S3 DeltaChrome S4 Graphics Chip Reviewed

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."

Comments

Listen up S3 (and all the others)

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

While not the fastest option for games, the S4 looks like a credible alternative to ATI and NVIDIA's dominance of the graphics market

As far as I'm concerned, as a Linux user, I will dump my nVidia card and buy you a cartload of S3 cards the day you contribute a full-featured GPL driver to the Linux kernel, and GL stuff for X released under the GPL as well.

I wish those graphics card companies realized there isn't much to lose in opening up a driver's code (no, it won't release trade secrets if the hardware interface is generic) and everything to gain by grabbing the emerging hi-perf graphics card market for Linux.

Re:Listen up S3 (and all the others)

[Mike Hawk]

Sounds more like Open Source is a PITA to deal with. When I need to update my closed-source drivers for my closed-source operating system to play my closed-source game, all I do is double-click, reboot and I'm off. And it being inferior in terms of performance is not a sacrifice I have to make. Instead of blaming the player, maybe you should blame the game.

I've said it before...

[labratuk]

...and I'll say it again.

XGI, S3/Via and anyone else who wants to get into the 3d card market, write full featured DRI drivers for linux and GPL them. They will become the geek's choice standard in no time. Especially with all of this xorg/dri/composite/glitz/cairo stuff coming along.