I'm looking to take the plunge and get a Linux-compatible video card, suitable for 3-D effects. I'm looking at the video cards at work (Wal-Mart) that I can buy with my employee discount (I'm stingy and not too picky about video.) But there are only two choices: an ATI Radeon clone and a nVidia 5500 clone. I don't really want Radeon. It's okay, had one before many years ago, but don't really want another. I've had a nVidia and thought it was pretty good, but the chip is a 5500. I've seen that there are quite a few different ones that are out there, but it's confusing to me as far as what's what. What is the real difference as far as Linux goes? I have a SiS based video card that works pretty well, but can't do 3-D in Linux due to driver limitations. If I get a good video card that SiS one will go in the little computer, but have to figure out if the one at work is worth the effort. Does anyone have any suggestions, or can point me in the right direction? Google is my friend but it's a little too helpful.

I'm using the nVidia FX5200 (clone) and it works great, if that's any help.

Its a great card if all you want to do is surf the net,email,office type stuff. If you want to to play nextgen 3d games in windows I wouldn't go below a 7600, 8600

Whatever you do, do NOT get anything ATI. The drivers are so horrible. I always get nvidia, even tho I hate the fact their 3D drivers are proprietary. At least they work reasonably well, unlike ATI and their s***. I have a GeForce 8800 and it works great with the proprietary nvidia drivers.

Would like to get a higher-end card than I can afford - who wouldn't - but as far as ATI goes I'm not real impressed with the idea.
My question though - about the nVidia 5500, will it do DRI well enough or do I have to hunt around for a higher model number card? I would like to play the 3D games that come with Sabayon but can't with my current setup.

Well, it depends on the game. The proprietary nvidia linux drivers are very good, pretty much equivalent to their Window$ counterparts. However, the 5000 series aren't the best nvidia cards. I know they're cheap, but you get what you pay for. What kind of games are you looking to play ? If you want something like Quakewars, you might wanna consider at least a 7000 series card, even tho, technically a 5000 will still 'work' with quakewars, it's gonna be crappy.

I'm interested in the games that come with my Sabayon distro, but other than that, not much else. I do want to try out the Compiz/Beryl stuff too - I've seen a little of that and it looks interesting. Y'know, like shiny things are to a 2 month old.....

If only that much, then the one you're looking at is just fine, the 5500.

Cool - I'll look into that one and upgrade later on if I feel the need to.