What's a decent dual-head graphics card to run under Linux?

Question

I have a pretty recent (fall 2008) developer PC that I put together myself. I was generous with most of the hardware but bought the cheapest NVidia card with Linux support because I don't need much in terms of graphic (no gaming, no video etc.).

Now I want a model that still doesn't have to be high-end but should support two monitors. Linux support is a must. Now that's still plenty to choose from. Can anybody recommend a particular model? I'm slightly leaning towards NVidia because I was under the impression that their cards work well on Linux.

Of course, buying another cheap single-head card is also a valid option (I have plenty of free slots). Are there any pros / cons on that one?

Answer 1

After having hours of messing around trying to get dual screens working every time I changed anything on my Ubuntu system with an ATI graphics card, I finally gave in and purchased a cheap Nvidia card, not sure of the model but it was around $50.

Out of the box, I plugged it in, installed the drivers from a package and rebooted, the server came up with two screens, compiz, everything working.

Just get a cheapish Nvidia card and use the binary drivers.

Answer 2

We have had luck with this Jaton card

Answer 3

I'm using an NVidia 7100 for dual head under Linux. Literally any NVidia card should do.

Answer 4

A GeForce 6200 makes my dual head setup work.

Answer 5

At work I have a NVIDIA Quadro NVS 290 with 256 MB that came with the system, and is a couple of years old at this point. The entire time I've had the system I have been using dual 19' and running compiz.

I don't think you need to go that high end, but I believe that if you stick with an NVIDIA >=8600 or 9 series card you shouldn't have any problems. Also some of the nvidia tools make it really easy to setup dual monitors in linux.