Arch Linux

Cirdan

Member

Registered: 2006-03-18

Posts: 64

Hardware Config

I'm thinking about building a Linux box for software development, and to learn Linux. I would use this as my primary machine. I think the 4850 might possibly be a little over the top for this, but I like that it has two DVI outputs. These specs good for a linux box?

Intel i7 Quad 2.66Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819115202

EVGA x58 Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813188051

G.SKILL 2x2Gb DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6820231193

Corsair 550W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817139004

XFX Radeon 4850 1Gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814150351

WD Caviar 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6822136284

Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811129066

lagagnon

Member

From: an Island in the Pacific...

Registered: 2009-12-10

Posts: 1,087

Website

Re: Hardware Config

Archlinux will absolutely fly on such a beast. Personally though, I would choose an nVidia card rather than ATI. They provide better Linux drivers, generally speaking.

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Philosophy is looking for a black cat in a dark room. Metaphysics is looking for a black cat in a dark room that isn't there. Religion is looking for a black cat in a dark room that isn't there and shouting "I found it!". Science is looking for a black cat in a dark room with a flashlight.

ASOM

Member

Registered: 2009-07-10

Posts: 68

Re: Hardware Config

Nvidia would be the better choice for a vid card for sure. Might also consider the 3 X 2GB kit for the memory as the Core I7 supports triple channel memory.

Looks good to me other than those things mentioned, and yes it will make a fine development box that will fly. I run a similar set up.

depierce

Member

From: Simi Valley, CA

Registered: 2007-07-24

Posts: 14

Re: Hardware Config

Hmm...you might want to check out the E8500 Wolfdale for a CPU, save ~$100 (US).  Yes, you'll have to spec another mobo since it's LGA775.  - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … -_-Product
Forget the ATI card, get an Nvidia.  Seriously.  I've got an 8800GT and still haven't managed to overtax it at a native 1680x1050 at 120 Hz w/ pretty much all AF & AA cranked up (i.e., always pumping in excess of 120 FPS).  If you do go Nvidia, get a factory overclock and make sure it has a decent warranty (ahem, BFG).
I don't see a dedicated sound card there, and that's a no-no.  Check alsa-project and find one you can live with.  Since its driver  hit mainline I've been quite happy w/ an X-Fi Xtreme Gamer.
Why are you getting one massive drive when you could get two or three or even four smaller and spread your disk load in a sane fashion?

Cirdan

Member

Registered: 2006-03-18

Posts: 64

Re: Hardware Config

Yea, I had a feeling that the above build was a little over the top for what I want it for. And the 1Tb drive is WAY over the top. I have a 300gb drive in my current computer, and I don't even use half of it. I could easily drop down to 300 or 500 gig drive.

Switch to the i5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819115215

P55 Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813157172

and GeForce 9500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130395

ga01f4733

Member

From: NYC

Registered: 2008-12-05

Posts: 117

Re: Hardware Config

Nvidia is a must!

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There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign. --R.L Stevenson