How is ATI when it comes to long term support?

[Jugernot]

Any of you guys with Rage 128 cards or lower, how good is ATI when it comes to new drivers and support?

I currently looking at getting a Radeon 32DDR board, but am wondering how they will support it when their next biggest and best things comes out.

Thanks

 

[Raspewtin]

I have an ATI Rage Fury (Rage 128 chip 32 Meg) card and there hasn't been any new drivers since April or May. I also seriously doubt any new Dx8 drivers will be issued or any new drivers at all. Maybe with the Radeon they'll be different. Is Nvidia different in this respect (never owned any Nvidia card)?

 

[Sunner]

nVidia's driver support is the best around bar none IMO.
They have drivers for just about every OS out there, including OS/2 and BeOS.
Their Linux drivers are, by a very big marigin, the fastest around when compared to their Win9x/Win2K drivers.
And finally, their OpenGL drivers are unmatched in the commercial market.

Some people have had alot of problems with some driver releases though, but since Im not one of them, I cant really comment on how thats been dealt with.
Then of course there are some people who get PO'ed at them when the latest beta drivers dont work, which is, IMO, rather moronic.

I was considdering a Radeon, but decided to wait and see how ATi's support turns out this time around, if they do well, Illl trust them the next time, if they dont, I'll be glad I didnt this time.

 

[Raspewtin]

<< I was considdering a Radeon, but decided to wait and see how ATi's support turns out this time around, if they do well, Illl trust them the next time, if they dont, I'll be glad I didnt this time. >>



Very smart advice. I think I'll buy Geforce2 instead of Radeon next.

 

[Jugernot]

Hmmm, ok. That is what I was afraid of. It doesn't help me much to have the best card (feature wise) now, if it isn't going to be supported in the future.

I have a V3 2k right now and will have enough problems with drivers.

 

[Taz4158]

ATI are just about to release unified drivers so there will be no future support issues and you get a better card.

 

[Comp10]

So far ATI has given excellent driver support for the Radeon with many driver updates over the past months. As many as Nvidia releases? No, but I have yet to encounter any driver issues on any game, so I fail to see the need for drivers being released every week. As for how they will continue to support the card in the future thats anyones guess, but if recent past history is any indication they will likely continue to do a great job. I would not let the fear of poor driver support stop you from getting a Radeon, its an excellent card and so far that fear hasn't really materialized.

 

[PeAK]

You can take a look at ATI's support page for info and drivers for chipsets going back to Rage, RageII, RageII+, RagePro, Rage Fury, Rage Fury Pro, and Radeon. Even the earliest Rage graphics cards are supported under Win95, Win98, Win2K, and WinNT. Only the Fury MAXX card is not supported under Win2K due to conflicts restrictions that do not allow the alternate frame rendering to operate.

 

[Keeksy]

Give ATI a chance. Their support has improved a lot recently. Besides, you can always get a NV20 in the spring if you're disatisfied. The Radeon 32MB DDR is one sweet, little card. Not only is it cheaper than the Geforce2 GTS, but it perfroms better too. (as long as you stick to 32bit gaming) Plus, once more DX8 games are released the Radeon will really shine. With all its features working properly, this card will really give nVidia a run for its money.

 

[Jugernot]

Keeksy, unfortunately I'm a poor college student and can't afford to buy a new video card every 6 months. Especially if the NV20 is going to be priced like the current champ GF2 Ultra ($400-500).

I usually get a new card everyone year or so...as you can can see I've still got a Voodoo3 card.

 

[Keeksy]

Then definitely go with the Radeon. There is sure to be a lot of DX8 games out there before you get your next video card, and the Radeon can perform most DX8 operations via hardware. This will give your CPU some breathing room. If you bought I Geforce 2 it would be a different story. Plus the Radeon offers better 2D performance and DVD playback.