I have a new PowerSpec and tried to install fedora core 6, suse 10, knoppix, debian, Ubuntu 6.06 & 6.10. Fedora, suse, and knoppix would not install they all got stuck with a screen diologe that said: "system not opimized for 1280 x1024". This is the max resolution of my new samsung monitor.

So, I did get Ubuntu to install a 400x600 resolution, but had to make adjustment in xorg. I can get a driver from ati but that won't help installing the other distros.

So, I've resigned to getting a new graphics card. I've investigated this and found that nVida might be my best choice over ati. Maybe something cheap about $100. Ive' found reviews and have targeted Geforce FX5200 128mb.

I do web editing with animated graphics in .swf for my sites. I also do some CAD (small drawings) and might someday get into 2d cartooning. I don't play games on this computer.

Am I on the right track with this card? Any similar or better recommendations?


This is the current set up:
New in October 2006- Windows computer with windows removed -PowerSpec 6343 3.0 gh/160 HD/1.0 gb - Samsung syncmaster 930b on integrated graphics ATI raedon 200 express

The card is generally very good on linux as most nvidia cards are. However, check your motherboard and make sure you have an AGP slot that will accommodate that card. I think that board only has a PCI Express(x16) slot for a graphics card:

http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonxp...tel/specs.html

Also, $100 for a FX5200 is completely out of line. They retail for about $35:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814141047

If you are willing to spend $100 for a graphics card and you need a PCI Express card you should be able to get an nvidia based card in that price range:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...SubCategory=48

I'm not just pimping for NewEgg; you can check other online retailers like MWave or ZipZoomFly. They are all very good. I would not go back to the place that wanted to sell you that FX5200 for $100; that is outrageous. Also, make sure you are getting the right type of card for your motherboard - AGP has been replaced by PCI Express x16 on most modern motherboards.

Yep, you're right it has one x16 slot. I found a eVGA GeForce 7300GT 256 mb x16 at $69. I'm not a guru of video cards but the price was right and it had good reviews. Also checked out nVidia site and found they seem to be very Linux freindly with driver etc.

Any reason I should'nt get this card, let me know now.


PowerSpec 6343, Celeron D 352, 3.0 ghz, 160 HD, 1,0 gb ram, Express x16 card slot.