Video card recommendation?

[Larry Grover]

Andy Grove wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have Ubuntu installed on a Dell SC420. I'm currently using the on-board
> video and I think that's the main cause of some of the issues I've been
> having with xorg.
> 
> Can anyone recommend a video card to buy for use with Ubuntu? I'm not going
> to be playing video games or doing high end graphics work. I just need
> something that will give me good quality output at 1600x1200 resolution. I'd
> prefer to go for something that is already tried and tested with Ubuntu.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Andy.


I recommend you avoid any card that requires a binary, closed source 
driver, unless you truly need a feature that is only supported by one of 
these cards.  That is, avoid nvidia and newer, high end ati cards.  Long 
term, system maintenance is easier if you stick with open source drivers.

I've had excellent results with ati radeon 7500, 9000, and 9200 cards. 
The free/open source radeon driver has fine 2D support, supports 
external monitors, and has more than adequate 3D support.

My experience with nvidia cards is less favorable. The open source nv 
driver works well, but doesn't support 3D.  The binary, closed source 
drivers supplied by nvidia do provide good 3D support, but have caused 
me occasional maintenance problems:  for example, when I wanted or 
needed to move to a newer kernel, but nvidia hadn't released a driver 
that worked with the kernel.

Regards,
Larry