I'm not even sure what "era" to call it (or if it even can be categorized like that), but at a certain point, most PowerPC Macs started to have multi-sync on-board video hardware, and will output all VGA+ standards and refresh rates. I want to say
all post-x100 PowerMacs, but I can't speak to the lower spec Performas/LCs.
Of course, higher tier Apple models (e.g. 9500 et 9600) had PCI video only. The only thing lacking on those cards (e.g. iX Micro TwinTurbo) is a, SVGA-style connector (the clones which were bundled with PCI video cards would have both), but should output the same signals.
I personally don't mind having an adapter, but no need to get one of the DIP adapters (yeah, I know there's a switch on this, but it's not a DIP array...)
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The footprint is small, and it also works a treat with my Quadras.