nVidia --> ATI driver question

[EtOH]

Ok. Working on the last piece to my upgrade. I have built out a new box and currently it is housing my older ti4200 with the latest nVidia drivers.

I have always used nVidia boards (tnt > tnt2 ultra > geforce > geforce 2 > ti200 > ti4200) and I love them.

The only piece I have left to pick up is a video board. The debate is between a FX 5900 or a 9800 pro since they are about the same price.

Since I already have the nVidia drivers installed that would be the easiest. If I went with a ATI based board how much of an issue would the old nVidia drivers be if they were still on the box?

I have no intention of rebuilding the OS again since I just did that, would there be a problem with the drivers hanging around?

Oh yeah, the new machine is based on an NForce 3 250 chipset, so there is a slight benefit to going the 5900 route on that tip as well.

EtOH

 

[Rent]

You just need to run Driver Cleaner after you uninstall the old drivers.

I would highly suggest trying to save up the extra cash and get something like a 6800GT or X800Pro, they're just that much faster than the 9800 or 5950. Heck, even get a vanilla 6800 for just a little more.

 

[EtOH]

I would love to save up more cash but there are other circumstances that dictate no saving $. My wife is pregnant and spending $ like it is going out of style (home stuff, baby stuff, doctor stuff, clothes, etc). So I have to get my upgrade in while I can.

If I can find some $ I might but those cards you listed are going for around $400 each (double what I can spend). Probrably not going to be able to swing it. Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[1ManArmY]

You will be fine if you make the switch to ATI 9800 PRO. Download cat 4.6

1 add/remove programs
2 remove nvidia drivers
3 reboot in safe mode (F8)
4 remove remaining NVidia folders
5 run driver cleaner ( make sure you download the nvidia fix and use it)
6 I use a registry cleaner to remove any fragments left over but ATI's cat-uninstaller usually leaves nothing behind.
7 empty recycle bin
8 reboot
9 disable any antivirus or firewall (software) programs
10 install ATI drivers

fresh clean install


If you stay with Nvidia just slap the new card in

 

[furie27]

Make the switch. Sound like a fanboy, but I went from nvidia to ATI, and I found the difference to be outstanding with the 9800 pro. Make sure to clean those drivers, 1manarmy has the right instructions.

 

[EtOH]

yeah, making the switch. First non nVidia based board I have ever had since my original TNT

Hope it is worth it!

 

[BFG10K]

Use add/remove drivers before you swap the cards and you should be fine. If you really want to you can manually edit the registry to remove stray entries.

The debate is between a FX 5900 or a 9800 pro since they are about the same price.

There is no debate; the 9800 Pro absolutely kills the 5900.

 

[Mem]

If you really want to you can manually edit the registry to remove stray entries

No need to if he uses Driver Cleaner 3.2,btw I would also recommend you run cab cleaner and SP cleaner as well if you`re using 2K/XP,it`s in the tools menu of Driver Cleaner,full instructions are in the Driver Cleaner "readme file".

What I did after running Driver Cleaner etc in safe mode was to shut the PC down,remove the old video card then install the new video card,boot to desktop and install the latest drivers btw if hardware wizard comes up with detected "new hardware" just hit cancel and install drivers at desktop.

 

[EtOH]

Thanks for all the help and info guys. I did make the switch and expect my 9800pro to be here by midweek. The information you gave me is exactly what i needed to make this switch.

I have never used a non-nVidia board, hopefully the drivers are all good. That is the one thing that nVidia has spoiled users with, kick-@ss drivers.

EtOH

 

[dawks]

Originally posted by: EtOH
I have never used a non-nVidia board, hopefully the drivers are all good. That is the one thing that nVidia has spoiled users with, kick-@ss drivers.

EtOH

Definatly, hence why I wish I hadnt switch from nVidia to ATI. I will be making the switch back once i get some cash.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: furie27
Make the switch. Sound like a fanboy, but I went from nvidia to ATI, and I found the difference to be outstanding with the 9800 pro. Make sure to clean those drivers, 1manarmy has the right instructions.

I should hope so considering he is going from a Ti4200 to a 9800Pro.

Originally posted by: DaZ

Originally posted by: EtOH
I have never used a non-nVidia board, hopefully the drivers are all good. That is the one thing that nVidia has spoiled users with, kick-@ss drivers.

EtOH

Definatly, hence why I wish I hadnt switch from nVidia to ATI. I will be making the switch back once i get some cash.

Yep, wasted a bit of cash myself having to go back to nVidia after being subjected to ATi's drivers. I hope you have better luck with your 9800Pro.

 

[Mem]

Yep, wasted a bit of cash myself having to go back to nVidia after being subjected to ATi's drivers. I hope you have better luck with your 9800Pro.

Having gone from a Nvidia Geforce card to ATI 9700NP, IMHO ATi drivers are solid,never had a problem in the last 12 months of using ATI drivers for gaming from 3.4s to 4.6s,I always use Driver Cleaner for each new driver update,also ATI are on a monthly update with drivers so you don`t have to wait long for the next one.I rate ATI drivers at least equal to Nvidia right now.