[NTLUG:Discuss] pci-e and linux ( and radeon -vs- nvidia )

[Justin M. Forbes]

On Wed, Dec 22, 2004 at 08:20:50AM -0600, Jack Snodgrass wrote:
> Will current versions of the linux kernel have any issues with this?
> I'll have to get a 
> PCI-E Graphics card... do I want a radeon or nvidia card... as far as
> linux drivers 
> are concerned. 
> 
The kernel supports PCI-Express just fine, your only issue will be
xorg.  The problem is that most of the graphics cards for PCI-Express
are only in the newest generation of chipsets and not supported by the open
source xorg drivers most distros are shipping just yet.  There are a couple
of possible solutions to this:

1. Use an older nvidia PCX-5x00 card (I have used a 5300 with the nv driver
just fine). I believe the 5300 and 5750 are still available in PCI-Express
form in a few places.

2. Use a newer nvidia card with the binary only drivers.  You would have to
use the binary drivers if you wanted 3D support with them anyway.

3. Use an Ati card with either the vesa driver, or an updated version of
xorg.  No 3D support here either.

4. Use an ATI card with their binary drivers (I have heard mixed results
here, and you would need to check and see if the x700 is supported before
you buy it).

Justin