9 votes

Best cheap GPU for a Linux desktop?

Posted by mrbig
Tags: linux, ask.recommendations, desktop

I'm building my first desktop computer, and Linux is my operating system of choice.

I know video cards sometimes can be a pain and wish to avoid any issues.

Dollar-priced items are very expensive down here, and I don't require playing the latest games on the highest configurations. Just something to “put me on the map”, so to speak, so I can have a somewhat current machine that doesn't give me much trouble. Any suggestions?

10 comments

  1. [7]
    Kraetos
    Link
    AMD offers much better support for open-source drivers, which is convenient for you since AMD's GPU offerings also tend to be a better value in terms of performance-per-dollar. So probably an RX...

    AMD offers much better support for open-source drivers, which is convenient for you since AMD's GPU offerings also tend to be a better value in terms of performance-per-dollar.

    So probably an RX 460 or RX 570 depending on how much you want to spend.

    6 votes
    1. arghdos
      Link Parent
      Was just going to suggest these two. As a bonus, the 570 is officially supported by ROCm, meaning you can do compute on it (if that's something you care about)

      Was just going to suggest these two. As a bonus, the 570 is officially supported by ROCm, meaning you can do compute on it (if that's something you care about)

      1 vote
    2. [4]
      mrbig
      Link Parent
      It's sad how these clearly budget recommendations you gave me are already too expensive for me :(

      It's sad how these clearly budget recommendations you gave me are already too expensive for me :(

      1 vote
      1. Kraetos
        Link Parent
        On a budget that tight, you probably just want to get something like a 2400G, which combines the CPU and GPU. The Vega RX 11 in the 2400G is respectable if you're sticking with older games, games...

        On a budget that tight, you probably just want to get something like a 2400G, which combines the CPU and GPU. The Vega RX 11 in the 2400G is respectable if you're sticking with older games, games that are not graphically demanding, and are willing to drop some settings.

        1 vote
      3. NeoTheFox
        Link Parent
        Look at the used market, you can get some impressive AMD hardware for much less than brand new.

        Look at the used market, you can get some impressive AMD hardware for much less than brand new.

    3. clone1
      Link Parent
      I have an RX 570, and it's worked great for me for 1080p 60fps linux gaming on pretty good settings. No driver or compatibility issues at all.

      I have an RX 570, and it's worked great for me for 1080p 60fps linux gaming on pretty good settings. No driver or compatibility issues at all.

  2. Akir
    Link
    The cheapest GPUs are APUs. You can save a bunch of money buy buying a CPU with integrated graphics. I recommend spending the extra few bucks and getting their highest-end APU, the AMD Ryzen 5...

    The cheapest GPUs are APUs. You can save a bunch of money buy buying a CPU with integrated graphics. I recommend spending the extra few bucks and getting their highest-end APU, the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G. It's got the best integrated graphics out there, and it takes care of both your CPU and GPU for only $150 USD.

    Granted, the best integrated graphics isn't going to beat the majority of bespoke GPUs out there, but you'll at least be 'on the map', as you say. Most games should be at least playable. I've got a laptop with an older, less powerful APU and it plays a lot of games decently.

    5 votes
  3. crdpa
    (edited )
    Link
    Brazil, right? I got the AMD RX550 on a sale at kabum a year ago, it was R$500 i think. I sold my desktop and i'm on a laptop now because of travel. It handled a lot of games really well and AMD...

    Brazil, right?

    I got the AMD RX550 on a sale at kabum a year ago, it was R$500 i think. I sold my desktop and i'm on a laptop now because of travel. It handled a lot of games really well and AMD on Linux is just plug and play because the driver is open source and it's on the kernel.

    Do not buy Nvidia. They are good, but not Linux friendly.

    2 votes
  4. moocow1452
    Link
    May want to look into Low Spec Gamer, as he covers hardware prices and used markets occasionally, particularly across the international market. He also did an episode on Linux Gaming....

    May want to look into Low Spec Gamer, as he covers hardware prices and used markets occasionally, particularly across the international market. He also did an episode on Linux Gaming.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQkd05iAYed2-LOmhjzDG6g

    1 vote