[cary19]

I have a G5 that has a ATI Radeon 9600 graphics card. A friend has a new 9800 that she would be willing to give me, but I am not the sort who would replace it myself. I'd take it in to the store to be done, and it would cost probably $85. The question is, how much better is a 9800 than a 9600?
Note: my question ISN"T how to replace a graphics card myself. I really just want to know how much better a 9800 is than a 9600, so I can determine for myself if it will be worth it.
Thanks very much for any help you can give me!
Cary

[MacCheetah3]

Hi
Taken from Bare Feats - The ATI Radeon 9800 Pro Special 256MB Mac Edition versus Other Radeon Graphics Cards

In reply to:

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CONCLUSIONS
PERFORMANCE
1. If you have the standard Radeon 9600 Pro in your G5 Power Mac, the Special Edition 9800 Pro runs most 3D graphics intensive apps TWICE as fast. If you have the GeForceFX 5200, it's as much as THREE times faster.

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[maflynn]

While MacCheetah3 answered your question, I'll chime in on changing video cards. I'm sure you've already heard how easy it is and I'm not going to say do it yourself if your comfort level is not high. Perhaps your friend who is selling the card could replace it for you. $85 seems a little steep, but if that's the going rate it is what it is.
Good luck
Mike

[cary19]

thanks very much for the info, especially the link to the article. i'll have to think this one over.
Cary

[Typhoon14]

If you're extremely uncomfortable opening up your machine, I strongly suggest finding a friend or relative who isn't. Replacing a PCI/AGP card takes about three minutes, and is about as complicated as checking a car's oil. You can buy Radeon 9800s off eBay for less than the cost of having this one installed by a computer store.

[cary19]

You know, you are right. Absolutely right.
Rather than taking it in, maybe it needs to go on my list of things to tackle.
What's the point in having a beautifully designed computer if I don't take advantage of its...advantages?
If you hear of any explosions in Oregon, that was me, trying to change my card.
Cary

[Typhoon14]

In reply to:

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You know, you are right. Absolutely right.
Rather than taking it in, maybe it needs to go on my list of things to tackle.
What's the point in having a beautifully designed computer if I don't take advantage of its...advantages?
If you hear of any explosions in Oregon, that was me, trying to change my card.
Cary

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Fortunately, one of those advantages is that the cases are really, really easy to open, and all key components are readily accessible. Only thing worth noting - AGP cards lock in place tightly, so don't be afraid to exert force when inserting the new card (just be sure it's lined up correctly before doing so).