there is a large bump in the used Macintosh market. Lots of older machines come online and you can usually get terrific bargains since the older machines often include lots of RAM, huge drives, and interesting cards that cannot transfer to the new Macs.

The used Mac market in my area peaks about 6 months after the release of radically new Macs. But it never peaks on incremental releases.

bogiesan

This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: “For crying out loud, read the freakin’ manual.”

[Chuck Purnell]

Well for what its worth I can run Motion 2 with no problem using the card that came with my computer back in 2003. Now I DO know that I should upgrade my card before installing FC Studio 2.

Cre8tive Minds Entertainment, LLC

[Chuck Purnell]

Ok well I bought the ATI Radeon 9600 Pro card over the weekend which was recommended for my system as an upgrade. Now the instructions state that I should locate the current graphic card drivers and remove them before installing the new card. That sounds more like a PC thing to me. Someone else told me to install the new card and don’t fiddle around with the drivers because I could mess my system up. I am confused on what to do since it came with a Software installation CD for Mac OS systems. The card is PC and Mac compatible.

Those of you that upgraded your cards before, does any of this sound correct to you? Just trying to get to the bottom of this before I install the new card and Final Cut Studio 2.

Cre8tive Minds Entertainment, LLC

[Heather Moreau]

How did this new video card work out for you?

I have a similar setup (old G5, 1.6 MHz) and have been debating upgrading to Final Cut Studio 2, but am worried my machine can’t handle it.

Thanks for your help.