Best Linux Video Card and Monitor

[Computer Hobbyist]

As you may remember, I started learning Linux on a machine I threw together with parts lying around the house. Discovering that it was silly to try to run XWindows on a 133 586 with 32 mg of ram, I upgraded the old AT box with a FIC VA 503+ motherboard, a K-6 500 Mhz CPU and 128 meg of ram. I also added a new Maxtor 20 Gig HD. The rest of the setup is old, old, old. Now I want to upgrade the video components. What is the best, medium priced video card, monitor combination for Linux? I am soon to upgrade to Mandrake 8.1.

CH

[OOPS!]

Hi,

Any monitor should work ok. I just bought a Samtron 17" El Ropo Puffo Factory Secondo and it works just fine. So I'd say open your wallet and buy what you want there.

Video cards can be trickier. But almost all video cards are supported. Some are just a little more work to get full use from. nVidas are a popular choice. And the G-Force works well too. Me, I'm still running my old ATI Xpert98 PCI to complete satisfaction. So check a few hardware lists and some reviews and get what you like.


OOPS!

[mairving]

Yeah, my first Linux distro that I tried wouldn't work with my Creative Voodoo Banshee card. Just about gave up on Linux when I couldn't see that pretty screen. Things are much better now though the support could be a little better. Look over at Linux Hardware Database for compatible cards.

[Computer Hobbyist]

Thanks for the link. Just took a look at it. WOW!!!!

I have an old, old AT&T 14' econo monitor (VGA only) that was old when I got it for my son to take to college(never send good looking equipment to college).He graduated 8 years ago and gave me the old monitor when he bought a new rig. I think he thought it was funny to give the monitor back to dad. I had been using it as a testbed backup. I also have a really bad video card (that I am too ashamed to name.) I need to upgrade both soon.


CH