Re: Choice of video cards

[Thomas Dodd <ted cypress com>]

Marie-Therese Lorentzen wrote:
> 
>         S3 Savage 4 AGP x2 SDRAM 16 MB 64 bit
> 
>        WinFast 3D S320V, Riva TNT2 Vanta SGRAM 16 MB with a passive cooler
> 
>         WinFast 3D S325, Riva TNT2 M64, with a cooler, SDRAM 32 MB
> 
>         WinFast 3D S325 Riva TNT2 Ultra, with cooler SDRAM 16MB
> 
> on an AMD K-6 2 (300 MHz) A-Open AX59PRO motherboard.
> Any experiences on how these cards work in Linux (6.2) and what, if any,
> considerations I should take in as far as configuration is concerned?
> I don't use the computer for games, however, I do have a HAUPPAUGE TV-card
> which requires at least 24 Bit color.
> These cards are costing anywhere from approx. $60 - $100. If you happen to
> know that I could get a much better card at a cheaper price in the States, I
> would be interested in it - It is possible for me to get someone to buy it

What do you want to do with the card?
For 3D games/apps the TNT2 is you best choice of the 4.
The TNT2-Ultra is faster, but the TNT2-M64 has more memory.

If you want fast games and low resolution (640 or less)
the TNT2 would be my choice. For higher resolutions
but slower speeds the TNT2-M64 would be the choice.

Note: I mean 3D resolutions not 2D. All of them can
do 1280x1024 in 24bpp for 2D X11 and most apps.

Also Note: For 3D on the TNT2's you need XFree86-4.0
and NVIDIA's drivers for it too. Setting up XF-4.0 is
not a task for some one new to linux, RedHat, or X11.

I have a TNT2-M64 card w/32MB and Q3A, HeavyGear2 , and Soldier of
Fortune
run OK at 800x600 in 24/32bpp. I run X11 at 1280x1024 in 24bpp and it's
plenty fast.

I'm not sure of the status of the 2D or 3D Savage4 drivers.

Also Super7 motherboards can be picky with AGP cards,
especially with 75+ MHz FSB settings. For 2D it's not bad,
but 3D can be problematic.

	-Thomas