nvidia, ati... what else?

falcon_za · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:02 am Post subject: nvidia, ati... what else?

So there are some rather nicely working proprietary drivers for nvida board, but no support for free software ones (as far as I know)

Ati used to somewhat support free software, but not that well now if i understand correctly, and their closed driver are less than Ideal, and besides, I have a long hate relationship with that brand (for various reasons)

Is there anyone else making decent graphic boards with full commitement to get us free software drivers? I don't need uber performance. Just decent one. I don't game. Well, some times I do, but for instance, the last one I (re)played was monkey island, so I don't think the performance of my graphic card will have much influence. on the other hand, I would certainly like to enjoy the 3D goodness that seems to be coming soon on the desktop, and I may occasionaly use a couple of 3D apps (sci-astronomy/celestia is sweet, for instance). I usualy work in fairly high resolution (my current laptop is 1400x1050, and I think my next desktop will be something like dual head 1600x1200 + 1280x1024), so I guess I would need something not too lame.

Is there anything around? Some brand names come to my memory from the past, but I don't know at all what they are worth today. Matrox or S3 for instance. How about intel's offers?

Basicaly, I want :
* not great but reasonable 3D performance
* dual head (or more)
* moderate price
* full compatibility with GNU/ linux (and possibly BSDs, but that's just a bonus). I am never under windows, so anything available only under windows might as well not be there
* free software drivers (as far as possible)
* no ATI ( I really dislike them)

Is there such a thing out there?

Thanks
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NeddySeagoon · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:09 pm Post subject:

falcon_za,

The problem with open source 3D drivers is that chip manufactuers will not release interface specifications.
That means any team wanting to produce a driver have to reverse engineer another driver first. The legalities of that vary around the world. Look up the 'clean room' approach that was used to reverse engineer the PC BIOS.

Go with nVidia and use the binary driver.
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falcon_za · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:54 pm Post subject:

I know the problem, but I was just hoping some brand not fighting to be the number one mega fast card might be more willing to release specs, or even gpl drivers. If not, I'll go nvidia. But if there happens to be a third player more willing to play by the rules of the open source world, I'd gladly go for it, even if it means sacrifying a bit of performance.
_________________
Why the hell am I in Asia? Don't remember. But I am still glad i am here.

You're glad someone did it for you, so help noobs.

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject:

falcon_za,

There is an open source graphics project, its producing the hardware (based on an FPGA) and the driver. I think progress is slow.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.