Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
new drivers to enable SLI operation. Make sure both cards use the same GPU family. Make sure SLI
operation is enabled in the ForceWare driver.
Can't enable CrossFire or CrossFireX operation.
Solution
If you are using first-generation CrossFire cards, make sure you have paired up a CrossFire Edition
and standard Radeon card from the same GPU family. Also, make sure you have properly connected
the CrossFire Edition and standard card.
If you use later-model cards that use a CrossFire or CrossFireX bridge interconnect, make sure the
interconnect is properly attached to both cards. Make sure you are using pairs of cards with
compatible GPUs (see the AMD Crossfire website for details).
Update the ATI CATALYST display drivers to the latest production version. Be sure you have
enabled CrossFire or CrossFireX in your display driver.
Can't enable Aero 3D desktop in Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Solution
Make sure your video card or integrated video is running a WDDM (Windows driver display model)
driver and supports DirectX 9.0 or later. Update the driver if the hardware can support Aero. Update
the card if the card does not have WDDM drivers available.
DisplayMate
DisplayMate is a unique diagnostic and testing program designed to thoroughly test your video
adapter and display. It is somewhat unique in that most conventional PC hardware diagnostics
programs do not emphasize video testing the way this program does.
I find it useful not only in testing whether a video adapter is functioning properly, but also in
examining video displays. You easily can test the image quality of a display, which allows you
to make focus, centering, brightness and contrast, color level, and other adjustments much more
accurately than before. If you are purchasing a new monitor, you can use the program to
evaluate the sharpness and linearity of the display and to provide a consistent way of checking
each monitor you are considering. If you use projection systems for presentations—as I do in
my PC hardware seminars—you will find it invaluable for setting up and adjusting the
projector.
DisplayMate also can test a video adapter thoroughly. It sets the video circuits into each
possible video mode so you can test all its capabilities. It even helps you determine the
performance level of your card, with respect to both resolution and colors as well as speed.
You can then use the program to benchmark the performance of the display, which enables you
to compare one type of video adapter system to another. The Video Edition also supports
various types of multimedia projectors and TVs used in home theater and presentation
environments. Most editions for Windows are now available on a self-launching USB thumb
drive.
For more information on DisplayMate, visit
www.displaymate.com
.
Video Drivers
