Stephen Tait wrote: > ... >> > I don't have a recommendation, but i can disrecommend the NVIDIA >> > nForce2 chipset from a free software perspective. The NIC has a >> > closed source driver. When i emailed them about it, the response was, >> > "Our networking performance is too important to allow competitors to >> > use our drivers." I disabled the on-board NIC and bought a $20 >> > RTL-8139. :-) >> ... > > I have to say that although I don't approve of the closed source nature > of the nForce drivers, the boards seem to be exceptionally good > performers under both windows and linux. > ... > > Disclaimer: I don't own or use an nForce2 motherboard, and am going > entirely on hearsay. > ... > If I was going to buy a new SktA mobo, I'd probably plump for the > nvidia. Even if they don't have OSS drivers, their hardware seems pretty > solid with the open source ones (again, hearsay). > ... > That said, they're abysmal performers compared to modern Athlon chipsets > like the nForce2.
I have a Gigabyte GA-7N400Pro, and i can personally vouch for it's solid performance under Linux (don't know about Windows - haven't used it on this system at all). I just didn't like their approach to free software, and so next time i'd probably go for a VIA (or like you say - upgrade to an Opteron and completely bypass the issue). -- Paul <http://paulgear.webhop.net> -- He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
