Noob q: x1900gt or 7600gt - for dual display setup?

[random2]

Hi all,

Im just not able to decide on which one to go for. I think x1900gt is better than nv, but not sure if this holds on Linux.

usage: General desktop use (most probably Ubuntu), gnome and lots of terminal sessions and browser windows. Will also be using VMWare quite a bit. I also watch quite a bit of oss screencasts.

want to setup dual monitors (19" or 20" widescreens). Will be really happy if x1900gt can run beryl but not a must.

Would want this card to last for atleast 3years as I dont upgrade frequently.

Any inputs particularly from ATI users would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance

[Michael]

Check out for other user comments in the ATI section: http://www.phoronix.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19

Phoronix articles: http://www.phoronix.com/?page=category&item=Graphics

For the X1900GT versus the 7600GT, the X1900GT hardware is better but it depends if you have faith in ATI's improving Linux drivers.

[random2]

but it depends if you have faith in ATI's improving Linux drivers.

This is the thing thats putting me into dilemma.

I have read through the articles (particularly Hakan's) and the ATI drivers section and also other places on the net. There are many complaints along with atleast couple of satisfied owners of x1900gt.

But I dont know much about the Nvidia driver world either. Is it quite easy to setup dual monitors with nv cards compared to ATI?

or given this option would a experienced ATI user choose a second ATI card? I know there is no straight answer for this.

One more thing: Im not new to linux, but new to choosing these. I wouldnt mind a bit of running around to make things work, but cant spend days trying to fix up things.

[Michael]

It should be easy to setup either NVIDIA or ATI cards with dual monitors -- I have done it in both cases.

[random2]

ok, I think I might go with x1900gt. But have last few queries

Is x1900gt noisier ? how much compared to a 7600gt?
Does the ATI draw significantly more power compared to 7600gt?

[Michael]

ok, I think I might go with x1900gt. But have last few queries

Is x1900gt noisier ? how much compared to a 7600gt?
Does the ATI draw significantly more power compared to 7600gt?

The noise can really depend upon the X1900GT you pick up as some of ATI's AIBs go stock cooling while others use custom solutions, etc.... If you pick the right X1900GT, you shouldn't need to worry much about noise.

The ATI one will draw more power than the 7600GT, but not too much more.

[random2]

Thanks for the reply.

Will be getting a connect3d. googling on it gave me the techreport review and couple of more places which say its quieter of the lot. Hope I have some luck with it.

But the reviews are of rev 1 with 575mhz I think. Not sure how the present ones are.

[Michael]

Thanks for the reply.

Will be getting a connect3d. googling on it gave me the techreport review and couple of more places which say its quieter of the lot. Hope I have some luck with it.

Great, good luck. Be sure to report back with your results.