First post on this forum, anyway, want to upgrade from GF4 Mx440, but to what, that is the question. Would like to stay with Nvidia, as got the driver install down to a tee. Are ATI drivers just as awkward to get going. Is a 5700 a big improvement over what I already have of would I have to go to a 5700 Ultra. Been told to go to ATI for bang per buck under £100, which is my limit. Not a gamer, and use Mandy 100% of time not a windows user. Just need more snap to the graphics. Any Ideas ?

i'm a 100% certified Nvidia fan, as far as Linux is concerned.

Nvidia pros......... far better Linux support. they have support forums, extensive help & faqs, & a dedicated developement team for Linux drivers. they supply easy to install Linux drivers which are updated regularly. extensive options for usage are available in the documentation. installation is generally a breeze, & if problems do crop up Nvidia is very good with supplying patches.

Nvidia cons........ ummm, can't really think of any.

ATI pros............ ummmm, they work fine if you can get them to work.

ATI cons............ basically everything opposite of the Nvidia pros i listed. developement for Linux drivers is very slow. new releases tend to take months to come out, instead of weeks, sometimes days for Nvidia. ATI in general has a very Windows like mentallity. they focus on MS users & just throw out some crumbs to the Linux community in order to keep them from forming a lynch mob, IMHO.

as for the boards themselves, performance wise.......... it's like Chevy's vs. Fords, to me........ just a matter of opinion as to which you like more. they both supply superb graphics & performance. i wouldn't say one is neccessarily better than the other in that department, if you compare boards with similar specs. the only difference is you gotta work to get ATI working in Linux, Nvidia just works.

Please Note:
the above are my personal opinions on this subject. please don't start a debate/flame war over which is better (Nvidia vs. ATI) here. i'm not dissing any ATI users. i've just had too many headaches with ATI vs. none with Nvidia in Linux.

otis

Go have a look on the nvidia site and have a browse around the forum. They seem to be having a few problems with the latest driver (6629)

But it does only seem to be with TNT and GF4 mx 440 series cards so if you are going to upgrade it probably won't be a problem

Still won't hurt to have a look on the forum though

Cheers