35 Which video card is best for DOS/Windows/X11/OS/2?
Description
This article is from the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video Frequently Asked Questions, by Michael Scott with numerous contributions by others. (v1.0).
35 Which video card is best for DOS/Windows/X11/OS/2?
[From: Michael Scott (scott@bme.ri.ccf.org) with some from Dylan Rhodes (Formerly of Hercules) ]
It would be irresponsible (and very difficult to keep current) for anyone trying to produce an objective document to suggest which video cards are 'best'. The answer is complicated, since no one card is best for all applications. The best video card for you will depend on:
The operating system you will be using (i.e. DOS/VGA or GUI) Display addressabilities and colour depths (i.e. 800x600x16 bit) The bus your computer uses (PCI, VLB, EISA, ISA, MCA) The types of applications you will be using most.
Also, don't be fooled into thinking that the absolute fastest card going is the best deal. If you're using anything other than VGA pixel addressabilities (up to 640x480x4 bit) then driver availability and stability are very important. You can save yourself a lot of problems by getting a card that comes with good, solid drivers for your operating system(s) and good configuration utilities.
Make sure you choose a vendor who can provide quick, accurate and friendly technical support when you need it and via the means that you choose (telephone, e-mail, etc.).
That being said, more timely information on available video chipsets is included in Appendix B.
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