Discussion:
Seeking BSD friendly video card
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Dieter BSD
2012-12-12 19:33:58 UTC
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Seeking a video card that is completely documented and is
fully supported (with source code) by the BSDs.

A gpu-less framebuffer is fine. (No videogaming)

PCIe
At least 2560x1440 (for 27" displays) (analog can be lower resolution)
2560x1600 (30" displays) would be better
4096x2560 (4K displays) would be even better
At least 24 bit color (more is better)
Work as console for firmware and OS. Must work with X11.

Bonus points for multiple heads (e.g. 2 digital + 1 analog)
Bonus points for each type of port supported (dvi, hdmi, displayport,
vga, s-video, ...)

Bonus points for video decoder that is documented and fully supported by
the BSDs.

Minor bonus points for a small, energy efficient gpu that is documented
and fully supported by the BSDs.

Bonus points for not even needing a heatsink.
Major minus points for power hungry monsters with "jet engine" fans and
extra power cables, double-wide, ...

Binary-only is unacceptable, must have source. (Can be BSDL, GPL, ...)

Bonus points for supporting sync-on-green.

Decent quality.

Full height is ok, doesn't need to be low profile.

Are there any other issues I should consider?
Peter Jeremy
2012-12-12 20:54:22 UTC
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Post by Dieter BSD
Seeking a video card that is completely documented and is
fully supported (with source code) by the BSDs.
The closest you will get is a card with an older AMD/ATI chipset
(Radeon HD 2xxx or 4xxx) - the newer ones need KMS (which isn't
supported on FreeBSD). AMD did release full programming specs for
some ATI chipsets - you'll need to check the AMD website for the
specific card. Unfortunately, they don't have ECC for onboard RAM and
so won't be acceptable to you. The rest of your requirements are a
matter of the specific card and they change very rapidly.
Post by Dieter BSD
A gpu-less framebuffer is fine. (No videogaming)
A GPU is used for more than gaming.
Post by Dieter BSD
Bonus points for not even needing a heatsink.
I'd be absolutely amazed if you can find this in anything more recent
than a Matrox Millenium II.
--
Peter Jeremy
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