ATI, NVIDIA Launch New Chipsets for Socket AM2

theraindog writes "The web is swirling with reviews of AMD's new Socket AM2 processors, but they're not the only new chips launching today. ATI and NVIDIA have both introduced new core logic to accompany Socket AM2, and The Tech Report has a comprehensive comparison of the new chipsets. ATI's CrossFire Xpress 3200 and NVIDIA's new nForce 590 SLI are run through an exhaustive suite of application, peripheral, and power consumption tests with surprising results. The nForce 590 SLI definitely has the edge when it comes to the sheer number of integrated peripherals and extra features, but the CrossFire Xpress 3200's performance is competitive, and its leaner approach pays big power consumption dividends. It looks like ATI may finally have a credible alternative to NVIDIA's domination of the Athlon 64 chipset market."

Take your pick

[BadAnalogyGuy]

On the one hand, you've got Ferrari with its sleek lines and power-packed drivetrain. On the other you've got a McLaren with its race course-styled lines and race track pedigree.

Which one you spend your money on is up to you and the aesthetics you find more pleasing.

As for me, I'll stick with my Toyota Corolla and the 42mpg that it gets.

Re:Take your pick

[Anonymous Coward]

BAG, you're slipping. While you did use a car analogy, it wasn't a particularly bad one. Anyhow, as for me, I'll keep riding my bike. Hey, does anyone know how to perform a POST operation with an abacus?

Re:AM2 vs. Conroe

[jank1887]

Not entirely on topic, but it is interesting.

Wow, way to direct the comment moderator. Let me try. THIS COMMENT IS INSIGHTFUL.

I tried one ATI chipset...

[Malor]

Last year, I was trying to build a HTPC, and bought a little SFF box. It had an ATI chipset inside... what a complete piece of shit it was. The drivers were awful, and the USB never really worked right. The system was connected via USB wireless, and I could rarely copy more than a 25mb file or so before the ENTIRE USB SUBSYSTEM would lock up... wiping out keyboard, mouse, everything. Ended up having to do a hard power off every single time. Turns out this was a widely known problem and, to my knowledge, it was never fixed. That SFF was a complete waste of money, a total loss. I should have just lit a few hundred-dollar bills on fire.... at least it wouldn't have taken all the troubleshooting time.

After my previous experience with the dismal ATI graphic drivers, particularly in OpenGL, they are on my shitlist for at least the next three or four years. The hardware may be good, but who can tell with drivers that suck that badly?

I'd suggest steering WAY clear of any ATI chipset.