Graphics card upgrade

[Curly99]

At the moment I'm running Ubuntu 8.04 on my quad system but using the motherboards onboard intel graphics, shortly I will have a 7800gtx that I will use in the system, when I upgrade will it just be a case of disable onboard gfx, install 7800gtx, install drivers and away I go?

Curly

[TOMMOHAWK_UK]

Hi Curly,

If only it were that simple! Linux is getting better at automating things like this but it isn't that good yet....

First of all make sure that you have got the nvidia drivers installed through synaptic. Do a search for nvidia and you should find packages which are named ubuntu-restricted-modules designed for the kernel which you are running. Select the one applicable to your kernel if it is not already installed and then apply your changes. It may ask to install additional packages - that is fine just accept the changes and apply them.

When you have done that then disable your on-board graphics and install your card. You will probably see a normal boot but when X starts you may get dropped into failsafe mode. Don't worry - select manual configuration to change your graphics settings and select your card from the menus. Make sure you set your screen resolutions correctly and make sure you select either the 'nv' driver or the 'nvidia' driver. Nvidia is the proprietry version and will give you 3D acceleration. 'nv' is the OpenSource driver and will not give you 3D acceleration.

Once you have applied your changes and continued the boot then you should get dropped into your desktop login. If you are lucky then your card may be autodetected and X set up automatically.

Let me know how you get on.

Ken

[Curly99]

Thanks for the info... sounds straight forward enough...I did install some restricted drivers through synaptic on an older system/install I had with a 7800gt with Ubuntiu 6.10 but iirc I had installed the card in the system before I did the ubuntu install, if I get any problems I'll post in here. I mainly use my install for folding on the quad... but the more I play/use ubuntu the more I like it and I have found there's plenty of help out there (documentation/foums) just need to sort a few alternatives for a few proggy's I run in windows and I may go fully linux.

Curly

[Curly99]

update time, download restricted drivers, added gfx card, bios was set to init PCIE first, on re-boot I had to configure the gfx and I ok'd it got to the desktop, checked in system/administration/hardware drivers enabled the driver, rebooted and here I am

next question I know where to change the screenresolution but where can I change the monitor from cloned to the actual monitor (LG)

Curly

[1saintly]

Something like the same problem i had, im a newby to linux and all went ok, just could never get graphics quite right.

Used the linux restricted Nvidia drivers but still couldnt get correct set up, ended up using ENVY http://albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html
Worked a treat, set up everything including selecting correct make of monitor, also put a Nvidia 'button' under system\prefrences\nvidia.

Clicking on this button opened nvidia setup screen just like i was used to in windows, (sorry for bad language there!)
Theres probably other way to do it but for me as a new linux user this was best\easy option.

Dont think ubuntu has it installed by default unlike linux mint that i use, hope thats of some help.

found a picture to show what nvidia driver selection is like after envy loads it, http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...item=724&num=1 as you can see it names your card and monitor and gives you loads of settings to mess with!

PS im using nvidia 7600gs work a tread running all the effects.

[Curly99]

Installed Envy... nice little program, will have a read play later.

Curly