If 12.1’s kernel does not deliver, you can add the Kernel:/stable:/standard repo during install, which would provide your install with the latest stable kernel. That kernel should support the hardware anyway. Personally I wouldn’t go for an integrated CPU/GPU. An alternative: Take a look at my main machine’s config, it’s 8 months old, motherboard, RAM, videocard, CPU were about $ 250.
Thank you for the prompt and informative Reply. I will go ahead, buy the components and do the upgrade.
I only asked because I had a terrible time upgrading from OpenSUSE11.x to 12.1. The GNOME desktop would not start properly and the KDE desktop would not shut down cleanly until ‘please_try_again’ showed me how to install the proper Nvidia/Gforce drivers](http://forums.opensuse.org/english/get-technical-help-here/install-boot-login/469490-make-nomodeset-permanent-3.html) for my particular chipsets. The proper drivers solved both problems. I wanted to make sure that these new components either a) would not need any proprietary drivers or, b) that they were available if needed.
I’ve built a couple of machines using the skt Fm1 Llano processors and had no real issues, though to run dual monitors properly I had to use the amd/ati proprietary driver rather than the opensource ones
A plug-in card such as Knurpht suggests is more powerful than a comparable one built into the Llano cpu but most people wouldn’t feel much of a noticeable performance difference, you’d need to do things like intensive media work or play high-end windows games on them to see any marked difference tbh, but you’ve already said the machine won’t be put to that kind of usage
In my experience the Llano CPUs are a nice option for a ‘budget’ level machine where cutting edge performance would be a luxury rather than a necessity
Thank you. It is always nice to hear from someone who has done it. I gather that the proprietary drivers are available if I need them (even though I probably won’t). That makes me feel better. Where did you download them, just in case?