GeForce4 Framebuffer Console Woes

[SimGo]

Hello,

Heres the lo-down:

When the Kernel is compiled with vesafb, the console display and everything works fine except vesafb isn't a valid sol'n for me.

So, now when I disabled the vesafb driver, and compiled the Kernel with rivafb and boot the System, I see nothing on the display. Now here's the trick, when I pop in my older GeForce3 Video card, everything works perfect. I get to see everything and console and everything else.

What gives? Assuming its a GF4 Driver issue. How can I fix this?

Notes:
I have no intentions on running X on this system
This testing is on Kernel 2.4.22. Do the newer kernel support this card? I can't find any info on this.
Moderators: If u feel this is missplaced, pls move it where u see fit.

Mark

[Hayl]

why can't you use VESA?

just so you know, that RIVA driver has been broken with GeForce cards since it was added to the kernel... you basically have to use VESA with GeForce cards (especially if you have X - which is not the case in your situation). I am actually surprised it did not cause problems for you but it may be working with the GF3 because you are not using X.

[SimGo]

Well, sadly, the program I plan/need to use doesn't work with Vesafb driver. It rejects it when it finds it present. So thats why.

Though, I'm thinking I may just go ahead and replace it with an ATI Radeon since it seems like it has much better support. What do you think about that move? Is it a good idea or not? If so, are there any known Radeon Based cards that do not work with the driver or have issues? Thx.

Mark

[Hayl]

usually, 3D/X support is slower on Radeon Cards but i think that they have better FB support than nvidia.

[bwkaz]

Well, since the rivafb module is part of the kernel, yes, you will have a lot better luck with a newer kernel.

The rivafb module in a newer kernel will have a much better chance of working with the GF4. Since kernel 2.4.22 is older than the GF4 itself (I believe anyway), that makes sense to me.