ATI Universal drivers and built-in controllers: more info

Regarding our item last time about the ATI Universal installer and whether or not it works with Macs that have "built-in" controllers, here is some important clarification:

ATI has a Web page describing what to do if "Universal Installer 3.3 does not detect any ATI hardware." (Thanks, Todd Bangerter.) Note the following quote: "If you do decide to install these drivers, we still have a fairly high degree of confidence these drivers will function correctly with most system configurations." Todd adds:

Some of the Macs that include Rage II chips: Power Macintosh 6500, G3 Rev.1 (computers shipped up to May 1998), PowerBook G3 Series 1 (computers shipped up to Aug. 1998), iMac; Power Computing's PowerBase and PowerCenter Pro.

Macs with Rage Pro chips include: Power Macintosh G3 Rev.2 and 3 (computers shipped after May 1998) and PowerBook G3 Series 2 (computers shipped after Sep. 1, 1998)

Motorola has a Web site describing details of its Mac OS motherboards for PPC 603e and 604e based Macs. It indicates that the Tanzania I motherboards use an ATI-264VT controller, while the Tanzania II motherboards use an ATI 3D RAGE II controller. (Thanks, Denis Hill.)

Version Tracker also has a special page on ATI drivers for Macs with the built-in chip sets.

ATI Driver Update and Mac OS 8.5 Several readers inquired about the "ATI Driver Update v.1.3.4," mentioned here last time. While I am still not sure about all the details, this update is apparently not included with the ATI Universal installer. However, a reader sent me an even newer ATI Driver Update v.1.4.6 that is included with Mac OS 8.5. It does not automatically get installed on all Macs, even those with an ATI graphics card, when you do an Easy Install of Mac OS 8.5. It may only be installed on Macs that have built-in ATI controllers.