[ale] Building Linux Workstation

[Chris Fowler via Ale]

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux. I ran phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a 911 call :) It is taking me way too long to compile my code.

I've not built a computer in over 10 years. Typically, just buy them. What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.

I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363

I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB. How will it install in that board?

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product

Found this case on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case


I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one. I could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?

The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory. I'll load Ubuntu via USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.

That MB also is targeted toward gaming. My graphics target is limited to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online. I need to compile a lot of code fast.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

[Jim Kinney via Ale]

Burn cash on the video card!

Post by Chris Fowler via Ale
I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux. I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :) It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years. Typically, just buy them.
What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB. How will it install in that board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one. I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory. I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming. My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online. I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris

[DJ-Pfulio via Ale]

Trying to be helpful. Hopefully someone else will correct anything I got
wrong.

That CPU doesn't have onboard graphics, so you'll need to buy a separate
GPU. You can forget whatever the motherboard has for ports related to
video. That only works with the 2200G and 2400G ryzens, which are slower.

The 2700X uses 105W. The 2700 uses 65W. Is that worth considering?
Also, the non-X versions come with CPU coolers, so you'll need one of those.
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-Ryzen-7-2700X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-2700/3958vs3957

If you have a nice case already, I wouldn't spend a dime on a new one.
Same for PSU, HDD, keyboard, mice, monitors. Reuse what you have.

Ryzen is picky about RAM. Only buy RAM from the approved parts provided
by the motherboard maker for the exact MB you buy. RAM prices have been
dropping recently. If you can wait 4 month more, they could be 30% less.

If you are a professional coder, doing compiles constantly, then you
should be buying a new CPU every year to get the 20% improvement in
performance. The cost/benefit is clear.

As for video cards, any $40 card would be fine for your needs. The GPU
just needs h.264 and h.265 and mpeg2 hardware decoders with appropriate
drivers for your needs. You don't need a $100 GPU and certainly don't
need a $400 one. A $100 Core i3 onboard GPU is sufficient, but I agree
that Ryzen is better for compiles and virtual machines at the current
prices. In a few months, things might change.

You can check PCPartPicker.com for preexisting builds. Just be aware
that RAM compatibility isn't validated to the level you need.

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux.  I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :)  It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years.  Typically, just buy them. 
What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy. 
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB.  How will it install in that
board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one.  I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory.  I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming.  My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online.  I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?

[Tory Deron via Ale]

I just got finished building a new computer over the weekend and it is
crazy fast.  I've had it up and running for less than a day, but so far
I'm absolutely thrilled.

If you are not married to using AMD, here is the bundle I used, and it
supports that Samsung drive out of the box, if I'm reading correctly. 
If also has the Intel UHD 630 graphics, and will drive multiple monitors
at up to 4K resolution.

I picked this specific motherboard because it is widely reported to play
well with Linux.  And so far, (all of 18 hours, lol)  it is rock solid.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/5000409/intel-core-i7-8700k,-asus-prime-z370-a,-cpu-motherboard-bundle

Hope this is helpful.

Tory

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux.  I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :)  It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years.  Typically, just buy
them.  What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB.  How will it install in that
board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one.  I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory.  I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming.  My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online.  I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris
_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo

[Chris Fowler via Ale]

Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2018 3:36:35 PM
Subject: Re: [ale] Building Linux Workstation
I just got finished building a new computer over the weekend and it is crazy
fast. I've had it up and running for less than a day, but so far I'm absolutely
thrilled.
If you are not married to using AMD, here is the bundle I used, and it supports
that Samsung drive out of the box, if I'm reading correctly. If also has the
Intel UHD 630 graphics, and will drive multiple monitors at up to 4K
resolution.

How do you attach multiple monitors with one HDMI port?

Did you need 750W of power? Will your fan support turbo?

Chris

[Tory Deron via Ale]

You would have to use one of the other ports, DVI or DP for the second
monitor.  Or if your monitors have DP ports, you may be able to use
Displayport daisy chaining.  I've gotten daisy chaining to work fairly
well in the past on Linux, but there were issues where the second
monitor did not sleeping properly, which I was never able to overcome.

As for the power supply, you can get by with a lower wattage power
supply when using the internal graphics.  I actually have an Nvidia
Gforce 1060 graphics card, which I needed the extra wattage to drive. 
Don't quote me, but I think the MB itself needed at least 300 Watts, but
check the specs to be sure.  I would ordinarily check before I post, but
I'm running a little late this morning.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Sent: *Sunday, October 14, 2018 3:36:35 PM
*Subject: *Re: [ale] Building Linux Workstation
I just got finished building a new computer over the weekend and
it is crazy fast.  I've had it up and running for less than a day,
but so far I'm absolutely thrilled.
If you are not married to using AMD, here is the bundle I used,
and it supports that Samsung drive out of the box, if I'm reading
correctly.  If also has the Intel UHD 630 graphics, and will drive
multiple monitors at up to 4K resolution.
How do you attach multiple monitors with one HDMI port?
Did you need 750W of power?  Will your fan support turbo?
Chris

[Chris Fowler via Ale]

Sent: Monday, October 15, 2018 7:06:13 AM
Subject: Re: [ale] Building Linux Workstation
You would have to use one of the other ports, DVI or DP for the second monitor.
Or if your monitors have DP ports, you may be able to use Displayport daisy
chaining. I've gotten daisy chaining to work fairly well in the past on Linux,
but there were issues where the second monitor did not sleeping properly, which
I was never able to overcome.

I thought the 3 ports were optional. MB used the port connected. I have DP to HDMI cables. My desktop does not sleep. LCD on 24/7 no blanking so that will not be a problem.

As for the power supply, you can get by with a lower wattage power supply when
using the internal graphics. I actually have an Nvidia Gforce 1060 graphics
card, which I needed the extra wattage to drive. Don't quote me, but I think
the MB itself needed at least 300 Watts, but check the specs to be sure. I
would ordinarily check before I post, but I'm running a little late this
morning.

A lot more than what I'm running now. I am using J1900 hardware that runs of a 12v power supply. Standard UPS with 7Ah battery can keep it up 30 minutes or so without power.

[Tory Deron via Ale]

For the record, here is the rest of the items I used for my build...

Case...

http://www.microcenter.com/product/457969/carbide-clear-400c-atx-compact-mid-tower-computer-case---black

Power supply...

http://www.microcenter.com/product/461141/rmx-series-rm1000x-1000-watt-80-plus-gold-modular-atx-power-supply

RAM...

http://www.microcenter.com/product/481738/ripjaws-v-16gb-2-x-8gb-ddr4-3200-pc4-25600-cl16-dual-channel-desktop-memory-kit

CPU Cooler...

http://www.microcenter.com/product/373900/hyper-212-evo-universal-cpu-cooler

Other parts, such as the hard drive, which was a Samsun SSD, I yanked
from my old computer.

Tory

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux.  I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :)  It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years.  Typically, just buy
them.  What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB.  How will it install in that
board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one.  I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory.  I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming.  My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online.  I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris
_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo

[Tory Deron via Ale]

Sorry, correction.  I got the 750 Watt power supply, not the 1000.  Copy
and paste error.

This is the correct one...

http://www.microcenter.com/product/503338/rm750x-750-watt-80-plus-gold-atx-modular-power-supply-2018

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux.  I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :)  It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years.  Typically, just buy
them.  What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB.  How will it install in that
board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one.  I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory.  I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming.  My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online.  I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris
_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo

[Jim Lynch via Ale]

I don't know what you need with two monitors, however if you are like
me, I use a second monitor as additional display real estate.  When
developing I have my edit screen(s) and the terminal window up on one
display and use the other to view the results or for language
reference.  I use synergy to share the mouse and keyboard.  The second
computer is just an older computer that I retired from being my main
computer.  I understand that synergy runs on the R-pi so that's an
option also.

That's just a suggestion in case you not running an app that needs dual
monitors.

Jim.

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux.  I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :)  It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years.  Typically, just buy
them.  What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB.  How will it install in that
board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one.  I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory.  I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming.  My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online.  I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris
_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo

_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
***@ale.org
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/ma

[Simba via Ale]

The second monitor is for watching Star Trek while you work, of course:

Loading Image...


Simba Lion - https://tailpuff.net
https://keybase.io/simbalion

"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

Post by Jim Lynch via Ale
I don't know what you need with two monitors, however if you are like
me, I use a second monitor as additional display real estate.  When
developing I have my edit screen(s) and the terminal window up on one
display and use the other to view the results or for language
reference.  I use synergy to share the mouse and keyboard.  The second
computer is just an older computer that I retired from being my main
computer.  I understand that synergy runs on the R-pi so that's an
option also.
That's just a suggestion in case you not running an app that needs dual
monitors.
Jim.

I'm in the need of building a new workstation to run Linux.  I ran
phoenix test suite to compare my desktop with its hdd against the
Samsung 960 EVO and the results create a sense of urgency closed to a
911 call :)  It is taking me way too long to compile my code.
I've not built a computer in over 10 years.  Typically, just buy
them.  What I'm wanting to try to make it is better to build than to buy.
I found this Ryzen combo on new egg.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3835363
I want to use the Samsung 960 EVEO 256GB.  How will it install in that
board?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFFH81S2396&cm_re=Samsung_970_EVO-_-9SIAFFH81S2396-_-Product
Found this case on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL84521W2U-Tower-Supply/dp/B003WQ4URS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539385373&sr=8-3&keywords=450w+computer+case
I'd like to use dual montiors, but the mother board only has one.  I
could op for MB without video and use NVIDIA card instead?
The last thing I'd need would be 16GB of memory.  I'll load Ubuntu via
USB stick so no DVD/CD drive required.
That MB also is targeted toward gaming.  My graphics target is limited
to no sluggishness in X and when watching a video online.  I need to
compile a lot of code fast.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris
_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo

_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo