OT - computer stuff, video cards, tech advice
Although this might belong better on Gottfried's favorite Computer Learning thread <g>, this *is* my day job. I've recently been investigating video cards for CAD systems, and the consensus (among reviewers and knowledgeable kibitzers around me) seems to be that NVIDIA-based cards and drivers are the most stable. (Note that NVIDIA only makes the chips; third parties make the cards based on the chips.) ATI has a reputation for implementing leading-edge features, but their drivers tend to be much less stable (more crash-prone).
The Radeon family of cards from ATI, especially, has a spotty reputation among my (anecdotal) sources. The Matrox cards use an NVIDIA chipset. Bob, I think you came out way ahead on that trade. (Joke: What's the difference between a used-car salesman and a computer salesman? A: The used-car guy *knows* when he's lying. <g>)
RTS, if you are having crash problems with an NVIDIA-based laptop, AND you know that the video subsystem (chip/card/drivers) is the cause, I suggest changing the drivers. Three possible sources: 1) the laptop maker's website; 2) the *chip* maker's website; 3) the OS maker's website. Other possible actions may include updating the BIOS on the laptop.
NB: A "driver" is the piece of software that translates display commands from programs and sends them to the chip - roughly analogous to the transmission in a car. Often, this is the most difficult piece of a display subsystem to make and test - the chips are easier. Most video chip makers produce a "reference" set of drivers, which are the most stable. Then, the video *card* (or system) manufacturers may tweak those drivers to squeeze better performance (and possible instability) from them. Given a choice, I prefer slower but stable drivers.
Systems integration for this kind of stuff can be a pain - it's why we no longer build our own PC's, but buy them from a major (local, four-letter-name ... <g>) retailer. Cheaper than killing the obscure bugs ourselves.
- Mitch |
