Linux graphics compatability?

Hey, I've got 2 computers that I might be putting linux on (Dapper Drake, FC5 maybe something else?) and one has intel integrated graphics, I think its like 900 or something, its older. and the other has a 512MB nVidia NVS Quadro 120M will either of these have any issues with any linux? The D820 with the nvidia is more of a business levle machine and I knoe nVidia is better for linux but will this be ok since its a workstation GPU? thanks!

 

Oh, I've only got 256MB of RAM in the Inspiron w/ integrated GPU, will that be ok to run either of those OS'?

 

Both GPUs will work under linux. For the Quadro, you'll need to install nVidia's linux binary drivers. Fortunately most distros have packages for them, or the stand-alone installer from nvidia.com is very simple to set up.

For the Intel GPU, you may want to add another 256MB of RAM if possible... 256MB is pretty much the minimum for the major linux desktops and the GPU will borrow some of that.

 

It's a little skimpy but it should run. Actually I would suggest trying Xubuntu for that machine. It's based around the Xfce desktop, which is lighter than Gnome but still very functional, very pleasant looking, and fairly straightforward to use.

Your graphics cards will work fine. As mentioned by TedJ, you'll need the binary NVIDIA drivers for 3d acceleration for your NVIDIA card (which is fully supported). See the Ubuntu Binary Driver HOWTO if you choose to install Ubuntu.

 

Great! Thanks a lot, I might get a 512MB stick for the inspiron if I decide to keep using it, but I'll prolly just do a dual boot on the D820 since its just gonna blow the pants off my inspiron...