Computer dedicated to Linux

[gregory99]

Hi I want to build a computer(desktop) for Debian and I don't know what to buy, I have some knowledge in gaming hardware but not much on Linux. (If you think I should use another OS please tell me but I want it free, open source and not proprietary, and not so easy that I wouldn't learn a thing about Linux)
I want to use it for programming, I have a decent budget so don't hesitate to propose something expensive.

I'd like it to be as eco friendly as possible and yet powerful enough so I would never have to change computers in the next 5 years while learning computer science. I would also like to be able to play Dota 2 and any indie game (even those with good graphics like Firewatch but I dont't think I'll ever play an AAA on it).

Thank you, for your time.

[arochester]

https://kitchentablecomputers.com/linux3.php ?

[CwF]

My "WinTV quad-HD" have 'win' in the name! They have been flawless since Stretch, though need firmware, like most things.

[LE_746F6D617A7A69]

One of the most important, but often underestimated component of the desktop PC is the case.
Best PC case in the market today: Fractal Design series

PSU: cheap Chieftec 500..600W - very good qality/price factor, don't waste your money on Ultimate/SuperSilent/BlackEdition PSUs - they are not worth it.

CPU: If not Theadripper, then obviously one of the Ryzens: best price/performance/power_consumption factor.
IMO 3700X is the most optimal choice: very low power consumption, 8 cores/16 threads. Under Linux all the cores are automatically boosted to over 4GHz, but the exact frequency depends on CPU temperature.

MOBO: Definitely nothing X570-based - this chipset requires active cooling -> problems. Besides, PCI-E 4.0 is useless today -> better wait for X670 . As for today, I would suggest to buy some high quality X470-based MB, my personal choice: Asrock Taichi Ultimate X470 - 100% linux compatible, excellent BIOS interface.
Remark: X470 MB may require BIOS upgrade to support 3rd gen Ryzen Matisse series.

RAM: anything with XMP2.0 support, rated @3200MHz, of course, the shorter timings the better ...

GFX: Here we have a problem, because Buster uses old Mesa version v18.3 - no support for newest GFX cards - I would suggest to install testing (Bullseye) which has Mesa v20.1
With Mesa v20 practically all new cards will work.

As for the GFX model - it really depends what You like, f.e for AMD: RX580 .... AMD Pro, NV: GTX 1080 ... RTX 2080.

Of course this is only my personal opinion, and You should do Your own research anyway.

Regards

[stevepusser]

With Mesa v20 practically all new cards will work.

Not so fast there, pardner! What about Debian's old firmware problem?

[LE_746F6D617A7A69]

Not so fast there, pardner! What about Debian's old firmware problem?

Ha! You can get the latest firmware from MX repo!