Help with graphics card selection for desktop build
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Hi,
I am planning to build a desktop libreboot'd PC. I will most likely use a Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L motherboard.
I have been trying to find which graphics card will work in a free software desktop. I need a card with at least 2 displayport outs as I need two monitors (I already have 2 monitors with displayport in). I do not need very powerful performance. My main use is academic work where I have several documents open at once, a browser, and word processor. So more a requirement for screen space rather than graphical power.
I have used h-node and found that a Firepro V4900 which has 2x DP, 1x DVI and will 'work, but without 3D acceleration'.
I'm not an expert on hardware, so I have a couple of questions:
(1) H-node say this card 'works'. So with this card fitted it's just a case of installing Trisquel and the two monitors will be up and running?
(2) I don't really understand when 3D acceleration is used. Is this just something for things like CAD and gaming?
Thanks for any help you can give me. Looking forward to getting a free desktop set up and running.
R
What Linux best supports without any proprietary software (including firmware) is Intel graphical chipsets. For years, those chipsets have allowed me to use both my laptop screen and an external monitor, connected through HDMI or VGA. I guess it should be possible in a desktop computer too, as long as the motherboard has the proper outputs. Also, for more control, avoid the vPro and the TXT technology in Intel processors. Searching for the model on http://ark.intel.com gives that information.
I don't know much about that video card or the cpu you intend to use, but I can kind of answer your question about 3D acceleration.
Some desktop environments (GNOME and Cinnamon) have a 3D accelerated compositor that cannot be entirely disabled (to my knowledge). So if you do not have a powerful enough processor, you may experience slowdown with window animations.
Fortunately there are desktop environments that have light compositing and allow you to disable it entirely. MATE, XFCE, KDE, and LXDE come to mind.
Other than that and the already mentioned video games and 3D modeling related programs that's what I can tell uses 3D acceleration.
Thank you for the information uboot. That is disappointing to hear.
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