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Linux Hardware Guide: Sound and Video

Part 2: Sound and Video.

Sound Card

Sound is tricky because it is often integrated onto the motherboard. If your motherboard manufacturer contains Linux drivers, there is a good chance that its integrated sound works with it. Check with the community and look below at the links provided, as they often categorize motherboards with the Sound Cards.

If you are considering a PCI Sound Board, first, of course, check the manufacturer for Linux Drivers. If that fails, continue on...

What is more useful than the manufacturer is the chipset maker. "Hence, a general linux driver may exist for integrated audio/video even if the motherboard maker doesn't mention it and you luck out and there's no support in the linux kernel you are using. A good example of this situation is the realtek chipsets you see on many motherboards with onboard 5.1 audio." (Lee)

The ALSA Project is the leader in Linux Sound. Check the Soundcard Matrix (this includes integrated sound on motherboards), User Notes, TLDP Sound Support,TLDP Hardware Sound HOW-TO and check with the community. For the record, my Audigy 2 Platinum works.

Video Card

XFree86 is what makes your display happen. Therefore, compatibility with XFree is important. Remeber that integrated video cards on your motherboard have a chance of not working. Most modern motherboards do not include integrated video cards, especially when you are building it yourself, but if by some chance you do decide upon a motherboard with integrated video, the best bet would be to check with the chipset maker. "A general linux driver may exist for integrated audio/video even if the motherboard maker doesn't mention it and you luck out and there's no support in the linux kernel you are using." Some common motherboard chipset manufacturers are listed below. (Lee)

The first thing you should do is check if you need Free 3.3.6. This is the older version, and unless you have a really old video card, you should get the latest version. Anyway, check the Driver Status for 4.3.0 Page and locate your video card. Make sure that it doesn't say anything about support for your video card not being included in 4.3.0 and then move on...

Then try and see if you can find any type of confirmation that your chosen video card works. Try searching the site (at the bottom) for your model, skin the documentation,Read TLDP Video Card HOW-TO, and if all else fails, check with the community.

If you can't find anything, and it's a recent video card, you shouldn't have any problems with it, but as carpenters say "measure twice, cut once, it saves wood".

AnandTech - A very good hardware site, this is the video section
Via - Motherboard Chipset Manufacturer
SIS - Motherboard Chipset Manufacturer
nVidia - Motherboard Chipset Manufacturer

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