I've installed Ubuntu on an older refurbished desktop featuring Intel HD Graphics 530. Unfortunately, it can't manage my extended display above a 50Hz refresh rate. Ideally, I need it to hit at least 60Hz, if not more. If I have to invest in a different used computer, what kind of graphics support should I consider? I've heard there can be compatibility issues with NVIDIA on Linux, so I'm unsure if just going for higher specs automatically means better performance.
4 Answers
Before changing your GPU, check your monitor and the cables! Your refresh rate problem might stem from them, not the graphics card. Since 60Hz is the standard, if your monitor is rated for that but you're stuck at 50Hz, it could be just a matter of the cable or the port you're using. Be sure to swap out the cable and test different ports if you can!
It really depends on the rest of your hardware. AMD cards are generally favored for Linux, but if your system is quite old, upgrading the graphics card might not help much if it gets bottlenecked by other components. Getting more info about your setup would really help folks give better advice.
From my experience, Linux has pretty good compatibility with NVIDIA cards. I dual-boot with Windows for specific tasks, and when I installed my NVIDIA Quadro, Linux recognized it right away. I had to install a proprietary driver, but the system guided me through it. It was pretty straightforward, so you shouldn’t have too many issues with NVIDIA if you decide to go that route.
If you're looking for a solid upgrade, consider the GTX 1650. It offers decent performance and doesn’t need additional power connectors, which makes it a great choice over older integrated graphics. Just keep your use cases in mind!
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