Which graphics card lets me use all PCIx slots?

[markthompson]

I have a Power Mac dual 2.7 with PCIx slots. The installed AGP 8x graphics card blocks access to the PCI slot next to it. Digi says that the Radeon X850 doesn't, so I got one from eBay. It is larger than the original so doesn't solve the problem.

Anyone have suggestion for which graphics / video card will perform well and allow me to avoid buying a Magma?

It's for normal HD3 use. (I'm currently HD2 with a card waiting to be installed).

Mark Thompson
Nashville
www.SweetbriarRecording.com
www.ThompsonMusicRental.com

[toneski]

Hi Mark,

I'm not in the studio at the moment, however I have a Powermac Dual 2.7ghz with three HD cards installed in the PCIx slots. I have a Radeon X850XT card installed in the AGP slot and it does not block the PCIx slot alongside it. Are you sure you purchased the Mac version of this card from ebay? I know the Mac version is different to the standard X850 card from Radeon. The X850XT card I have came installed in my Mac from Apple. I have heard that they are not very reliable however my one has been working fine for 3 years but is very noisey due to its fan. Most people recommend that you stick with the standard 9600 cards that came stock with the Dual 2.7ghz machines unless you are doing a lot of heavy graphics / video work and as far as I know they do not block the slot , however I cannot be sure of this as I have never had one installed in my machine. Perhaps someone who has one installed can advise on this. I do know that quite a few people have HD3 systems on a Dual 2.7ghz machine so there must be a video card that does not present this problem. All the best,

[markthompson]

Thanks, Tony.
I didn't realize that there is a "Mac" version. I thought as long as it's AGP it was what I needed.
I might try removing the fan and installing, see if it melts. In the meantime, I'll look for a Mac version for a fair price, unless someone suggests an alternate card that fits and performs well.

[digidesigner]

I got this for my G5 dual 2Ghz - http://ati.amd.com/products/Radeon96...mac/index.html and I am running a 30" with it.

[markthompson]

Thanks, I'll look into the 9600 Pro.

Mark

[digidesigner]

Originally Posted by markthompson

Thanks, I'll look into the 9600 Pro.

Mark

Hi Mark, if you are interested I have a GeForce FX 5200 mac display card I could sell that cannot support 30"s full resolution but can give a resolution of 1920 x 1200 with a 24" screen

[markthompson]

I ended up getting a seven slot PCI Magma. Hope it does the trick.