RadeonHD video cards - Pros, Cons, Recommendations

[AmigaDave]

I purchased one of the earliest "First Contact" AmigaOne X1000 computers, so I have a 4 thousand series RadeonHD video card that came with my computer. From what I have read and heard, the new Warp3D video card drivers for the RadeonHD video cards, will only support the 5 thousand and possibly the 6 thousand series RadeonHD video cards, and not my 4 thousand series, or the newest 7 thousand series RadeonHD video cards.

Is this correct?

I find this a little bit strange that the video cards that many, or most of the "First Contact" AmigaOne X1000 computers were shipped with, will not be supported by the new Warp3D video card driver(s), which will require myself and many other of the "First Contact" X1000 buyers to purchase a new 5 thousand, or 6 thousand series RadeonHD video card, so we can take advantage of the new Warp3D driver(s) when they are completed and released.

I don't mind buying a new video card too much, since I want to try using the dual monitor display capabilities of OS4.1.5, and the lower end 5 thousand & 6 thousand series RadeonHD video cards are not too expensive, but it did seem strange to me that the 4 thousand series RadeonHD video cards were not going to be supported with the new Warp3D driver. Maybe I am mistaken and most of the First Contact X1000 computers were shipped with a 5xxx, or 6xxx RadeonHD video card, instead of the 4xxx video card that mine came with?

Lastly, can some of you who have tested multiple RadeonHD 5xxx & 6xxx video cards provide your impressions, Pros, Cons, and recommendations about what card you would buy now, if you had the chance to do it all over again, knowing what you know now?

Thanks

[RobMattin]

4000 series will be supported with Gallium3D. I assume that so far most Sam460 and X1000 have shipped with 4000 series cards but they expect to sell more systems with the newer cards between now and the availability of OS4.2.

If your serious about getting a 5000 or 6000 series card for Warp3D than wait until the drivers are available before making a purchase since I'm sure people wih such cards will start posting benchmarks so you can see what performance you get at different price points.