Bought a linux machine, didn't bother with NVidia.

[simple_gifts]

I needed to get up to speed with some additional jobs skills (KVM virtualization) so I ordered a linux machine from system76. First new machine in about 8 years as I have been purchasing hand-me-downs. Comes preloaded with Ubuntu, has VT and VT-d processor extensions. Two graphics options are Intel HD graphics, processor based, or a separate NVidia card, which I have always purchased in the past due to the linux support.

Chose to bypass the Nvidia card and read around that Intel support for linux is pretty good. Long story short, I will not be purchasing any more NVidia cards for my linux machines. The HD graphics built into the i7 are great, no futzing around with restricted drivers sets etc and I think Nvidia quality WRT linux seems to be slipping.

Ended up getting an i7/16Gb RAM with (2) 500Gb drives. ITX FF and LiamLi case. Not a bad unit IMHO. Intel MB and hitachi drives. All the bells and whistles, USB3.

Just an FYI if someone wants a linux box and think they are tied to using NVidia for accellerated grfx

 

[The_Jeff]

Back up a bit, you're basically saying NVidia's been good to linux for years, letting developers get source code or SDKs. Meanwhile other chipsets have needed closed source drivers or illegitimate "wrappers" around the windows drivers?

OK, I kind of get it.

I have an Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family on my dual boot machine, it's fairly happy.

Runing AVLinux for video editing, particularly KDEnlive, seems pretty nice.

 

[simple_gifts]

No, the NVidia drivers are closed source. The other drivers are "generic" from what I remember for families of chipsets since the mfg of the card would not provide drivers for linux or open the design up so others could write them.

One historical complaint re: linux is that "linux doesn't support hardware X" The frustration should be directed @ the vendor of hardware X for 1) not providing drivers 2) not opening the design so others could write drivers.

The best way to approach a supported system is to buy from people who support linux. i.e. Don't buy a Honda alternator and then complain that it doesn't fit in a Cavalier.

 

[uc50ic4more]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
No, the NVidia drivers are closed source. The other drivers are "generic" from what I remember for families of chipsets since the mfg of the card would not provide drivers for linux or open the design up so others could write them.


The F/LOSS drivers, presumably reverse-engineered, are "radeon" for ATI and "nouveau" for NVIDIA. Neither of these companies directly provide F/LOSS drivers for their cards, but both provide support and limited contribution is various ways to the F/LOSS projects.

The F/LOSS drivers for both do a fine job; with only 3D performance and support for the very latest models being problematic. Of course, some distro's implement these technologies in better and worse ways than others!

Heck, some distro's even provide the proprietary drivers out of the box. Not being based in the U.S., I think some distro's are beyond the reach of corporate law.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

The last few generations of HD cards from Intel have actually been pretty capable for pretty much anyone but intense gamers.

For what it's worth, I've never had a problem getting an Intel card to work on a Linux laptop or desktop. I can't say the same about Nvidia or ATI cards.