Workstation 3D graphics card

[ahsia]

My friend is looking to build a computer with a workstation 3D graphics card (i.e. FireGL stuff). Any recommendation is appreciated.... he is looking to spend less than $500. I don't know too much about this stuff. Thanks!

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

What slot is he using? PCI-E, AGP, or PCI?
Tas.

 

[imported_Kensai]

500$ = Junk in the workstation department.

 

[ahsia]

AGP...

$500 is for the card, not the whole system. He's got the system already, just need the card.

 

[ProviaFan]

3DLabs, ATI, or Nvidia (couldn't find an AGP Quadro close to the price range that would compare with the others)

Beware that some of those are AGP Pro cards, requiring an AGP Pro slot; make sure that his motherboard can handle it.

 

[mooojojojo]

You can refer your friend to this read:
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=227800

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I have a NVidia Quadro 900 XGL that works nice, and I've seen it go on ebay for some decent prices. Granted, I'm not using the card right now, as I have the 6800GT OC in there that my wife got me. But that is an alternative that you might be able to find in that price range.
Tas.

 

[Czar]

my guess he is learning 3d or going to learn 3d

he doesnt need a workstation 3d card if he is at that level, by the time he has learned enough to push the limits of normal cards then his "wokstation" card will be seriously outdated

 

[maximusfarticus]

http://windowsmarketplace.com/prices.aspx?itemId=826297&stext=quadro%201100

Quadro 1100 for $440.

 

[Dubb]

newegg occasionally has realizm 100s refurbed for about $450. probably your best bet if you JUST need workstation performance.

check ebay too, sometimes previous gen stuff (quadro 2000/3000) shows up in that range.

 

[jose]

You can get a 6800GT and softmod it to a Quatro

 

[maximusfarticus]

you can't soft mod with Rivatuner on newer cards. So, my suggestion would be to get the NEW Quadro 1100 I posted above.

 

[ahsia]

Will the softmod method work with the Radeon 9800 Pro?