I need to replace my graphics card (asus 8600 w 256MB), since it is on the blink; I already posted on that issue, but since that moment i started getting kernel failures, so it is a safe bet my graphics card needs replacing. Problem is - there is soooo much to chooes from.

What i am looking for is a card, based on an Nvidia chipset (9x) (support for linux is best for these chipsets), PCI express, 2xDVI output (i use a dual screen setup), actively cooled but silent.

I am using my linux workstation for development mainly, so i do not need that much raw GPU power or memory sizes. 256MB will be sufficient


Any suggestions would be appreciated!

When it comes to video cards, a good place to start is the price. Decide how much you're wanting to spend and then go from there. Most of the mainstream Nvidia cards will have dual DVI and will be PCI express. As for being quiet, that will be the biggest challenge. Most of the newer cards are certainly active cooled, but this will also create a fair amount of noise. I guess it depends on what your definition of "quiet" is.

I have found, bought and installed a new video card. Card of choice is a " ZOTAC 9800GT ECO iGB 256 Bit DDR3"; it is actively cooled, but the fan does not make more noise than my 2x12cm and 1x14cm case fan's. It is working like a breeze. The card is a bit of an overkill, but for way less than 90 euro's, i can't complain.

A 9800GT is a decent card and should last you quite a while. I'm glad to hear you found something you like. I'm always a bit nervous about the noise level on a video card since they vary so drastically from card to card.