When upgrading from ATI to Nvidia..

[wavxwizard]

I just purchased an XFX GeForce 7900 GS card, to replace my existing ATI Radeon X600 Hypermemory one. I believe I've read somewhere that I should remove all ATI drivers first, before installing the new drivers. Is this really necessary? Was curious. Other tidbits at all?
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Since my son, or I, may only play games at 3 hours max, I assume I shouldn't have the need to provide extra cooling. Is that correct ?
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Thanks!

[RobRich]

Yes, definitely remove the ATI drivers and associated software. The default ATI uninstall routines should work decently enough for your purposes.

Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs --> Uninstall ATI drivers/apps/etc.

[wavxwizard]

Yes, definitely remove the ATI drivers and associated software. The default ATI uninstall routines should work decently enough for your purposes.

Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs --> Uninstall ATI drivers/apps/etc.

Thanks for the advice! I'll do that.

Any comments on my cooling assumption?

[Douce33]

from what ive heard of that card, u shouldnt need extra cooling but there are always exceptions. u can monitor the temps of yur card and also you'll notice in games if they artifact, then odds are the gpu is overheating. be sure to clean the card of dust every now and again as it can cause the card to overheat. long story short, u should be fine with stock cooling

[wavxwizard]

long story short, u should be fine with stock cooling

That's great to hear! Thanks a bunch!

[carl33p]

Any comments on my cooling assumption?

About 1% of gamers use aftermarket coolers. The ones that do: Overclock, or are looking for a quieter solution. Aftermarket coolers void your warranty; and if installed incorrectly, can fry your card.

You should be able to game 10 hours a day and be fine. If not, put that warranty to good use.

[wavxwizard]

About 1% of gamers use aftermarket coolers. The ones that do: Overclock, or are looking for a quieter solution. Aftermarket coolers void your warranty; and if installed incorrectly, can fry your card.

You should be able to game 10 hours a day and be fine. If not, put that warranty to good use.

That's even better to hear! Thanks!