Suggestions for hardware on a Linux build

[u/floofyralts]

Hello! I'm getting to the point where long story short I'm biting the bullet and deciding to attempt a Linux pc build over a Windows one. This is following a number of issues that have finally sent windows over the edge into "more annoying to use" rather than Linux.

I already have suggestions and am studying what Distro I want to use, but that's not my question here!

As someone VERY VERY new to Linux I am blissfully unaware of a LOT of things, but I know in general that not every bit of hardware is created equally! As such, are there any important things I should keep in mind when choosing pc parts for a Linux build that I might not have to keep in mind for something like Windows?

[u/undrwater]

The biggest worry is usually the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chipsets. If you're looking at a motherboard, try and find out what those are, and search for driver / kernel support.

Feel free to ask here as well.

[u/ASC4MWTP → u/undrwater]

This, plus the warning about Nvidia, are the only places where I think you're likely to have a potential issue. If you're building "from scratch", then just make sure your mobo choice includes compatible components. I've built a number of machines on Asus mobos at this point, and had a good experience with them. All the recent one's I've spec'd I've done as full AMD--both CPU and GPU.

You might also consider making sure your CPU is one that also can drive a video display as well, and consider the GPU an add-on. That way if you do run into GPU issues of any sort, you can fall back to the CPU driven video to troubleshoot.

[u/Silent_Bite_5892]

Just designed my own build for maximum Linux-friendliness actually.

TL;DR PRO-TIPS:

1. AMD Ryzen
2. Radeon GPU
3. Avoid/replace MediaTek WiFi in favor of Intel AX-210/211 (a $20 part if you need it)
4. Avoid/bypass MediaTek sound with an inexpensive inline DAC like the Fiio KA11 (it's plug and play)

Those hardware tips alone will help you bypass a lot of the common issues easily.

[u/3grg]

I have built several PCs over the years. I have primarily used Linux since 2001, but mostly just for basic desktop computing. The motherboard is the most critical part of the build. I try to look for boards that review well and then I research Linux compatibility.

Search model number you are considering + Linux to see if someone else has posted their experience or problems. If you are lucky, someone else has been the guinea pig. If not, you get to be the guinea pig.

Concentrate on firmware used for things like audio and wifi. Wifi can still be an issue. If you can pass on Nvidia graphics, you will save yourself some grief.

These days most hardware will work, but some companies still choose components based on cost and whether it works with windows without a second thought for Linux.

Also this might help: https://linux-hardware.org/

[u/Mist3r_Numb_3r]

To be honest if you don't own any esoteric peripheric, you should be good to go with everything these days. But if you really a silky smooth ride, just go with an AMD GPU as their driver support is the best one. Nvidia is also good they say, but I don't own one right now, so check other people

[u/floofyralts → u/Mist3r_Numb_3r]

That's fair, Linux isn't the "problem child" so to speak of the personal computer world anymore so I expected there to not be AS many issues but there are still quite a few little barriers to hop. Just wanted to be sure I wouldn't need to be careful about spending a few hundred on a part that "OOPSIES, Doesn't work for linux hehe lol"

[u/Mist3r_Numb_3r → u/floofyralts]

BTW as a beginner distro, you should see for yourself, if you like a challenge, or not. That's the first thing you should consider. After that, even before checking the distros, you should ask yourself, if the UI of Windows is good enough for you, and then you look for the DEs that are available and you think they are similar enough/pretty for you.

What I'm trying to say is that you should first consider the difficulty, then the DE, and then you start looking for distros.

[u/floofyralts → u/Mist3r_Numb_3r]

My current choice is Bazzite, it being advertised as mimicking (at least somewhat) steamos is VERY appealing to me as well as it' immutability (if i have the word correct) so that I specifically CAN'T change certain things.

The good ol "learning a new os" user caused issues are INEVITABLE on my end so the fact I can't break it quite as easily is very appealing to me.

[u/Mist3r_Numb_3r → u/floofyralts]

If you have a secondary machine, where you can experiment a bit more, that would be the greatest thing you could have for learning Linux (if you're interested in it of course). I've never tried an immutable distro to be honest.

[u/Assang101]

AMD graphics cards and its components offer the smoothest experience because their drivers are built right into the Linux system.

[u/token_curmudgeon]

Coreboot capable hardware is a great option. Note that it won't be the cheapest option.