Which grafics card

[Peter]

Hi all,

Should we go for a Geforce GTX 285 with the new macpro's?

And do you suggest 4 or 8 core?

Thanks,

Peter

[NevBull]

On my initial testing, on the system I used, the 285 performance was not as good as the 4870. The only benefit would be the two DVI output rather than the stupid little port Apple put on the 4870!

Nev.

[SourceChild]

If you're simply building Catalyst rental inventory then a 4 core machine with the 4870 is just fine.

I suggest an 8 core with the 4870 just because there is not appreciable difference in price and you're a little more flexible in the event you need the extra power.

[samsc]

If you're simply building Catalyst rental inventory then a 4 core machine with the 4870 is just fine.

I suggest an 8 core with the 4870 just because there is not appreciable difference in price and you're a little more flexible in the event you need the extra power.

apple might be making better use of all the cpus in snow leopard....

so more processors might be better.

not enough testing.

i think there is software around to disable cores and test

something like this:

http://www.mactricksandtips.com/2008/05/disabling-cpu-cores-on-a-mac.html

there are also apples developer CHUD tools


in leopard it wasnt critical.
but cpu speed improved things.

[Peter]

So would we need to consider the 8800 when we need 2 dvi's out?

[samsc]

So would we need to consider the 8800 when we need 2 dvi's out?

the 8800 is no longer sold by apple. ( i cant find on us applestore )

i believe its obsolete

[Mr_P]

Nvidia 8800 works in 2009 MacPros but is no longer available...

ATI 4870 will give you 2 DVI outputs with addition of the relevant (stupid!) mini-display port adaptor. There is a Single Link and Dual Link adaptor available on the apple site. Not tried Dual-Link adaptor - but Single link works up to 1920x1200 @60Hz

GTX 285 seems to be dificult to source - apple still quoting 2-3 weeks in the UK at cost of just over £300 - however, it does give you 2 x DVI-D ports, albeit apparently not as good performance as ATI 4870 (but better than GT120)

In summary - if you need one 'now' - ATI 4870 seems the best option.

I've always recommended 8 core macPros to clients who use their macs for applications other than Catalyst. Current price difference is not too much between 2.26G 8 core and 2.66G 4 core



Simon

[Peter]

Has anyone used the TH2G with mini-display port?

[Mr_P]

yes - with DVI adaptor (single link). However, only managed limited resolutions (2048x768) on a TH2G-D

Simon

[Peter]

But it seems they have a mini-display port to 3x mini-display port out. So perhaps the with 3 mini-display to dvi/vga adaptors?

Simon, the 4870 gives better performance, could you give a real wordl figure?

[Mr_P]

Not tried the Mini-Display port version...

I dont like using the mini display port due to its non-locking nature - I dont see the point of using more mini-display ports with the TH2G mini-display port version. ...As I said - haven't tested it, so not sure if it improves anything.

I hate the fact that apple keeps inventing new connectors just so they can add to their revenue by selling the adaptors.... Theres nothing wrong with a 'real' DVI connector - and it screw locks in to your equipment so that it doesn't fall out.... rant over (sorry)

Re real world figures - my test were comparative between 2 identical systems, identical SSD's One with GT120 the other with ATI4870. Using the inbuilt testing features it creates a pdf graph. Performance is determined by comparing the number of dropped frames shown in the pdf graph between the 2 systems. (Obviously you could do the same on a single system by only changing the graphics cards) I cant quote 'real world' figures - you need to test on your own systems.

Simon