Re: Hardware recommendations for a newbie.
- From: General Schvantzkopf <schvantzkopf@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:02:32 -0500
On Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:39:11 +1000, Andy wrote:
Hi all.
Just a quick query about hardware compatibility with Linux
distros...apologies if this has been done to death already, but googling
provided links primarily to *.advocacy groups...
Basically I'm looking at buying a new PC to run both Linux (likely
OpenSUSE) and WinXP. I've just enrolled to do a whole bunch of
certifications - mostly MS based, but also the CompTIA Linux+ cert. I'm
just not sure how to go about things. There's a monthly 'Computer fair'
local to me where several vendors can build a box to specs, depending on
what the customer wants (and obviously, what the budget allows) who can
build what seems like a decently fast machine for around $500AUD.
What I'm not up to speed on is processors - AMD? Intel? Pentium? I'm
only familiar with the Intel stuff from being a Mac user. Is there any
consensus as to which components are best suited to running Linux with
minimal hassles?
What I really don't want to run into is incompatibility problems with
things like video cards etc - I need this to work with a 24" Acer LCD
screen at 1920x1200. Neither wireless networking or printing will be
required though.
My only prior experience with Linux is running a dual boot setup with
Ubuntu/Mac OS 10.4 on my current computer - a G4 PowerMac. The display
was never quite 'right' when booting into Ubuntu. If I can get a new,
much faster system running reasonably cheaply I'll likely retire the Mac
altogether.
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Desktop systems are very Linux compatible these days as long as you stick
to the main chipset providers, i.e. Intel, Nvidia, AMD.The highest
performance CPUs these days are the Intel Core2s, AMD is fine for low
performance systems but they don't have anything that competes with Intel
at the high end. Laptops are generally pretty compatible also except for
the WiFi cards, there are several vendors of WiFi chips that have little
or no Linux support. Intel WiFi will work right out of the box, Intel is
committed to fully supporting Linux so anything Intel is a safe bet.
My recommendations are a 45nm Core2, E8xxx (dual core) or E9xxx (Quad
Core). A motherboard with an Intel Chipset and a graphics card with an
Nvidia chipset. If you get an AMD system then get a motherboard with an
Nvidia chipset. If you get a laptop then get a Lenovo. Lenovo sells the
T61 with SUSE installed. Dell sells Ubuntu systems but they only offer it
on their crap laptops with obsolete processors and low res screens. The
T61 is available with a 1650x1080 screen and the latest 45nm Mobile
Core2s. All Nvidia graphics cards will work with Linux. Nvidia provides a
binary driver that they keep up to date and has performance equal to or
better than their Windows driver. Intel provides open source drivers for
their graphics chips so you won't have to install a binary driver to get
3D (Nvidia is 2D with the kernel drivers and 3D with the closed source
direvers). However Intel graphics are very low end. ATI/AMD graphics were
problematic in the past but they have open sourced their drivers and are
doing a much better job of supporting Linux now. I have no personal
experience with ATI so I can't say first hand that you won't have any
problems but I think that it's unlikely to be an issue unless you get a
cutting edge card. I've never had a problem with Nvidia which is why I
recommend them.
When you are selecting your motherboard I suggest you read the customer
reviews on Newegg. Newegg has extensive reviews and Linux users are
pretty good about posting their experience, if you don't see any mention
of Linux for a board then skip it and find one where their is a review.
As for distros, I've found that Fedora has the best hardware
compatibility. Ubuntu tends to run a little behind Fedora and their
installer isn't quite as good although it's pretty decent.
.
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