12.04 LTS Desktop install issues with ThinkCentre E50
 

I'm trying to install Ubuntu 12.04LTS Desktop (32-bit) on an IBM ThinkCentre E50. It keeps failing on trying to give me a GUI to work with. I either get a black screen, or the monitor flips on and off as if it's trying to find the correct resolution.

It appears this thing has an SiS 661FX video chip, and that appears to be a common issue. Here is the full specs for the machine:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/prod...DocID=PD009811

I've tried using nomodeset and nolapic, apci=off, etc., in various combinations without any luck. I also noticed it's not actually adding those options to the install command line, so I've also tried adding them by hand before the "quiet splash" option. No luck.

Any suggestions? I've got a lab of these things in a school and I'd like to turn them all into Linux clients. Ubuntu is preferable, but I'm game to try something else. Linux Mint RC15 Cinnamon is having the same boot issue.

Thanks,
Mike

Edited to add: Linux Mint RC15 will boot in Compatibility Mode, and I get a notice the system is "running in software rendering mode" and there is no hardware acceleration. I'm fine with this if I can get Ubuntu 12.04 to at least boot.

The specs dont mention a SiS 661FX, it says intel GMA 900.

You might have a different model ThinkCentre E50, they made a few versions IIRC.

You could also be having not enough RAM issues, you need at least 384MB for 12.04.

I'm not sure where you're seeing GMA900. I thought maybe I pasted a bad link, but I clicked it again, and it says SiS 661FX chipset, and under video, SiS 661FX.

There are indeed a number of E50 models, but my lab is all 9215s, and they have 512MB RAM sharing 32MB with video card. I thought they had 1GB, but I may end up trying some low-RAM distros.

Mike

I run AntiX 64bit on my IBM M57 and AntiX 32bit on my IBM M41. You might have to think of using Bohdi or Lubuntu on those 512MB IBM boxes if wanting to stick with Ubuntu.

In case you are curious.

Sorry, but I got the wrong page, and I have no idea why. Last night clicking your link took me to this page-

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/deta...cID=MIGR-61502

If you have already tried nomodeset etc. I cfant even think of any decent suggestions either. :/