3D Compiz On Via Unichrom

Many linux users who have integrated VIA graphics suffer from lack of 3D acceleration when running certain programs like fast-paced games and windows emulator wine. Developers came up with at least 3 drivers: via-, unichrome- and openchrome-, none of them worked though, or at least did not stop their boxes from freezing or going to a hard lockup.

Read on to get 3D working on your via boxes.

Introduction

This guide will help you enable 3D if via-, unichrome- or openchrome- drivers do not work with your VIA graphics chipset.

Installation Instructions

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Download the driver from http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=2&Type=3.
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Choose your distro.
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Then pick Integrated Graphics.
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Pick the appropriate driver category. If you are not sure which one, check this site http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=5&ArticleID=68&P=5.
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Click on "Click here to begin free download." Save it.
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Unzip the file.
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Make a backup of your xorg.conf.
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CD to the directory where you unzipped the file to.
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Execute the *.run file. example "sudo sh VIA_U710_UniChrome-GFX-v40072d.run"
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Ctrl-Alt-Bckspce

Check for 3D

# glxinfo | grep render -> direct rendering: Yes


references:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UniChrome#Introduction