Should I format computer while putting in x1900xt?

[phantom404]

I ordered my x1900xt yesterday and received it today(thanks to newegg/fedex). Was wondering if it would be best to format my comp when I stick my new card in or ok to boot into safe mode use drivercleaner on my nvidia drivers and install the 1900/

 

[jim1976]

Generally it is advised to format when you're swapping between ATI and Nvidia..Various reasons that might lead to conflicts due to drivers may occur.
A difference in performance is not likely to occur if everything is working fine w/o format...

 

[Cooler]

ATI and Nvidia do not like to play nice.

 

[phantom404]

Thanks for the replies

 

[ayabe]

If you enjoy formatting then do it, it's not necessary however, not by any stretch.

 

[Vinnybcfc]

Dont have to but if you have problems after using drivercleaner then do it

 

[Bull Dog]

As long as you don't seem to have any problems you shouldn't need to format.

 

[apoppin]

if you have a spare HD or an extra partition, you can quickly set up a 'gaming rig' - just your updated O/S, necesary latest MB, video and audio drivers, CP, benchmarks and games. . . . NO firefox, antivirus or app.

thay way you can compare performance to see if you need to reinstall or not.

 

[Powermoloch]

No need to format...just uninstall the Nvidia video drivers. Then you'll all set, just read the manual lol 😀

 

[shabby]

Originally posted by: jim1976
Generally it is advised to format when you're swapping between ATI and Nvidia..Various reasons that might lead to conflicts due to drivers may occur.
A difference in performance is not likely to occur if everything is working fine w/o format...

I find this hard to believe, its not like when you install an nvidia video card the game that you're playing will look for atiogl.dll.

 

[Killrose]

Diver Cleaner is your friend. I jump between cards all the time.

(1) Remove drivers using the drivers very own un-install tools. Shut down Computer.

(2) Remove video card install new one.

(3) Boot into safe mode. Cancel all Windows new hardware detected messages.

(4) Use Driver Cleaner Cab Cleaner first.

(5) Then Use Driver Cleaner Video Driver Cleaner.

(6) Install Desired Driver Set, then re-boot.

(7) As an option, you can install the motherboard chipset gart/PCI-e driver especially when going from one brand to another and you think you have a problem.

Other than that you should not have to format when using Driver Cleaner3 or Driver Cleaner Pro.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Vinnybcfc
Dont have to but if you have problems after using drivercleaner then do it

If you have problems after using DriverCleaner, learn to use DriverCleaner. 🙂

 

[hughest]

I recently switched from 6800gs to x1900xt. I used add/remove programs to take out the nvidia software. Then I rebooted in safe mode and used drivercleaner. Then I turned off computer and I put in the ati card and installed the drivers for it. Everything has worked fine so far with no conflicts or problems (win xp pro sp2). Good luck!

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: Vinnybcfc
Dont have to but if you have problems after using drivercleaner then do it

If you have problems after using DriverCleaner, learn to use DriverCleaner. 🙂

I had to do a xp repair using my install disk after dc took out some video/audio showtime stuff in the registry. Spike did fix that problem with DC - but I did learn that there is some risk with using that program. :beer: