From: R. Ramesh (ramesh@utdallas.edu)
Date: 09/30/92


From: ramesh@utdallas.edu (R. Ramesh)
Subject: What is a good (performance) Video Card to run X2.0?
Date: 30 Sep 1992 22:07:11 GMT

I apologize for bringing a question that does not seem relate too well to this
group. But the question is about running Xfree86 under linux. So I thought
this group is more appropriate than any other group.

Having failed (miserable I feel) to get my SpeedStarPlus to do what I want
with newer versions of X (I can only get interlaced modes and they just kill
me), I have decided to upgrade my hardware (video card, the monitor is just
fine) to a better (read "can get info easily about") one. Of course I would
also like to get better performance while upgrading. I read a couple of
articles about ATI being nice to give info on their cards. So I asked around
for models. And you know when you shop you get all kinds of questions. Here
are a few

1) How many ATI Ultra models exist - and what kind of difference in price and
   performance is expected? (I was told (by a sales person) about 4 types:
   Ultra, Graphics Ultra, Ultra+ and Ultra Pro). Gateway wants to sell me
   Ultra for $239 and local store wants $430 for Graphics Ultra - The price
   seem to suggest vast difference in performance - but I talked to a dumb
   sales person who did not know what resolution means.

2) I think 8514 version of X supports (only beta, I think) ATI ultra - Please
   correct me if I am wrong about this.

3) Are there any other cards worth comparing with the ATI's in
  "bang-for-the-price-and-usability-with-X".

I have a NEC 5FG that can do 1280x1024 upto 74Hz (video bandwidth 135Mhz and
vertical sync 55-74Hz).

Sorry to bother with these questions. If I get info useful to the c.o.l, I will
summarize.

Thanks.

Ramesh