Need help choosing the right graphics card

V

vycegrip

New member
Hi,

This is my first post, I hope I put this in the right forum. Anyway, I am getting a new system (Mac Pro with FCS2) and I am going to also be using after effects and motion, but after doing a little research I am still not sure what to go with. My budget is limited, however, I wanted a card that would pretty much give me the best bang for my buck and if that means going a little above the price of base card that is provided with the system I will do that, but I just wanted a little advice. The base card that apple offers with the system is the

ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB (Two dual-link DVI)



The other cards that they have are:

2 x ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB [Add $135]
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB (Two dual-link DVI) [Add $180]
3 x ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB [Add $90]
4 x ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB [Add $135]
NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 1.5GB (Stereo 3D, two dual-link DVI) [Add 2160]

Thanks.

 
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From what I understand, spending a little less than $200 for the better card is a "no brainer".

Meaning if you're already spending 2 grand+ might as well maximize your time and money and get the much better graphics card. More creative programs are taking advantage of the graphics card and that trend should be rising.

But, I know what you mean by limited budget, i'm in the same boat. If that 180 is critical and much better spent on something else, go with the something else. The base card will not hinder you.

Time is the other thing, upgrading the card supposedly will take 3 - 5 weeks for assembly and shipping. Though I have a co woker that ordered his 3 weeks ago and got it in 12 days.
 
spunkme99 said:
From what I understand, spending a little less than $200 for the better card is a "no brainer".

Meaning if you're already spending 2 grand+ might as well maximize your time and money and get the much better graphics card. More creative programs are taking advantage of the graphics card and that trend should be rising.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, I was thinking the same thing regarding creative programs and how they are starting to take advantage of the graphics card more, which is why I was debating on whether to upgrade now considering I plan on using programs like AE and Motion.
 
8800 is a happy medium, none will let you down by any means. And yes you'll want a nice video card, especially if you plan on using Magic Bullet.
 
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