What is FireGL

[Mrvile]

Is it like some kind of server GPU? I bet the X_00 series is better for gaming, but just out of curiosity what is FireGL and how does it compare to the X_00 series?

 

[jarablue]

I think it's ATI's Pro 3d class type of card. Basically I think the drivers are optimized different.

 

[imported_Salvatore]

Workstation.

 

[Mrvile]

So how would it compare with the X_00 series? Better for gaming? Worse?

 

[Mrvile]

Hmm I been lookin through some and there are "FireGL 9600, FireGL 9700, and FireGL9800's," so I guess they're just way more expensive versions of ATI's regular cards.

 

[Concillian]

They are essentially the same as the Radeon cards, so gaming would be the same as the equivalent desktop card.

Because they are aimed at a market where people may spend 5 figures just for a software license, the price of them is quite inflated, even though they are essentially the same as the regular Radeon cards.

Here is an article that explains how similar they are:
http://www.rojakpot.com/defaul...mp;var1=105&var2=0

 

[Mrvile]

Oh hmm it looks like you can just bios flash the cards to FireGLs.

 

[PrayForDeath]

Lol, yeah, there's a special driver called "Free FireGL" that turns your Radeon into its FireGL equivalent, I've tried it myself on my 9800Pro just for fun, and it worked! Not using it now ofcourse.

 

[Mik3y]

no offense mrvile, but you sure are asking a lot of questions. maybe it will be easier if you tell us what you are wanting to build and your budget. then we can compile the best for you and explain to you about each component. that way, you can get a more direct answer. if you're just asking to learn about certain things, then taht's fine.

 

[Mrvile]

Heh good ol' Mikey, responder of 4 of my questions. Hey, I'm a first timer, just trying to learn as much as I can about anything before I try anything. Pretty soon I'll post my setup.

 

[PrayForDeath]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Heh good ol' Mikey, responder of 4 of my questions. Hey, I'm a first timer, just trying to learn as much as I can about anything before I try anything. Pretty soon I'll post my setup.

You don't need to flash your Radeon by the way to make it a FireGL, just a driver modification as I said before, and nVidia cards are no exception, you can turn them into Quadros too.

 

[Mrvile]

Ahh I wasn't planning on getting a FireGL or a Quadro since I'm not makin a workstation or anything I was just wondering what they were for. I'll stick with dual 6800GT

 

[clicknext]

Why don't big companies just buy the top Radeon cards instead of FireGL? I don't get it.

 

[Dubb]

CN-
in workstation apps, the difference is dramatic. I got 2.5x performance in specviewperf from modding my 5900u > quadro fx 3000.

the sad thing is, it doesn't appear that anyone is working on a mod for the new generation of cards...

a 6800 gt > quadro 3400 in SLI would be amazing...(for workstation apps)

 

[PrayForDeath]

Originally posted by: clicknext
Why don't big companies just buy the top Radeon cards instead of FireGL? I don't get it.

You mean why don't they buy the top Radeon and mod them? I guess the answer is because of FireGL's support, and the software's support.