Cuda Supported Mac Card, speed benefits

swanny

Well-known member
I have a 2.66 quad core Mac and it's been running a little slower than I'd like editing in CS6. We do a lot of graphic layers in our corporate projects. I'm wondering how much of a benefit can I expect to see if I upgraded to a cuda supported card? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
I'm wondering how much of a benefit can I expect to see if I upgraded to a cuda supported card? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

What year is it? Some Mac Pros don't quite support the 64-bit OS and from 2.66GHz Quad Core, I can't really tell (the year would be helpful).

Anyhow, if it's relatively newer, say 2009/10/12, then I would heartily recommend a 4GB GTX680 if you have the funds for it (about $500-ish). There are only two caveats. First, you have to run Mountain Lion and, second, you lose the ability to see anything until OSX fully boots (no Apple splash screen). By and large you don't need to do anything, but I'd set your old card aside in case you ever need to.

If you don't care for those two caveats, then I would recommend a 2GB GTX285 or 1GB GTX285. I've had some memory errors with the 1GB and super large photos in the timeline, so always go for the biggest option. The downside is that the Mac version of this card is rare, and thus expensive. You might be paying nearly the same amount for the 680! You can use the cheap PC version, but then the above caveats apply again!
 
H iGary,
it's a early 2009 model. I was considering purchasing the Quadro fx4000. What are the benefits of the GTX680 if any over the Quadro card?
 
it's a early 2009 model. I was considering purchasing the Quadro fx4000. What are the benefits of the GTX680 if any over the Quadro card?

For just using the Mercury Playback Engine in Premiere, a Quadro isn't going to benefit you. It's mostly good for CAD and 3D model renders. If you use a lot o the new Element3D in AE that will help speed up renders. Outside of that, a GTX680 will be more than plenty.
 
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