Running startx with radeon hd5870 just puts monitor to sleep

TheMafi · 01-09-2011, 04:07 AM

I decided to leave Ubuntu and go to Slackware to hopefully learn more about linux. I have installed Slackware but am unable to start a gui. I can hear the sound of kde starting up but there is no signal to my monitor. I suspect it is something to do with my video card (an ati radeon hd5870) not being configured properly. I am very new to this and don't even know where to start. If there are some commands I can run to better assist you in helping me please let me know.

Thanks

GlennsPref · 01-09-2011, 05:45 AM

Hi, the monitor maybe under or over scanning.

You may have some chance using the xorg shortcut keys.
to change the monitor frequency sent by the graphics card.
Ctrl + (num-pad) (num lock on!)
and Ctrl - (also on the number pad)

I hope this helps, Glenn

TheMafi · 01-09-2011, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the reply. I have tried your solution, but still no luck. I remember that in Ubuntu I would need to change the overscan options through catalyst control center or the entire monitor wouldn't be used. But, even with incorrect overscan settings I would still at least get a signal to the monitor. Is there possibly a way to install the proprietary ATI drivers without using a GUI?

GlennsPref · 01-09-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Is there possibly a way to install the proprietary ATI drivers without using a GUI?

Possibly, cd to the dir where the ati/amd .run package is located.

type, sh name-of-ati-driver.run --help

With the nVidia package I can use --ui=none, maybe ati has the option too.

Glenn