Recommended graphics card for Ubuntu 12.04?

facelikebambi

Hi

I just upgraded (clean install) to Ubuntu 12.04 and the UI seems a bit laggy. Resizing and dragging windows, switching workspaces, etc just isn't as sharp as 11.10 was.

I think this is probably because I'm using an onboard ATI display adapter; lowish spec and ATI driver support for Linux isn't great. Unity would only ever run in 2D mode with this card and as I don't play games it isn't a problem. But even in 2D, it seems like 12.04 is hungrier for graphics resources.

So I'm on the lookout for a good value graphics card that will run Unity 3D smoothly (might as well get the bells and whistles) and won't be a driver headache. Forums seem to recommend Nvidia and 1gb minimum. I've seen cards like the GeForce GT520 for around £40 - any good for this purpose?

My current spec:

AMD Athlon(tm) II X3 450 Processor × 3
(Onboard) Radeon 4250HD
4gb ram

Thanks!

Zeitgeist

I appreciate that they are a bit long in the tooth now, but I bought a second hand Nividia 9800GT. It was the Green edition, so didn't need any external power connection, and it plays games well enough for me. Didn't cost me very much from a well known auction site.

marsbar989

I looked around for a graphic card as I moved to ubuntu 11.04 and my old graphic card didnt support OpenGL. I had a tight requirement.
Must be low profile as I dont have a tower PC.
Must work with a 300W PSU (low by today's standards).

This one was the one I ordered http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-GeForce-PCI-E-Profile-Bracket/dp/B0046Y4ONK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1336328809&sr=8-5

No problems with it in Ubuntu.

This site compares GT9800 and GT430 and many other cards.
http://www.hwcompare.com/7208/geforce-9800-gt-1gb-vs-geforce-gt-430-1gb/

The 9800GT is miles faster than the GT430 though. Have you considered your PSU?

facelikebambi

Thanks for the suggestions - really useful

marsbar989 - I've seen a passive-cooled GT430 card that's a good price and should run silently. Before I take the plunge, can I check whether you are running Ubuntu 12.04 now?

marsbar989

no I've stayed with 11.04. I probably will not move until august/sept time.

I had a few problems installing the drivers on ubuntu. But that as I said in my amazon review was more down to lack of knowledge of ubuntu.

The card performs really well and for £47 I am happy with it. as I said the deciding factors were 300W PSU and low profile card. There isnt a lot of room in the desktop Dell. What with the second hard disk resting on ram. So I thought heat might also be a problem.
But I've ran video tests that have work the card and cpu 100% and the temperature has never got above 75c.

I will add that I use this card with a Sub-D connection so cant comment on the DVI and HDMI

Emm just looking at the box and I see it actually recommends a 450W PSU ??

facelikebambi

ah the joy of proprietary drivers for Linux - I've been there

Thanks for the info and tip re PSU. Mine is 430W so should be fine, but will check the requirement first.

-TangleFoot-

marsbar989 wrote: »

Emm just looking at the box and I see it actually recommends a 450W PSU ??

If it doesn't scream blue murder the instant you press the power button it could be getting sufficient power, but the last time I put a graphics card into a PC without sufficient headroom in the power department I wound up with a PSU hot enough to fry eggs on.

marsbar989

Frying tonight

Well Pc is pretty much left on 24/7 and its still here.....


thanks for the warning!

-TangleFoot-

marsbar989 wrote: »

Well Pc is pretty much left on 24/7 and its still here...

'Twas a Shuttle XPC with a 6800GT in it. The graphics card survived; the HDD didn't.

Notmyrealname

nVidia have by far the best Linux support of all manufacturers.