Arch Linux

AnotherDave

Member

Registered: 2010-02-07

Posts: 9

Installing a video driver

This should have been easy. I have a Via Chrome9 video integrated with my motherboard, which should require the xf86-video-openchrome driver. But the driver does not recognize my card ID, and throws errors.

Using the hal hotplugging instructions, I get a working x window in the upper left of my screen, and error codes:

chrome(0): unknown card-ids (3230:1462:7139)
aiglx error: swrast does not export required dri extension
aiglx: reverting to software rendering
inappropriate ioctl for device (25)

So, I re-installed with the x86-video-vesa driver instead, again with hotplugging and no /etc/xorg.conf. Same working x window and keyboard, but with errors:

failed to load module openchrome (module does not exist)
failed to load module fbdev (module does not exist)

Well, I know there's no openchrome module, because I left it out. The fbdev error has me guessing, though.

Are either of these fatal to a reliable video install? I'm not a gamer, but would like reasonable graphics for browsing.

AnotherDave

Member

Registered: 2010-02-07

Posts: 9

Re: Installing a video driver

Maybe I should simplify my question.

The x window works, and the keyboard works, though the window takes up only the upper quarter of the screen. Is this normal?

Are the errors:

chrome(0): unknown card-ids (3230:1462:7139)
aiglx error: swrast does not export required dri extension
aiglx: reverting to software rendering
inappropriate ioctl for device (25)

fatal, or can I go ahead with the installation of a desktop?

shacristo

Member

Registered: 2009-12-17

Posts: 20

Re: Installing a video driver

If you're referring to the xterm window taking up just the upper left portion of the screen, yes that is normal.  So long as you have a working X display you should be ok installing a desktop environment, although you probably won't get great resolution or performance if you're using the vesa driver.

AnotherDave

Member

Registered: 2010-02-07

Posts: 9

Re: Installing a video driver

Thanks Shacristo.

Does anybody know if the unknown card error can be ignored, and the xf86-video-openchrome driver be forced?

Openchrome.org has made a fix on the latest driver, but it looks like it will take some time to become part of the Arch packages, and I am not bright enough to compile it myself.

Last edited by AnotherDave (2010-02-11 19:29:26)

thestinger

Package Maintainer (PM)

From: Toronto, Canada

Registered: 2010-01-23

Posts: 478

Re: Installing a video driver

[thestinger@arch ~]$ packer -Ss openchrome
extra/xf86-video-openchrome 0.2.904-1
    X.Org Openchrome drivers
aur/openchrome-svn 684-1
    Most developed drivers for Via Unichrome/Unichrome Pro under xorg
aur/xf86-video-openchrome-svn 832-2
    Driver Openchrome SVN pour les cartes graphiques VIA Unichrome Pro.

it looks like there are subversion packages in the AUR, maybe you might have more luck with that?

AnotherDave

Member

Registered: 2010-02-07

Posts: 9

Re: Installing a video driver

I reported it to openchrome.org, and it's in their r837.

I'm guessing that the functionality is the same. All it does is recognize the card.

Last edited by AnotherDave (2010-02-11 21:29:34)

thestinger

Package Maintainer (PM)

From: Toronto, Canada

Registered: 2010-01-23

Posts: 478

Re: Installing a video driver

EDIT: oops I was typing as you posted

Last edited by thestinger (2010-02-11 21:34:50)

AnotherDave

Member

Registered: 2010-02-07

Posts: 9

Re: Installing a video driver

So, can the video driver be forced?