Have a (home-built) linux box? Let's discuss (I want to build my own)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jabberwocky
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Box Build Linux
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around building a personal Linux computer, with participants sharing their current systems, dream configurations, and advice for newcomers to building computers. The scope includes technical specifications, preferences for different Linux distributions, and considerations for hardware compatibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant currently uses a Macbook Pro with Xubuntu, appreciating its speed but noting compatibility issues with Apple's hardware.
  • Another participant's company utilizes Mandriva and expresses interest in high-performance systems, mentioning quad and octa-core processors.
  • A different participant considers starting with an octa-core or dual quad-core system, with aspirations to eventually upgrade to a cluster system.
  • One contributor has built a system with a Core i7-2600K, running Xubuntu and Windows 7, and suggests that their dream system would include all SSD storage and additional RAM.
  • Advice shared includes taking time to double-check components and favoring NVIDIA graphics cards for better Linux driver support over ATI cards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of preferences and specifications for their systems, indicating that there is no consensus on a single ideal configuration or approach to building a Linux box. Different opinions on hardware choices and Linux distributions are evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants' discussions reflect varying levels of experience and differing priorities regarding performance, compatibility, and personal preferences in hardware and software.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in building their own Linux systems, those seeking advice on hardware choices, and users looking to share or compare their experiences with different Linux distributions.

Jabberwocky
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Hey PF!

Short First Post Intro:
I've been a long time spectator here. I'm a junior undergrad physics major. PF has been a lot of fun, and tremendous help to me (like last winter I applied to many REU's). So thank you all!

At the REU I'm in now, I'm learning linux. I'd love to hear any of the following:

1. Your current system:
Specs? Distro? Likes? Dislikes?​

2. Dream system?
(Desktop or laptop)? Distro?​

3. Any advice for someone who's never built their own computer.

So here's me:

1. Macbook pro. Intel core duo 2.8 GHz. 4 GB ram. Dual booting Xubuntu.
Likes: Love Apple's design/hardware. Xubuntu is fast and lightweight.​
Dislikes: Apple keyboard/hardware isn't always friendly with linux.​

2. I'm unsure, but something I've built myself so I understand the system (and of course awesome tech specs)...

3. n/a

Basically I would be blowing a good portion of my REU stipend on this...
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
My comany uses Mandriva.

The dream systems are quad or oct processor systems. Some folks told me though that some high end 512-core (processor) systems aren't too expensive, so I'll be looking at those, with a large amount of RAM and a fast bus.
 
Wow! That's a lot of horsepower. The most I could afford and put to good use would probably be an oct core system or two quad cores.

Eventually I'd like to upgrade to a cluster system, but I'm starting small.
 
Jabberwocky said:
1. Your current system:
I built a system around a Core i7-2600K, I boot Xubuntu 11.04 (configured to look like 10.04, I don't like the updated interface) off of a 160 GB SSD along with Win 7 Ultimate for Visual Studio (Kinect SDK work) and SolidWorks. Each OS has a 1 TB WD Caviar Black HDD. I have a BD-RW drive. I have a GTX570 (for games and CUDA programming) and 16 GB of DDR3 @ 1333MHz. This is in an Antec 900 case.

Jabberwocky said:
2. Dream system?
Pretty much my current system, maybe all SSD and a third monitor, plus another 16 GB or RAM.

Jabberwocky said:
3. Any advice for someone who's never built their own computer.
Don't rush it, double check all your components. Watch this video from Newegg first (all three parts):

Make sure to get an nVidia graphics card if you don't use integrated graphics, ATI's Linux drivers are horrible.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Help me build my server with a laptop that has a broken screen
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
983
Computer Building a machine for research codes, several questions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K