Test Components and Configuration
Two somewhat separate hardware configurations were used to provide the basis for this article, both on AMD-based systems built around I/O and logic cores specifically designed for GeForce and Radeon cards. Processor, memory, and storage drives remained the same, while graphics cards, chipsets, and motherboards changed. The first table details the hardware components for the ATI build using a Crossfire Xpress 3200 chipset.
| ATI Hardware Components | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Athlon 64 |
| Memory | 2 GB Corsair XMS |
| Motherboard | ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 120 GB SATA |
| Optical Drive | Plextor 712-SA |
| Power Supply | Antec TruePower 400W |
| Graphics | Asus EAX1900 XTX |
The table below lists components selected for the Nvidia-based build using an nForce4 solution :
| Nvidia Hardware Components | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Athlon 64 |
| Memory | 2 GB Corsair XMS |
| Motherboard | EVGA 133-K8-NF41 |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 120 GB SATA |
| Optical Drive | Plextor 712-SA |
| Power Supply | Antec TruePower 400W |
| Graphics | Asus N7800 GTX |
Another common denominator in this graphics card build-off is the software overlaid upon the hardware configuration :
| Software Components | |
|---|---|
| Linux Platform | Fedora Core 5 |
| Kernel Revision | Linux 2.6.16-1.2133_FC5 |
| Compiler | 4.1.1 (Red Hat 4.1.1-1) |
| Graphics Drivers | ATI:8.25.18NV:8762 |
| X Server Version | Xorg 7.0.0 |
Fedora Core 5 was chosen for its ease of use, quick installation, and well-designed package management system, although other platforms could certainly have been substituted.
