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1. 1 On October 24th, 2008, Mark Warner said:

   Hello Lance,

   I have a G4 Quicksilver, dual 1 gig processors. I have upgraded my memory to its capacity, 1.5 gig ram. I am looking to upgrade my video card from a GeForce4 MX. I have done some research and found a few cards that I think will work. Fro example the ATI Radeon 9800 pro. But I have confused myself during said research. I am wondering if you could help me pick a lower cost upgrade card for my mac.

   Thanks for any help you can provide.

   Mark

   posted on October 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

2. 2 On October 26th, 2008, admin said:

   Hi Mark!

   There are several models of video cards that will work with your Quicksilver G4. More recent versions of the GeForce series are available, from the 5200 up through the 7800. And, the Radeon card comes in models 7000 through 9800. Of course, each model has more impressive specs as you go up in model number. One other thing you need to consider is what type of display connection you are using. They come in VGA, ADC, and DVI. Different cards come with differing combinations of the three, so be sure that you get one that is compatible, especially if you will be hooking up a second monitor.

   As is usually the case, products made especially for the Mac tend to be more expensive than similar PC items. This is certainly true in the case of video cards, as well. The “Mac” version of the Radeon 9800 Pro is likely to be twice as much as a “PC” model. There ARE ways, however, to make PC video cards work with Macs, with a technique called “flashing”. This involves re-writing the “bios” of the video card to make it work with a Mac. And, regardless of whether you’re using a Mac version or a “flashed” PC version, you will also (probably) need to disable some pins on the card’s connector tab. Even with the trouble of flashing, you can save ALOT of dough by purchasing a “PC” version of the card.

   As is probably pretty obvious, there are several options and things to consider when upgrading your video card. The ATI Radeon 9800 Pro, although the most expensive of the bunch, is probably the best choice. Any other models preceding that one will do as well, but with diminished performance (but still much better than your current GeForce4 series.) Personally, I’d go with the 9800 PC version, and flash it myself. Alternatively, I’d go with a Mac version of slightly less performance (but perhaps plenty for your use).

   Check out these references for information on “flashing” and video card compatibility with your system.
   http://lowendmac.com/video/agp/radeon-9800.html
   http://themacelite.wikidot.com/compatibility
   http://themacelite.wikidot.com/pins-3-and-11
   http://www.strangedogs.com/

   Keep in touch, and write or call me if you have further questions.

   Lance

   posted on October 26th, 2008 at 1:49 am

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