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    GPU update on MBP

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Arquis, Dec 12, 2007.

  1. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    Do I have to manually download and install the drivers for the 8600m GT or does the System Update cover GPU drivers also?
     
    Arquis, Dec 12, 2007
    #1
  2. dab3

    dab3 Notebook Guru

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    If you are talking about GPU under MAC OSX--you can't actually update the drivers, as NVidia or Apple doesn't release drivers for Mac OSX, though just keep up to date with Apple Updates for the latest in optimizations for Graphics Under OSX.

    If you are referring to Bootcamp, and have Windows installed--yes you should update the GPU drivers as the ones supplied under Bootcamp usually aren't very good. To do this, you can go to Nvidia's Official Website (though there is an obvious lack of the latest updates for Laptop GPU's),

    OR

    you can head over to LaptopVideo2Go and get the latest beta drivers, that are PC drivers modified to work with laptops, which really help to get the best gaming experience with your video card!
     
    dab3, Dec 12, 2007
    #2
  3. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    Thanks for the info. I am talking about on Mac OS X. Just wasn't sure since this is my first Mac.
     
    Arquis, Dec 12, 2007
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  4. Sahin

    Sahin ---------------

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    Dang I thought this was a hard ware update thread. Still apple needs to upgrade there GPU on the MBP!
     
    Sahin, Dec 12, 2007
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  5. ltcommander_data

    ltcommander_data Notebook Deity

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    Apple really doesn't have a regular schedule for GPU driver updates which is disappointing. I've mentioned this to them in their MacBook Pro feedback page and you can to if you want. When the GPU is new or there are specific problems, then Apple releases a dedicated graphics card driver update. Otherwise, there is usually a new driver bundled with every OS update. I know 10.4.11 included one for my X1600. As dab3 said, it should all be taken care of through Software Update.
     
    ltcommander_data, Dec 12, 2007
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  6. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    lmao. You've been saying that all over the place. Although, I kind of agree. I'd like a 512mb 8800 :)
     
    Arquis, Dec 12, 2007
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  7. Sahin

    Sahin ---------------

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    Not that extreme all I want is a 8700GT or 8800Gs. Still upgrade apple upgrade!
     
    Sahin, Dec 12, 2007
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  8. Sahin

    Sahin ---------------

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    Complain here the more people i get to complain the better!
    http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html
     
    Sahin, Dec 12, 2007
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  9. ltcommander_data

    ltcommander_data Notebook Deity

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    I hate to say it but I think we're going to be disappointed. They're likely just going to bump the clock speeds on the 8600M GT, like what they did to the X1600 when they refreshed it, if they do anything at all.

    Currently they are at:

    nVidia Max Spec 15.4" MBP 17" MBP
    Core 475MHz 470MHz 520 MHz
    Memory 700MHz 635MHz 650MHz

    It's kind of interesting that Apple clocks the 8600M GT's core on the 17" MBP higher than nVidia warranties so if it fails Apple takes the cost of replacement themself.

    For some reason Apple clocks their memory low even though they use GDDR3. I'm hoping the bump the 15.4" MBP to nVidia's max spec for the 8600M GT which should provide a bit of a boost at no extra cost to Apple. And the 17" MBP should be clocked at 550MHz core and 750MHz memory, which is halfway between the 8600M GT and the 8700M GT. These seems perfectly doable on current chips without having to pay nVidia extra for the 8700M GT, which should help motivate Apple. That's what I wrote to them on the MacBook Pro feedback page previously anyways.
     
    ltcommander_data, Dec 12, 2007
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  10. Sahin

    Sahin ---------------

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    I just said for them to use a highly gimped version of the 8800 series. Just for the 256mb ring bus.
     
    Sahin, Dec 12, 2007
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