08-31-2009, 06:27 PM

I need to know what graphics card to buy and where I can get a faster one that will support the OpenGL in FCP Studio. My system specs follow:

Machine Name: Power Mac G4
Machine Model: PowerMac3,6
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs: 2
CPU Speed: 1.42 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
L3 Cache (per CPU): 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz

I have a new MACBook Pro but I like to use both machines and some of my plug ins won't work and the machine is sluggish. I heard the Radeon X800XT was good but I can not find one.

08-31-2009, 06:50 PM

X800XT is a bit overkill for that machine, unless you can find a cheap one. Radeon 9800 PRO or 9600XT would be suitable options. G4 machines use AGP4x so in order to run 9600XT, 9800 PRO or X800XT you need to doa "tape mod" which will force those cards to 4X mode.

I don't recommend X800XT for that machine, Mac Editions will be quite expensive. I would probably get a PC 9800PRO and flash it with Mac bios. 9600-series are tought to flash succesfully.

Well, it's your choice. I bet you can google "supported graphics cards FSC Studio" + whatever version u have to see which graphcis cards work best with your version.

08-31-2009, 07:09 PM

A 9600 model card is the go as it is silent and cool and requires no fan unit. The 9800 model has a history of failed fans and MDD are notoriously hot even with a hot graphics card.

Apple - Support - Discussions - ATI Radeon 9800 Pro Compatibility - 1.6 ...