Proper procedure for ATI to nVidia conversion

[Spike]

Well, after 4 years of using ATI I finally got a nVidia card... ordered myself a BFG 6800GT OC for $339 from gamestop. While it is currently back-ordered and not in my hands yet (I ordered it when it was in-stock, grrrrr), that is not really an issue since I most probably will not get to use it until around Christmas (it is a gift from my wife). Anyway, I figured I would find out everything I need to know before so I can get it installed as quickly as possible when the time comes.

I was under the impression that I was going to get a x800 pro, but this was a good price so here I am wondering what do I do. I currently have a 9600pro in my Abit NF7-S 2.0 with a Athlon 2500+ @ 3200+, what are the steps I need to take to properly remove the ATI drivers and install the nVidia ones? I know I could probably just pop the new card in and all would work, but I want it to work optimally. I have heard of some issues with AGP drivers and dual monitors (which I have, 21" CRT and 15" LCD) so I was wondering if those would have any effect on this.

Thanks for any help you guys can offer, and don't bother telling me how a 3200+ will be the "bottleneck" for this card, I know that it will be a slight hinderance, but it will be better than my 9600 pro by a long shot.

 

[Fern]

Should be no problem switching. Go into the Control Panel and uninstall the ATI driver(s) and it's Cat Control Center.

Then d/l Driver Cleaner and have it remove the ATI driver fragments. Get it HERE

Shut down (unplug power cable, I always worry about the 5v stand by power power) replace card. Reboot, install the nVidia driver etc from the disk included with the card. Then go to nVidia's site and uppdate the driver.

Lately, I just burn the new stuff from nVidia's site onto a cd and install it directly.

Enjoy your new card.

Fern

 

[Spike]

So you know of no issues with this motherboard and nVidia cards? Those directions are simple enough, shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for that

-spike

 

[Fern]

So you know of no issues with this motherboard and nVidia cards?

No issues. I've had one running with both an old nVidia GTS and a Ti 4200 card(s).