Problem with new graphics card

[Octal]

Hey,
I'd like to set up Linux as a dual-boot on my newer system, but since I'm new to this, I've run into a problem. My video card is a Diamond Viper V770 (Riva TNT2), so the distribution of Linux I'm trying (Redhat 5.2) doesn't support that graphics card exclusively. Along with that, I guess that version of Redhat doesn't even support the Riva TNT2 chipset when choosing the clockchip for the custom video card installation. To find some way to work around this, I've been checking the web and found information about my chipset, but only for newer versions of the Linux OS.

To dumbly sum it up: I can't get my video card working. What are my options? I am willing on buying a newer version of Linux, but if that's the route I need to take, what distribution and version should I go for?

Thanks all,
Jerry 0

[Eccentric]

You shouldn't have to buy or use a newer version of Linux. Video is not integrated into the kernel, so the version or distribution is irrelevant. You just need a newer version of the X server. Check out www.xfree86.org, and download and install the latest version. I'm not sure if TNT2 is supported or not, haven't been to the page in a while, but I wouldn't be suprised if it is. However, if it's not, then you will be out of luck with that video card regardless of what version of Linux you have.

[Octal]

Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunatly I have no idea how/what to try to download. I have read that XFree86 v3.3.3.1 has some updates (and I'd get at least v3.3.3 with Redhat 6.0 if I bought it from the store) for the Riva TNT technology. The problem is that I don't know what I need to download, how to get it from a Win98 system to my Linux system, and how to install the new X server. I have a Zip drive, and can get drivers for Linux for it. Would I be able to download the files on to a Win98 system and read an MS-DOS formatted Zip disk on my Linux system? Of course I'm very new to Linux and am very afraid that I may make a setting that will cause damage to my system! If there is any simple process I'd be much obliged if you helped me out some more!

[Geoff]

Don't worry about causing damage, if you stuff something up beyond repair everything is ok unless you did a recursive delete command on your windows partition or you were playing around in fdisk. If you break linux then figure out what you did wrong, if you can't fix it then just reinstall it. You'll only learn by getting stuck into it, just use your commonsense and you won't damage anything that can't be fixed http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif

Geoff

[Eccentric]

If you look around the XFree86 page, you may see some type of patch for the TNT2. Give me a day or two, I'll see if I can't point you to a specific location for the TNT2 drivers if they exist.

[Rich3077]

TNT2 Drivers do exist. I just dont remember where I seen them at.

[Geoff]

they're at the most obvious place, www.nvidia.com (http://www.nvidia.com)

[Scott]

I have the same issue. I am using Red Hat 6.0 and have a Diamond v770 32mb ultra. THe bad news is that i know jack all about linux - only been using it for about 4 weeks http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif

Anyway...I have downloaded the drivers from Nvidia and have a well downloaded almost every driver that has any relation to tnt2 and red hat 6.0 (kinda had some time to kill and the internet link was kinda being unde r used http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif...so for a complete newbie like myself how do i go about installing and configuring the tnt2 card so that i can get it to run 3d apps and games (managed somehow in my various decompressing to get Gnome to use the correct video resolution, dont ask me how http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif - if you could do it is a step by step it would be nice http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif

Thanks in advance
Scott

PS: depending if anyone wants to take this daunting task on could they send an email with the details to my email addy (im not around for the next 2 weeks) at backsc@admin.training.wa.gov.au.

Thanks again...

[coob]

I think Im having the same kinda troubles. I have an Asus v3800tnt2 and installing redhat 6.0. in the install of redhat it auto finds a Diamond Viper 770. well they both have the same chipset so i went ahead and tried them out. No luck when i get to the end when it fires up X the curser is huge and so is the window that asks if i can see it. the first time i thought this was ok after all i did choose 1024*768. when I start x after the reboot i can see the upper left corner of the screen well this sucks Im just glad i can see the xterm so i can get out.
I too am very new to linux so net that i dont know how to install anything...not even the OS as you can see http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif
i went to Nvidea.com to get the drivers
but i didn't see the rpm it told me to dl.
so if you have a link and name to then that would be great.
and when i do get the drivers how do i change my res to 1024*768? whatever its set to now has to be less than 640*480.
one more thing then i will shutup...after i get the drivers and i reinstall redhat can i use the driver during the setup or will I have to install them after I have linux installed?

[pluto]

The TNT cards are supported by XFree86-3.3.5.