mogators

I'm looking into updating my Linux server with some newer hardware. I plan to run a low end dual core processor with 2 gigs of ram. I'm trying to decide on the motherboard/cpu combo to use as the base. This will mainly be a file server / torrent client, but would like to do some experimenting with getting some older Windows games playing using Wine. I definately want to have Gig ethernet built into the board and would like to just stick with the onboard graphics, at least for a while. I am considering the AMD 780/790 series of motherboards but have always heard Nvidia has better support for Linux. Nvidia has the 7000, 8000, and 9000 series of chipsets that include onboard graphics but I'm not sure which way to go. Obviously the higher end ones are probably better, but for what I'm going to be doing are they worth the higher cost?

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error10

Here's a nice Foxconn budget board with gigabit Ethernet and onboard NVIDIA 7050 graphics. Should be fine with Linux; the NVIDIA drivers supported even my FX 5500 up until 173.14 (they dropped it in 177.xx; now you have to have a 6000 series and I have to upgrade). It should be OK for playing older Windows games.

Pair it with an E2200 and you've got a nice little $115 rig. That board isn't a great overclocker but it should have no problem taking the E2200 to 2.93GHz (266x11). Get some cheap RAM and you're all set.

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mogators

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll consider it but I think I'm leaning toward spending a little more and going for the 8000 or 9000 series boards. Want to have good enough onboard graphics so I'm not immediately tempted to drop in a video card. I'm sure my other systems will require video card updates eventually and then I'll have an extra one to throw in this system.

Can anyone confirm whether the new AMD 780/790 chipsets are viable options for linux using onboard graphics?

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error10

I have no idea. I left ATI behind when they left Linux behind some time ago. When they catch up I'll consider them again. For now I'm an NVIDIA fan. And, interestingly enough, Intel. Their current onboard graphics will keep up with a FX 5500, and maybe some 6x00s. If they keep at it, they may actually be a serious player in midrange GPUs in a few years.

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mogators

Any comments on this deal: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...CCODE=WEBBP836 Includes XFX 8200 MB and AMD X2 4800+.

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error10

Add To Cart?

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The Ice Stone has melted!

I did error10's Windows Challenge and I now am an MCSE: Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert!

bowman

You know that Larrabee is gonna pound some serious behind, right? Although, entirely different driver team, so who knows if the Linux support will be as good as the current IGP drivers..

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Fold on your:

error10

I doubt it will be bad. Intel seems to have really gotten behind Linux.

__________________
The Ice Stone has melted!

I did error10's Windows Challenge and I now am an MCSE: Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert!