[NTLUG:Discuss] [Bulk] Via/S3G Unichrome Pro IGP video adapter

[Leroy Tennison]

Tom Tumelty wrote:
> I am trying to install Slackware 10.2 on a machine with an Amd Sempron 3300+
> processor and a  Via/S3G unichrome Pro IGP  ( PCI card ) video adapter.
> Slackware installed with out a problem, but X will not work so far....I keep
> getting an error  "No Screens Found". I have searched the internet and not
> found much useful info. All that i have found has been negative and no
> solutions to this problem.  i have also found a set of drivers on
> sourceforge.net for unichrome, but have not got it to install.  I also read
> that these drivers do not work anyway......so does anyone have the magic
> answer to this problem ?
>
> Thank You in advance to anyone who can help.
>
> Tom
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>   
<sigh> You are echoing my miserable experience with an AMD/VIA 
combination.  Actually, your situation is worse - X at least worked (in 
a sort of "funny" way and very slow) in my case.  I know this isn't what 
you want to hear but my solution was simple: install a SIS-based video 
card (I'm assuming this PCI card is integrated).  I happened to have a 
spare one on hand.  You can probably find one at 1st/3rd Saturday for 
cheap or go to a used computer store.

<Diatribe on> I am not at all pleased with VIA running Linux.  I also 
have weird floppy problems (which don't exist under Windows so I can't 
take the motherboard back as defective).  If I switch away from the unit 
for any length of time (I have three PCs on a KVM) and return then the 
screen is blank and nothing will get it back (ACPI is disabled - never 
did like advanced power mismanagement).  I have two other Linux PCs 
using SIS-based motherboards (both happen to be ASUS) and have not had 
any problems.  If you found nothing but negative comments in your search 
it sounds like there is a common theme going here.  Recommend against 
anyone else buying a VIA motherboard at least for Linux use. </Diatribe off>