Which ATI driver (s) do I need?

After rebuilding my machine, I went to ATI's site to get the latest drivers. I noticed the catalyst drivers require net 1.1 to be installed. I also saw updated drivers for Hydravision. Can someone explain why the need for net 1.1 and what it is? And do I need Hydravision drivers as well. My original install disk for the card, a 9800 Pro 128, has both Hydravision and the catalyst drivers so I am figuring the card needs both sets of drivers. But why does a video card need 2 sets of drivers? I am not experiencing any problems, but I would like avoid any if possible.

Hydravision isn't a driver. It's a utility program. If you don't want it, you don't have to install it. Catalyst is the driver.

If you want more information as to what Hydravision is or does, go to the ATI website: Click here (http://www.ati.com/products/Hydravision/)

ATI recommends updating the drivers only when experiencing driver issues, if your card is performing nominally don't mess with success. I hope Howard won't mind me stealing his signature, If it aint broke don't fix it...good advice.

To answer the Net 1.1 issue go here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=262d25e3-f589-4842-8157-034d1e7cf3a3&displaylang=en There is an upgrade, (Net Framework 2.0) after you download 1.1 here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=B7ADC595-717C-4EF7-817B-BDEFD6947019&displaylang=en

Thanks Mastronaut for the info. I don't recall having any particular problems when I had the ATI drivers installed that came with the card. I have always been told to upgrade to the newer drivers, but I digress, If it ain't broke, I don't want to fix it!

Hi Photo,

you might want to check out the new radeo Omega Driver with the latest catalist.
Myself, i 've got a dell 8400 with a x300, and i didn't want to get the dell driver.
Installed the omega, which works on ALL radeons. It includes an overclocking tool, and much much more.

It even has a soft mod profile for your 9800. Which can be chosen at installation. I chose normal install for my card, of course.
I have to say it works flawless with my card. Gets more out of my
x300 se.( about 10 fps more when clocked over).

Be sure to uninstall everything else (ati control panel, catalist control center and other stuff).
And when installed make sure, you don't install anything else.
But there's no need to since this driver will make you smile :slurp:


http://www.omegadrivers.net/ati/win2k_xp.php

Let me know what you think,

Grtz,
Charp