Is it really worth it to upgrade?

MaxDepth

Diamond Member
Jun 12, 2001
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All I want is a low cost, low powered HTPC.


I thought I had it with a 690G solution but found out I cannot play HD without an add-on card. I also learned that ATI/AMD has nowhere the same capabilities in Linux as does Windows.

So I look for a better onboard solution and it appears to be the next round from ATI/AMD. The 780G or the 790GX series seems to show through their own press and several reviews that either chipset can run H.264, MPEG 2, or other HD content without an add-on card. Both chips also implement DX10 and other goodies.

Now here's the thing, DX10 as you know is only for Vista. I don't want Vista. I am imperfectly happy with XP-64. I'd rather have SUSE or Ubuntu, but it ain't going to happen with these new chipsets nor my PCI-e digital TV card.

SO if I don't want to move off XP, I am basically stuck, right? Why bother with new chipsets if they need Vista? It seems if I want to be in Linux, I need to have antiquated equipment. If I want the new mobos, I can only use Vista. Damn.

Please do not cross post
bsobel