Video Graphics Card Problems in Linux

[Comatose]

Well I have Ubuntu Fiesty Fawn set up succesfully but only under the safe graphics mode from the boot menu. (The only distro I have ever got to work) I would like to get it to work under the default "Start/Install" menu option but I guess my card isn't the best. (Ati Radeon 9250 Gamer Edition) Usually when I have tried installing with other distros I get the blank black screen when it either tries to start X or GDM...
Anyways, if you know how to or a source great for sorting out this issue then please let me know.

Otherwise, please post what, if any, graphics cards that have worked without configuration on what linux distro. Since, I'm think of just selling the 9250 and buying something that will work. (I really want Gentoo)

Any other helpful insights are welcome. Thanks. =)

[drhowarddrfine]

I'm sure there is a list of video cards that work on the home page of whichever distribution you use.

I don't recall about Linux but, in FreeBSD, you need an 'init' file to startx. I'm not sure that's true of xdm, though, but it's something to look into.

[mac11]

I've never had an ati card before and therefore have never tried to use one under linux, but nvidia provides linux drivers for their cards. It can be a hassle configuring your X server. I currently have a dual monitor setup running off an ati gforce fx 5500 (under centos, which is a redhat offshoot)

[raghuramos1987]

I think i have similar problem but i'm not sure...i have a nvidia 5200 graphics card and no version of linux is wrkin on it....the comp hangs after boot up...can anybody help me out?

[raghuramos1987]

i thin i have a similar problem but i'm not sure...i have a nvidia 5200 graphics card...any version of linux hangs after installation..i thin it might be a prob with the hardware and the kernel but i don no wat to do!!!

[Motoma]

ATI does have a lot of problems with their Linux support. Typically you will need to go to their site and download drivers, or try working with the fglrx package.

Gentoo is a great OS, I would recommend it whole-heartily to anyone who has a few days and miles of patience for installing.