What should I do before changing graphics card?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a new graphic card. What should I do before removing the old one, other than removing proprietary drivers?

Solution 1

I like Oli's answer. :)

The only thing I might add if your paranoid about picking a new card and want to be extra cautious would be to check the Ubuntu hardware catalog for video compatibility with your specific card choice.

Solution 2

Have a cup of tea.

But seriously, that's about all you want to do and you don't even need to do that before you rip it out.

Any old-config issues can be resolved fairly swiftly when the new graphics card is in. If you have issues,

• Get to a terminal any way you can (login if it boots to terminal, or try a TTY via ControlAltF1, or if all else fails, hold shift on reboot and enter the recovery console.
• Remove old driver packages
• Nuke /etc/X11/xorg.conf from lower orbit.

These are things you can do before changing but it makes very little difference.

Comments

[psylockeer]

Oh ok, so I should not worry too much right?

[Rinzwind]

Nope. You need not to worry. This is one of the things Linux does a hell of a lot better than Windows ;)

[Oli]

I don't think so. I'd even say postponing the changes might be better. If your new card is DOA (happens sometimes) you won't have lost your old configuration.

[psylockeer]

sorry what DOA means?

[Oli]

Dead On Arrival. A card that needs sending back instantly because it's broken when you get it.

[psylockeer]

Oh...that would suck...happened with a motherboard once...