A Russian hacker known as Netkas has announced that he’s cracked Nvidia’s Fermi ROM, the firmware which is used to control Nvidia’s most powerful graphics cards and currently restricts them to Windows-only machines.
Netkas, well known for his Hackintosh EFI Bootloader exploits, has published a post on his blog titled “On the mac’s fermi ROM.” The hardMac website, which closely follows Mac hackers, guesses that Netkas has adapted the ROM of Nvidia’s Quadro FX 4000, which does have Mac drivers, to suit the new Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 580 range of GPUs.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 is currently the world’s fastest DirectX 11 GPU with an innovative new thermal design, while running quieter than the previous generations. This will definitely help gamers enjoy the new high graphic games appearing in the new Apple App Store.
The Significance of Cracking Nvidia’s Fermi ROM
The cracking of Nvidia’s Fermi ROM by Netkas is a significant development for several reasons. Firstly, it opens up the possibility for Mac users to utilize some of the most powerful graphics cards available, which were previously restricted to Windows machines. This could be a game-changer for professionals in fields such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming, who rely on high-performance GPUs for their work.
Moreover, this development could lead to a broader acceptance and use of Hackintosh systems, where users install macOS on non-Apple hardware. The ability to use Nvidia’s top-tier graphics cards could make Hackintosh systems even more appealing to power users who need the best performance possible.
Potential Implications for the Gaming and Professional Communities
For the gaming community, the ability to use Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 580 on a Mac could significantly enhance the gaming experience. The GTX 580 is known for its exceptional performance in handling high-resolution textures and complex shaders, making it ideal for modern, graphically intensive games. With the new thermal design, it also runs quieter, which is a bonus for gamers who prefer a silent gaming environment.
In the professional realm, the cracked ROM could benefit those involved in graphic design, video production, and 3D modeling. The GTX 580’s powerful processing capabilities can handle demanding software applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Autodesk Maya, and other resource-intensive programs. This could lead to more efficient workflows and faster rendering times, ultimately boosting productivity.
Additionally, this breakthrough could encourage Nvidia to consider officially supporting macOS for their high-end graphics cards. If there is enough demand and demonstrated capability, Nvidia might see the value in expanding their market to include Mac users, which would be a win-win situation for both the company and the consumers.
Via Cult Of Mac
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
