GPU for Linux PC

[mandrigald]

So I'm in the market for a new GPU for my Linux build and I need some assistance. I have received opportunities to purchase an R9 290 for as low as $280, and an R9 280X for even lower. I would love to seize these opportunities, however I have heard very bad things throughout the web about AMD drivers with Linux, even going as far as to say that they severely diminish the overall performance. My question is, should I get the AMD card for the awesome price? or is it not worth it and I should shoot for an Nvidia card at a similar price? Thanks.

[MrBucket101]

in my experience, the nvidia drivers for linux are slightly better than the AMD drivers.

With that said, they're both pretty crappy. 

Can't say I would advise getting a gaming GPU for a linux build, but SteamOS has actually made some advancements in the driver field, so that might be a good OS to try out.

the integrated graphics should be more than enough for linux, just depends on what else you need.

[Enderman]

AMD:

really bad stock drivers, but good open-source drivers from 3rd parties

NVIDIA:

good stock drivers, but they are closed source so you cant get any others

 

how is the price for nvidia cards in your area? a lot more?

[mandrigald]

Depends on the distro, which are you planning to use?

Linux Mint 

 

 

AMD:

really bad stock drivers, but good open-source drivers from 3rd parties

NVIDIA:

good stock drivers, but they are closed source so you cant get any others

 

how is the price for nvidia cards in your area? a lot more?

Best I can find is $350 for a GTX 770

[mandrigald]

in my experience, the nvidia drivers for linux are slightly better than the AMD drivers.

With that said, they're both pretty crappy. 

Can't say I would advise getting a gaming GPU for a linux build, but SteamOS has actually made some advancements in the driver field, so that might be a good OS to try out.

the integrated graphics should be more than enough for linux, just depends on what else you need.

I would like to do some real gaming on it as well though. Linux game support seems to be growing thankfully and I could also use WINE for some games. 

[Lord Gaben]

AMD or Nvidia should work Okay, but you will find you will lag behind in driver updates compared to windows and the drivers will be more buggy than the windows ones

[Enderman]

Linux Mint 

 

 

Best I can find is $350 for a GTX 770

Then try for the 290. If you have any serious driver issues within the first week try to return it and get a refund. If you are experienced enough with linux you should be able to find your way around the driver problems. There are also quite a few experienced linux gurus that have tutorials around the internet for how to install some special 3rd party drivers for AMD graphics cards

[mandrigald]

You will get lower framerate with OpenGL vs DirectX from either vendor.  Similar result with WINE compatibility layer.

How much lower? Would it still be acceptable on Bioshock 2 for example @ 1920x1080? (using WINE)

[MrBucket101]

I doubt you could get any acceptable performance from any modern game using WINE.

Wines name says it all