Video problem with my new computer

At best, chipset graphics are satisfactory for 2d stuff and directx9 compatibility is of no use to linux.

If you need to get good graphics for a linux machine, get a Nvidia card, almost any nvidia card, but in your case, probably best to go for a fanless (silent) card, partly due to space restrictions and partly due to the power supply. The small power supplies in the shuttle cases will shut brown out the system if you try to drag too much out of them for extended periods.

If your only requirement is good graphics, not gaming or pushing the graphics sub system to its fullest, a shave above entry level will do just fine. Keep away from ATI graphics cards unless you want ongoing hassles with upgrades.

Mike P

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Life may not be the party we thought, but while we're here, we may as well dance.
Break M$'s shackles from your feet and free yourself with Mepis

Thanks, mike, that sounds like good advice to me. I think I'll need a PCI Express x16. I'll look around and try to find an Nvidia fanless one. If you know of a good one that will work with my system, plesae let me know.

Thanks again,

/don

if you are not into heavy graphics, why not look around on ebay for a used nvidia card. For somewhere between 15-20 dollar you'll pick up a geforce4 card with 64 MB of dedicated memory.

Newbie or not Newbie, there's always a question

Thanks for the reply, carlops. I am a little leary of ebay. I've never bought anything that way. Is the geforce4 card aa good bet for MEPIS? If it is, I'll look around for a new one. My power supply is only 200 watts so that might be a consideration too.

Thanks again,
/don

With PCIe being such a new technology, 64mb options will more than likely not be available, they were for early to mid cycle AGP slots and manufacturers would have stopped producing the 64Mb offerings about 18-24 months back, possibly longer.

I live in NZ, so my estimate of pricing may be a bit off, but something like the Gigabyte 7100GS PCIe 128MB which should have ample silent cooling should do the trick for approx $US45-$55

Mike P

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Life may not be the party we thought, but while we're here, we may as well dance.
Break M$'s shackles from your feet and free yourself with Mepis

You're right, I overlooked the PCI bit.

Ebay is quite alright. I got a almost brand new HP 2605 colour laserprinter there for about 40% of the shop value (with full toners). And recently upgraded my processor with a CPU I bought on ebay. If you keep an aye on the votes and the ads of a vendor, it is quite safe...

Newbie or not Newbie, there's always a question