Part 2: Audio and Video
In order to experience the full power of modern video
acceleration, you should not skimp on your video adapter.
However, 3D video support under BeOS is rather limited, so you
should choose your card with extreme caution.
![[ATI]](BeBox_Files/ATI_logo.gif) ![[Radeon DDR box]](BeBox_Files/ATI_Radeon_box.jpeg)
There has always been a heated discussion on whether to go
for 3dfx Voodoo4/5
series or ATI Radeon DDR.
However, with the sad demise of the former, there is a
significant danger that your investment in it might not be
supported in the long run, so nowadays Radeon is poised to win
by default. Plus, the recent
tests conducted here at BeNews have demonstrated that,
while using beta drivers under BeOS, Radeon is capable of some
truly impressive performance. Unfortunately, Radeon drivers
have not been publicly released, but should be available in
the near future. Therefore, this is what we must refer to as a
"forward looking" recommendation.
For those who are not in the know, we must also mention
that even though 2D drivers are currently available for nVidia GeForce2 cards, the
chances of getting OpenGL acceleration for them are extremely
slim. Read the latest developments on this matter right here.
Finally, we did consider Matrox G400 and G450, but
these guys are already a whole generation behind the leaders
of the pack.
All things considered, ATI Radeon DDR with 64MB of
RAM has emerged as our most likely recommendation. It appears
to be a good value and, once 3D support under BeOS is finally
updated, you could be easily getting your $185 worth of
performance. In the meantime, a Voodoo5 5500 AGP card can
serve you well and we've seen these boards selling for as low
as $141.
![[Creative]](BeBox_Files/Creative_logo.gif) ![[Sound Blaster Live! box]](BeBox_Files/Creative_SB_box.jpeg)
As far as sound goes, we suggest buying what is arguably
the best deal in audio boards to date, the one and only Creative Sound Blaster
Live! card. If you are interested in a good gaming bundle
(for Windows, naturally), consider the X-Gamer version, which
retails for about $69. On the other hand, if your system is
being built for use under BeOS alone, you will be better off
with the Value edition, which can be had for as little as
$46.
Alternatively, if you want to make sure that your sound
card performs flawlessly right out of the box, consider buying
a $59 Sound Blaster PCI 512. This board is based on the same
chip as SB Live! and has been known to require virtually no
tweaking under BeOS.
|
Colors!
