startx very, very slow

[kid]

I'm getting really frustrated and desperate so I'm reposting this message here, along with updates:

Originally posted by kid:
When I use the vga16 driver, X works fine (res: 640x480). When I set X to use the svga driver (which is the one recommended by xf86config), my mouse pointer becomes a stamp-sized white square and X starts up so slowly (at least 5 minutes) that I'm forced to press reset. This happens whatever default resolution I use. I tried using the S3 driver as well but I get errors about required hSync and vRefresh rates that are beyond what my monitor can handle.

Here are the pc's specs:
cpu: AMD K6-2/500 with 128Mb ram
monitor: DTS 770JK
video card: S3 Trio3D/2x (86c362), 8Mb ram
distro: Red Hat Linux 6.1
X: XFree86 v3.3.5? with Gnome/Enlightenment


I also get an error about some program (panel or gnome-help-browser or screensaver-capplet) not responding to the SaveYourself command. This happens whether I startx as root or as a regular user.

I've reinstalled several times. Same problem every time.

I'd appreciate any input. I've been at this for over a week now. Argh.

(Thread originally from tech support (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/Forum4/HTML/007767.html) and rants (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/Forum6/HTML/002015.html))


[This message has been edited by kid (edited 20 October 2000).]

[ille_pugil42]

Here's what I've done to make things work on my box. At the CLI type run SuperProbe. This will give you the exact settings for your video card as linux sees it. Next use xf86config or XF86Setup. I had to disable all other video resolutions to get mine to work in the right one. Other than that, I've noticed that Gnome runs slightly slow on my PIII 450. Hope that helps.

[X_Entity]

have you tried using the s3 server rather than the SVGA one.
also I would be carefull if probing the video card for settings as certain cards don't like it. I can't say if the S3 is ok with it but my matrox card say specifically not to probe settings.
also think about upgrading to x3.3.6 or 4.0.1 these may solve your problem

------------------
If my advise fails

<homer>Its my first day</homer>

[This message has been edited by X_Entity (edited 20 October 2000).]