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RE: [APML] computer video card
Hi Craig,
Apples are still apples, fortunately. While it's true that NVidia started out in the video chipset business (and was wildly successful), they have recently expanded into the motherboard chipset business as well. NVidia released their NForce about 2 years ago, and followed it up with the NForce2. Looks like they've recently come out with an NForce3 also, though I haven't been looking at computer hardware lately so I don't know the story on it. Both chipsets support AMD processors only...I'm don't know if they'll ever expand into supporting Intel processors (Intel's kind of picky about who can work with them). In any case, the NForce series of chipsets have been described as the chipset that AMD processors always wanted but never had (up until now). Very stable and very fast. Another big plus is that AMD-hardware compatibility finally seems to be a non-issue with these.
Here's a link to NVidia's NForce2 site: http://www.nvidia.com/page/nforce.html Also, here's a link to the NVidia chipset-based Abit NF7-M, the motherboard I'm currently using at home: http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/products.php?categories=1&model=7 They also make the Northbridge and Southbridge chips as well.
As far as VIA is concerned, I'd agree with you if we were talking during the 90s. However, as of about 2-3 years ago (when I last dinked around with VIA-based motherboards), they were pretty much junk as far as I was concerned. Apparently a lot of other folks felt the same, and they've taken a big reputation hit as of late. VIA might have released better stuff since then, but I'll leave that to others to find out (motherboards are too expensive to buy and find out they don't work properly). Again, I tinker with AMD systems, so I don't know how good VIA-based motherboards for Intel processors are.
I hadn't heard that AMD licenses their chipsets through VIA..that's kind of interesting.
Best regards,
Jason Lane
-----Original Message-----
From: cmutter [mailto:cmutter@bellatlantic.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 7:55 AM
To: Discussion of Film Astrophotography
Subject: Re: [APML] computer video card
WAit a minute, your talking about two different types of "Chipsets" here. First VIA makes the controller chipsets for motherboards and are considered some of the most stable chipsets available even moreso than Intel's. Now nVidia makes the chipsets for graphics cards not for motherboards. AMD liscences their chipsets through VIA.
lets be sure we're comparing "apples to apples"
Craig Utter
"Lane, Jason R" wrote:
> Speaking of the difference between Ford and Chevy, the AMD processor isn't the cause of software incompatibility problems (unless it is physically defective). More often, it is caused by bad chipset designs in the motherboards, or hardware incompatibility with the motherboards. You just have to know what to shop for. VIA chipsets have been notoriously bad these past few years. Motherboards based on NVidia's chipsets are remarkably stable and fast. AMD makes their own chipset that has always been very stable (although not the fastest).
>
> Some folks might gripe about having to sort through hardware to pick what's compatible or not, but the much lower cost of the processor is worth it, IMO. Also, it's kind of like a telescope setup or a automobile..you just don't slap any old piece of equipment in it.
>
> Hopefully no more than $.02 up there. =)
>
> Jason Lane
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dale Ireland [mailto:direland@drdale.com]
> Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 10:29 AM
> To: 'Discussion of Film Astrophotography'
> Subject: RE: [APML] computer video card
>
> Bob
> Yes some have an agp slot. In fact the 4600 does have an agp slot. The 2400
> does NOT have an agp slot and it is tricky to disable the integrated video
> cards. The integrated video cards have a way of returning to life like a
> zombie in the "Night of the living Dead". Integrated sound support is even
> worse. I mean they work fine but don't get them if you know you plan to
> upgrade.
> My experience is the same with the chips too. The best deal is to take the
> option for the "next to best" chip. In other words don't get the AMD or
> Celeron (lots of software incompatibility problems), but get the next to
> highest speed Pentium. The systems have an option for the very fastest
> expensive, say 3Ghz, but then there is a huge price difference if you get
> the next one down, say the 2.8Ghz P4 which used to be last month's top chip
> and is not noticeably different.
> Dale
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org [mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org] On
> Behalf
>
> Thought I would relate my experience:
>
> I've been building my own pc systems(and for friends) for ten years. I
> generally avoid integrated video just because its one more layer of
> complexity to disable it if you add another card. Also, they tend to share
> ram as opposed to having their own separate on-board ram. I like to keep
> things simple. However, most rules are meant to be broken. It is not true
> that motherboards with integrated video do not have an agp slot. Many do
> also have an agp slot. Thus you can add a second card (meaning a second
> monitor). With the low price of good video cards (including dual video
> cards) I would skip the integrated and go for a 128mb dual display card for
> $100 or less. This is also easier to setup up if you want dual displays.
>
> A lot depends on how comfortable you are getting around the inside of your
> machine, mananaging drivers pulling cards etc.
>
> Newer pcs should have a minimum of 512mb Ram because of the bloated OS.
> Older pcs have some limitations on how much ram they can access.
>
> On the flipside, I also have a g5 Dual 2gig with 2.5 gigs of memory. There
> are 8 memory slots (for a total of 8gb ram). I use it for video editing and
> I allot 1.5 gigs to the program. I have not heard of programs not being
> able to access more than 1g. I purchased this machine because of the
> editing software(it is not available for the pc).
>
> I would add to Dales comments: Avoid the celeron chip and get the p4 (or
> AMD).
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Bob Seabold
>
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