Help Requested to Select Dedicated Video Card
 

I would like to purchase a graphics cpu to install in my computer that now runs an i-5 2310 cpu with integrated (Sandybridge) graphics, and is therefore not supported by the newest linux kernels (kernel 4.2 is the last one that works). I have been told a dedicated card will allow me to continue to use my computer with the newer distros that use newer kernels. I don't want to waste time and money buying the wrong one, and find the various variables one must consider to be confusing/overwhelming. Are there commands I can enter to reveal information about my computer that will guide me to a card that will work?

I'm curious where you got this information? I have not heard this before and I'm certain I have used integrated graphics on newer kernels.

What do your require from the graphics card? The built-in Intel one is, in my experience, actually vey good now allowing decent video playback and some reasonable 3D support.

Response 1
 

The Intel website shows that my current (2nd gen.) hardware is no longer supported in Linux. I bought my Asus CM6850 desktop with Windows pre-installed in 2011, and shortly thereafter switched to Ubuntu. Everything went smoothly, and I have been using some Debian-based distro ever since. When Ubuntu 16.04 MATE came out I downloaded the iso and installed it, but could not display the native (1920x1080) screen. I then tried a half-dozen others, with the same results. Many folks have attempted to help me set modes and so forth to resolve it, but I eventually determined that the problem cannot be resolved without different graphics. I am able to run Linux Mint 17.3 Mate with the 4.2.42 kernel, so I have fairly new packages and support until 2019, but that is the best I can do. Debian 8.6 Jesse works, but testing does not, due to the newer kernel. I would like to buy a new Zareason machine, but it is not in my budget at this time. Finally, someone told me a dedicated graphics card would resolve my problem because the outdated integrated graphics would be bypassed. This would be a great and affordable solution for me, but I cannot figure out the correct ones that will work. I do not need gaming capability at all, since I mostly just use the browser, do word-processing, and use spreadsheets, but I have to be able to see the screen clearly. When I install a distro with a kernel newer than 4.2 I can barely see the screen. Sometimes I can set the display to a setting that is easier to see, but never to one that is not distorted. I am not a technical person.

Buy Nvidia. A lot of people complain about Nvidia, but they work on Linux by hook or by crook - meaning, they either work with Nvidia-provided drivers, or they work with nouveau. You just can't lose, in my experience.

For basic computing, I've bought cards under $50 (Nvidia GeForce 8440GS 256MB DDR2) that work about as well as what you would be used to from an integrated graphic chip.

A good middle-ground region is the NVidia GeForce GT 630 (or thereabouts); good enough to play the latest games or run Blender comfortably.

Obviously the sky's the limit, with the 1080 series and up for really stellar performance.

I'd avoid ATI graphics at all costs.

i'm calling BS.
maybe for their own linux drivers.
please show us the link.

is something actually not working?

as was said before, the i915 driver is actually pretty good, and part of the kernel.
i play games on that, not to mention video playback, hardware accel for video codecs (incl. x265).

Response 2
 

Yes, Nvidia is probably best. Will the ones you suggest automatically fit into my computer? That is really my core question. If not, how can I find out which ones will fit. I know I at least have a PCI Express slot, with HDMI, but aren't there more variables to consider?

Assuming this is a desktop, any pcie compatible should work. But, fyi, any hdmi slot you have would be from a gpu already installed

What can't you do currently that you wish to do?
Your setup ought to be fine for a few years of general use. Don't pay money for nothing because you potentially misread some support site.

Other potential variables:

- physical size of your computer. If it's a standard case, not an issue; it'll only be a potential issue if you have one of those super-thin cases that may take special, reduced-size parts. I feel like you'd know it, if you had such a specialized computer case, though.

- power; super powerful GPU's can and do eat a lot of power, so if your computer's power supply can't feed it enough wattage, then it won't work. I've never run into that problem with "normal" cards; it's more an issue when you buy a really powerful - and power-hungry - card. If you're concerned about it, look at your computer's power supply (usually 300, 420, 500 watts -- that range) and then do some sloppy math. If you have, say, 300 watts of power, you can assume your CPU eats up 150W, your motherboard another 50W, an optical drive maybe 10 Watts....you still have over 150 Watts to spare. A "normal" GPU might want 65 watts or so. You should be fine.

- Connection type. If you buy a cheap card, you'll probably get a VGA out, or maybe they're moving to DVI now. Either way, what does your monitor have? You may need to buy a cable to adapt.

Response 3 (final)
 

Ondoho: Here is your link: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+s...g/+bug/1599952 (scroll down to see photos and get deep history - it is an unresolved regression).
You could also verify at the Intel site that the specific early chip and graphics I cited are no longer supported.

Notklaatu, ExekielProject, and 273: Thanks very much for your help. I think I am ready to try to buy and install a card now. 273, you are right, but I like having the newer packages.

i stand corrected.
this is, however, not "The Intel Website".

edit:
it also doesn't say that your hardware isn't supported.
it's just a bug report.

Which "newer packages"? Must you use Ubuntu?
A cheap NVIDIA card would be my go-to but in this instance it seems like overkill.

Reply to 273
 

No, I don't really care if I use Ubuntu or not, although when their MATE flavor is fully ported to GTK 3 that might change my mind. I like the newer Libreoffice packages - I now have access to 5.0.3.2 in Mint. Part of my concern is also to avoid the future problem coming when all the Debian 8/Ubuntu 14.04 derivatives are no longer supported. Don't worry, your concern about overkill is partly why I have procrastinated to date and just stayed with Mint. I truly don't think I misread any support sites...

supusr,

This command will give details of your existing graphics chip:

You can then research the maximum resolution it can supply.

It could well be that this onboard chip is unable to deal with 1920 x 1080 resolution.

This inexpensive nVidia EVGA GeForce GT 610 2048MB DDR3, DVI, VGA and HDMI Graphics Card (02G-P3-2619-KR) at $45
may be suitable for your requirements:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00847TPH0..._t1_B00847LDKC

Specs:
http://www.evga.com/products/Specs/G...c-b1155ea4df02