Barefeats recently released new GPU comparison tests examining how current Apple offerings stand up to the ATI Radeon HD 4870 and the nVIDIA GeForce GTX 280, two graphics options which may be available for Mac Pro owners in the future. Since Apple versions are not yet available the tests were conducted using Windows Vista via Boot Camp.

Though the GeForce GTX 280 is clearly superior in the tests we ran, we think the Radeon HD 4870 is the better choice for Apple's next optional GPU. Why? Because ATI has optimized their Mac Edition drivers and firmware for the Radeon 2600 XT and 3870 so that they run Core Image effects much faster than comparable nVidia cards including the GeForce 8800 GT and Quadro FX 5600.

In other words, if Apple is truly serious about optimizing their suite of Pro Apps (FCP, Motion, Aperture, etc.) for Core Image performance, then the Radeon HD 4870 should be the next CTO "shoe" they drop. Better yet, I think they should go with the soon-to-ship Radeon HD 4870 X2 dual processor model. We hope to get our hands on a "Windows only" version soon but meanwhile, take a look at Andandtech's "early look." The GRID graphs are especially interesting.

Barefeats: Possible Future Mac Pro GPUs Examined

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