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This is a hot topic of debate among enthusiast users – which driver set is better? nVidia or AMD's ? It would be fair to say that years ago the scales would have been tipped favourably in nVidia's direction, but today is the situation reversed? Both sets of drivers have Pros and Cons, but it appears that the Redwood software giant are firmly behind one group.
Microsoft Hardware Quality Labs has praised the Catalyst graphics drivers announcing that they are the most reliable drivers and that they “push the limits of innovation with advanced user-oriented features”.
Certainly with the HQV Benchmark 2.0 testing they score very highly, with our Editor In Chief, Zardon scoring the latest drivers at 196 points out of a possible 210. Still room for some IQ improvement then, but leading the way.
AMD are obviously very happy with the Microsoft approval as they are a group of experts who spend all their days testing hardware and driver configurations to ensure they reach their stringent quality standards.
I haven't yet tried the newest Catalyst Drivers, but I know recent sets have been driving me bonkers with my 1080p TV – underscanning the image.
One thing I can say, is that the file sizes keep getting bigger for both companies, thank god for broadband.
KitGuru says: Catalyst or Forceware? Fanboys welcome.
Interesting, and unlike Microsoft to make public statements like this. They must be stable.
I remember when the ATI drivers would crash all the time, but in recent years they are very well coded. Not without fault mind you, but its more interface issues that code problems. This is a nice thing for MS to do.
Having moved from a 8800GTS to an HD5850, I feel that nVidia’s drivers gave more scope by having game profiles for which you could set AA, AF levels, V-sync ,SLI settings etc. I also find that my games crash a bit more often since I started using the 5850. So, even though I am now somewhat of an AMD fanboy, I think I prefer forceware over catalyst.
well i say its the best there is today thought nvidia make sure they have support on most of the games today
AMD/ATI drivers are shit. GSoD, cursor bugs and AMD released these WHQL drivers, what a joke Microsoft is recommending crap drivers.
Must be your system, try an os reinstall, works great on mine with none of the issues you say. I think many people blame poor os maintenance against problems with drivers.
ATI owner here but Nvidia drivers put ATI to shame. There aren’t even game application setting in ATI drivers which is downright lazy. Nvidia wins on that alone. Also built in 3D support (rather than relying on outdated IZ3D drivers) and more beta drivers to choose from makes Nvidia the best choice. IQ is a toss up.