Linux Mint 8 - ATI Rage 128 Pro

[Spewbacca]

When I go to Control Center > Appearance Preferences > Visual Effects > Extra:
and try to enable it I get [Desktop effects could not be enabled]

HP Vectra VL420 - Specifications
CPU Interface 1 Pentium 4 (Socket 478)
*-cpu:0
description: CPU
product: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1.60GHz
vendor: Intel Corp.
physical id: 1
bus info: cpu@0
Frontside Bus 400 MHz
Chipset Intel 845
Memory type non-ECC PC-133 SDRAM
Installed memory 1GB, max 3GB
USB Supported 1.1 (2x dual channel, 4 ports total)
Hard disc drives Ultra ATA-133 40 & 80 GB 7200 RPM
Max number of Hard disc drives 2
Graphics ATI Rage 128 Pro 16MB
AGP 4x 1.5v only
Network Interface Card Integrated Intel Pro 100/VE

$ inxi -G
Graphics:
Card ATI Rage 128 Pro Ultra TF
X.Org 1.6.4 Res: 1024x768@60.0hz
GLX Renderer Mesa DRI Rage 128 20051027 AGP 1x x86/MMX/SSE2
GLX Version 1.2 Mesa 7.6

Do I need a proprietary driver update?
If so how(where should I look for the documentation)??

OR

Is the card simply inadequate(ancient)?
If this is the case, what should I get to upgrade the video card in this 'older' box without going over the top??
Ideally my budget is, < $50 USD ...is this realistic?


TIA
--Spewy

[richyrich]

Yup, I think it'll run fine with the open source drivers when you don't need the extra effects, you've got the mesa drivers installed, but you'll notice if you run from a terminal; compiz-check , it will show an error, or give a warning about using the software rasteriser, or some such. (you need hardware capability)

Search your motherboard/model number at the manufacturers website to find whether it will handle 8x AGP, or only 2x or 4x, then it'll be easy to search for the proper add-on card. (I think 845 chipsets will handle 4x for sure, but it's best to check, if you can use 8x, much better . )

Might have to open the case, grab your flashlight, and try to find the Make/Model print right on the board . .

Let us know how it turns out . .

richy