I've been considering switching to Linux, but every time I try, I run into issues with my NVIDIA card. NVIDIA's Linux support has improved over the years, but I still face problems, especially with certain features. I'm curious about trying AMD graphics cards but replacing my 3080 Ti with a new AMD card feels too expensive, and I worry I won't be satisfied with it. I found some used AMD cards like the RX 580, RX 590, and RX 5600 XT, and I'm thinking of getting a budget option for testing. Is it worth purchasing an older, less powerful AMD card to explore these Linux issues, especially with the goal of eventually upgrading to a 9070XT?
3 Answers
What exactly are you trying to test? If it's performance, keep in mind that an older card will definitely be worse than your current setup. But if you're interested in how AMD performs on Linux, the RX cards generally have great compatibility, so you'll probably be fine there. If it's just about liking Linux, you can continue using your NVIDIA card, especially with a distro that has the latest drivers. Personally, I’d say don’t spend money unless you're sure it’s necessary.
I actually get impressive results with my RX 580; it performs as well as, or even better than, some high-end cards. I’ve found that undervolting helps a lot with performance, so it could be a good option if you decide to go that route.
In my opinion, it’s not worth it. If you’re set on the 9070, just wait until you can get that instead. If you do run into issues, don’t hesitate to return the card and get your money back.

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