Video card transplants - how can I make this as pain free as possible?

[Mursilis]

I'm swapping out my Voodoo3 2000 (AGP) for a Radeon All in Wonder. Any tips to make this go as smoothly as possible? I'm running Windows 98, BTW. Is a re-install of Windows really required (as I've seen some suggest)?

Thanks to all who post tips.

 

[sandorski]

Hmm, a Windows re-install is usually the easiest method. My experience: My bro offered me the chance to try out an ATI Radeon AIW for a weekend. So I pop out my Voodoo5 after changing it to Standard VGA, pop in the Radeon, reboot, install Radeon drivers. Upon re-start of Windows I blue screen, re-start in Safe Mode. I go and delete every 3dfx/Voodoo key in the Registry, even some that I didn't need to(like some game generic vidcard entries), re-start, and re-install Radeon drivers. Re-start Windows, Blue screen, continued trying various things for 3-4hours(I really didn't want to re-install Windows). I gave up, ripped it out including it's drivers, threw my Voodoo5 back in. Re-start, Blue screened, ripped out my hair, decided to re-install Windows.

Doing a new Windows install will save you a lot of potential headache.

 

[Mday]

a complete uninstallation of the previous card is necessary. drivers, proggies to tweak it...

a new windows install is overkill. unless you're replacing the mobo too. or if the install is ancient.

 

[nebula]

I upgraded last weekend from a V2 o a GTS and I followed this guide:

http://www.guru3d.com/tech/voodoo-to-nvidia/index1.shtml

It worked for me, also update your DirectX if necessary. You could at least try this before a reinstall, couldn't hurt.

 

[sandorski]

Mday: I agree, in fact that's what I always do and never had a problem until that V5-Radeon fiasco. Certainly is worth trying without though.