After 15+ years of dealing with Microsoft professionally, I'm so done with it. So my next build will be a dedicated Linux box for some gaming but also 3D design for printing (FreeCAD?) and of course Cura for prepping the designs for printing. I'm ready to pull the trigger and want to check with Linux folks before I do in case there are any glaring compatibility issue or shortcoming I'm overlooking. I've already purchased some parts, marked as $0.00 below.
NOTE: I picked AM5 because I don't upgrade often, but would like the option to stay with the platform when CPU prices drop, for example. But I'm open to suggestions!
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor | $224.42 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte B650I AORUS ULTRA Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard | $259.99 @ Amazon |
| Memory | G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory | $97.99 @ Newegg |
| Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive | Purchased For $0.00 |
| Storage | Western Digital Black SN850X 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive | Purchased For $0.00 |
| Video Card | XFX Speedster SWFT 309 Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card | $329.99 @ Amazon |
| Case | Fractal Design Terra Mini ITX Desktop Case | $0.00 |
| Power Supply | Cooler Master V850 SFX GOLD 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply | Purchased For $0.00 |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total | $912.39 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-08-15 21:19 EDT-0400 |
It went great, actually. Very easy to build in. I did end up taking the bottom panel off to make part of the install easier. Cooling seems to be really solid. It can get a bit loud when gaming due to the way shape of the vent holes in the side of the case, but I usually have headphones on anyway.. Much quieter if I were to leave the right door off (CPU side), but obviously not an option. The thing is dead silent in normal usage, the fans only really kick on for me during game sessions.