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S3 DeltaChrome S4 Graphics Chip Reviewed

Posted by simoniker on from the third-wheel? dept.

EconolineCrush writes "The Tech Report has a preview of S3's budget DeltaChrome S4 graphics chip for PC graphics cards. While not the fastest option for games, the S4 looks like a credible alternative to ATI and NVIDIA's dominance of the graphics market - there are some handy analysis graphs comparing performance in Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Unreal Tournament 2004 and Far Cry. Better still, the S4 has component HDTV output built right into the chip, making it an intriguing option for home theater systems."

9 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Re:S3 is still in business? by BitchKapoor · · Score: 3, Informative

    They were bought by VIA and have been doing the built-in graphics for VIA's chipsets since then.

  2. Re:Not cutting edge for gamers by MC+Negro · · Score: 5, Informative

    What will S3's support be like for Linux?
    Going by the current offerings from the website, I'm not going to hold my breath. My experience with the Savage cards have not been that great. Drivers were delayed and needed patching, but that's no reason to condemn the entire manufacturer.
    --
    "You and your third dimension."
  3. ATI has component too... by Jeff+DeMaagd · · Score: 4, Informative

    I think all 9xxx series and newer Radeons have component out capabilities. No need to resort to S3 for an HTPC. The 9000, 9200 and I think several 9600 models are fanless too, making them better choices for home theater use. It does require an adaptor though, I think it is $20 to $30 direct from ATI.

    It's not that I don't welcome another challenger in the graphics arena, I still have a bad taste from their previous sad attempts to compete.

    1. Re:ATI has component too... by Jeff+DeMaagd · · Score: 2, Informative

      None of the Radeon cards are HDTV capable.

      Wrong. I can back up what I say.

      There is one AIW that can capture ATSC, many if not all 9xxx series Radeons and higher can output 1080i.

      ATI HDTV Component Adapter

  4. Re:Not cutting edge for gamers by Dr.Dubious+DDQ · · Score: 2, Informative

    The DRI CVS includes a working S3 Savage driver - at least it gives my laptop passable hardware-accelerated 3D. Of course, you have to compile it yourself...

    I'm hoping the upcoming next X.org release includes it...

    --
    Hacker Public Radio is our Friend
  5. Re:Are you sure of the validity of these benchmark by neko9 · · Score: 2, Informative

    because thats 5200 Ultra.

    5200 Ultra - Chipclock 325mhz, Memoryclock 650mhz
    5200 - Chipclock 250mhz, Memoryclock 400mhz

    for example 5200 Ultra is faster than 5500.

  6. Listening... by marmite · · Score: 5, Informative

    Actually, VIA (who own S3) were very nice to me. I told them that I wanted to write an X driver for their graphics chip (the CLE266 northbridge with integrated graphics). They sent me an NDA and then the register documentation.

    And they did actually already write their own driver which was released as opensource (although I'm not sure of the license) for XFree86 including all of the "GL stuff".

    IMHO S3/VIA are very appreciative of opensource work and are very supportive of opensource developers.

    --
    I do not represent myself.
    1. Re:Listening... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      That he signed an NDA doesn't matter any more, as S3 themselves released the driver Try http://www.linux.org.uk/~alan/S3.zip for the S3 Savage driver, and http://www.linux.org.uk/~alan/CLE266.zip for the CLE266 MPEG decoder driver.

  7. Re:mo money mo problems by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    https://store.mgram.com.au/pdfs/PDS17078.PDF
    (P4 ISA motherboard)

    Not any more then normal.