GeForce 4MX...Or Should We Say 3MX?
As folks are now aware, the mid and top-end models of the new pro machines come with the new GeForce 4MX installed standard. Looking at the performance graph on one of the product pages dealing with the new Macs, it seemed to me that something was a bit fishy (why a GeForce 2MX in that DP 800?). I'd actually expressed my hunch to a few folks that the GeForce 4MX was not a much (any?) higher performing card than the GeForce 3. These feelings were just confirmed with a posting on xlr8yourmac, part of which is quoted below:
"Mike, just a note on your recent news about the new Macs. ..
The new machines are using the NV17 chip. This is also known as the GeForce3MX - which was long delayed. Looks like they have chosen to rebadge the chip to bridge the gap between the older chips already out there and the new line they're still working on. [Nvidia is set to announce Geforce4MX and non-MX cards in early Feb. There was a page linked in last week's other net news that had leaked specs on the GF4 line.-Mike]
The performance charts on Apple's site show the old 2mx Quake3 score on a DUAL-800 and the ATI Radeon 7500 on a SINGLE-800. Do not let the close frame rates fool you. Put the 7500 into the same systems as the new NV17 for a fair comparison. You'll find that for a savings of $100 built-to-order you'll end up with higher frame rates as well. Plus truly seamless dual-monitor support. "
Definitely worth considering when spec'ing out a new tower at the Apple Store on-line.
UPDATE: See this GF4MX vs. GF3 graph from xlr8yourmac.com.
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