I'm building a new machine for Linux. I was running Ubuntu, but with version 11.10, I give up on Ubuntu. I'm next probably going to try OpenSUSE. Since I don't have a definite distro, I'm looking for general feedback. Is there a best type of video card for Linux in general?

My CPU is an i5-2500K so it has the Sandy Bridge 3000 video through the mobo, and I want to add two more monitors, so I want to add a video card. I'm looking to spend up to $50 to 100. I watch movies, and do A TON of web browsing with auto scroll. I don't do gaming, but I think smooth auto-scrolling take some horsepower (or maybe not ...???).

I want run a total of three 24-inch monitors, running at 1920 x 1200, one in landscape, two in portrait, extended desktop (not cloned). So the add-on video card needs two 'outs' (DVI and/or HDMI) and the Sandybridge port will run the third one.

I'm looking for recommendations. What card should I buy?

Is a certain brand of video cards better for Linux?
a certain architecture?
a product family?

thank you

Mixing the Intel video chip with chips from a different manufacturer can be tricky and can have some issues. Also normally the Intel chip is disabled when you plugin in a discrete video card in most setups, IIRC. I would rather recommend to go for AMD Eyefinity, which can drive up to six monitors on a single card and also can handle the setting you described. The HD 6570 would be in your price range. Just be sure to look for cards that support that technology.

And so as far as Linux support goes, it's nice match?

Since I posted I've read a hundred web pages. I've seen a lot of people complain about AMD/ATI being buggy, and a common thought is that nvidia is better for Linux because the company is more interested in Linux support. What are your thoughts on that? I guess it could be a myth though.

---------- Post added 12-01-11 at 03:46 PM ----------

and thanks for your input BTW

Haven't tried Eyefinity yet, still lacking some monitors (may be next year), but from what I have seen on the net it should work fine.

To the AMD versus Nvidia on Linux: I use machines with Intel, AMD/ATI and Nvidia graphics, and I never had a problem with any of them since I use Linux (2008) regularly. Those "AMD/ATI is crap, go for Nvidia" was years ago from what I have seen on the net. Just to make it clear: My main rig will have some major parts exchanged this weekend, and I decided to change my older Nvidia card with a fine AMD Radeon HD 6870 (already lying here waiting to be used), and I expect to have zero issues with it.

Sidenote: It is exactly the other way around. While AMD openly supports the development of an open source driver (which is expected to be on par with the proprietary drivers in about two generations of their cards, may be named Radeon HD 8xxx) and even has hired developers for that purpose is Nvidia making no effort to support Linux (of course except releasing their drivers), the free nouveau drivers have to be reverse engineered.
In short: Both brands work well with Linux, but AMD supports the free software community much more.

I went to Microcenter. I told the salesman what I wanted and he said "Linux, then definitely go with Nvidia, and a better company like EVGA, not like Zotac". While I was reading some boxes, another customer walked up and said he had nothing but trouble with a Radeon card and wanted something NOT-AMD. He didn't say what OS he was using (probably Windows). But still, it strengthened my choice, I looked up Newegg reveiws, too, and decided on the Geforce GTS 450. We'll see how it goes.

NVidia here and it has been and is working slick. Intel card worked OK, but not like the NVidia I have now.

Never trust the sales folk, especially when it comes to Linux.
But any ways, the GTS450 only supports two monitors and is way overkill if you aren't into gaming. I hope it works out well for your setting.

A huge +1 to this bit in particular, and your posts on this thread in general.

I guess WebWanderer has made a salesman happy though, instead of a $70-80 HD6570 they got a GTS450 that wont do what they want (triple head), and would probably have been more like $110-120.

did you install your 6870 this weekend? how'd it go?

Didn't have the time, has to wait till next weekend.