Arch Linux

underpenguin

Member

Registered: 2007-02-01

Posts: 116

New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Hey all,
I'm getting ready to build a new computer. I'm currently using a really crappy p4 machine, so while this is not a top build, it's a huge upgrade for me.

Here it is:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Publi … er=6804126
(I'm only getting one of each, but my friend said it showed multiples of some items, but i'm only planning on one of each )

I'd like some recommendations regarding the likely compatibility of the motherboard with Linux, and any stories of other users using the same mobo / chipset. Also, to any more hardware-savvy archers, if you know of a better deal, let me know. I just did a bit of research and it looks like that chipset is solid, and has phenomenal on-board graphics that will do just fine until I can afford an 8800gt.

I'm planning on upgrading to more ram ASAP, only getting 1GB for now to keep costs at a minimum.

Thanks

Obi-Lan

Member

From: Finland

Registered: 2007-05-23

Posts: 179

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Aren't you bying processor at all?

Stalafin

Member

From: Berlin, Germany

Registered: 2007-10-26

Posts: 608

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

RAM is cheap as hell right now. At least in Germany you can get 2GB for as little as 27 EUR.

Last edited by Stalafin (2008-06-19 14:34:06)

Megamixman

Member

Registered: 2008-05-04

Posts: 73

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Whenever you're buying ANYTHING, always determine a budget.
Especially when it comes to things that you can easily...ahem...splurge on.

underpenguin

Member

Registered: 2007-02-01

Posts: 116

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Well thanks for the financial advice and the price of ram in Germany (tea in china?), but no suggestions (good / bad / indifferent) about the motherboard? That is my main concern.

Also, i've been updating it so the ram/proc may change as a shop more but I staying with that mobo unless I find a reason to switch.

Obi-Lan

Member

From: Finland

Registered: 2007-05-23

Posts: 179

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

It should work just fine. I'm a bit uncomfortable with Radeon chipsets but I guess it should work with Catalyst drivers.

Berticus

Member

Registered: 2008-06-11

Posts: 731

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Most motherboards you shouldn't have a problem with.  I think in the past few years, I've heard of only one motherboard that wouldn't allow you to install Linux on it, and the make and model of that particular motherboard escapes me now.  Gigabyte and ASUS are particularly good with Linux.  ASUS because all motherboards will have Linux pre-installed, even mid-range motherboards.  Gigabyte because their general manager of channel business announced this:

We are seeing a greater business opportunity and users benefits, because so much of today's innovation comes from the Linux community.

Source: http://www.linuxelectrons.com/news/hard … eady-linux

I don't think anything has changed since then.  I tried checking Linux's Hardware Compatability List (HCL), but it wasn't on there.  But I think it's pretty safe to assume that particular model will work just fine.

Plus, if you read the Newegg Customer Reviews, you would see someone say that Linux worked great!  That particular customer was using FC9, but I think it's safe to assume Arch won't have a problem with it.

Obi-Lan

Member

From: Finland

Registered: 2007-05-23

Posts: 179

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Distro doesn't matter, just kernel version.

Stalafin

Member

From: Berlin, Germany

Registered: 2007-10-26

Posts: 608

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Well, yeah; sorry about the post on RAM.

The mainboard is one of the best based on the 780G chipset right now. I consider buying it too - and at least people on the hardware message board I usually dwell on recommend it.
About the onboard graphics you are absolutely right - if you don't plan to play (fancy) games it is perfectly fine.

In case of the CPU I would suggest that you think about a 4450e or a 4850e; they are consuming less energy, but come at a slightly higher price.

In case of the graphics you might want to think about getting a AMD 4850 instead of the nVidia 8800GT. It is just being released, but as it seems it offers lots of power at a very affordable price.

Also, as you are considering to get a micro ATX mainboard, you could consider getting a micro ATX case.

underpenguin

Member

Registered: 2007-02-01

Posts: 116

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Stalafin:
Thanks!
Also, I'll look into the AMD4850, I hadn't even heard of them until you mentioned it.

I don't think this is a MicroATX mobo, though.

Stalafin

Member

From: Berlin, Germany

Registered: 2007-10-26

Posts: 608

Re: New Computer - Compatibility & General Suggestions

Oh, shoot!

Were you showing me that one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813128335
Or that one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813128090
?

Anyway, I strongly recommend you to go to a more hardware-centric message board like tomshardware.com or hardforum.com and ask you question there, as they will surely help you configuring your system.