Looking to build new linux machine, need input

[FictionPimp]

Hello. I'm looking to build a new linux machine. I want it to be fairly high end (p4 2.4 or amd xp 2500+) I'm not sure on what linux distro I am going to use, but I am leaning twoards debian. The new machine needs to be able to play Unreal tourny 2003 and Neverwinter nights (both have linux versions) So I definatly need a large video card. Anyways, does anyone have a suggestion on a motherboard/videocard combo that will work well with very little driver issues w/ linux? I was looking at the nforce chipset but I have read some horror stories about that chipset and linux. I just want to make sure i'm not going to have a horrible time getting the machine running. I'm also looking to spend around 800 - 1000 US $ for the machine.

thanks

 

[SnailBoy]

You might want to try Gentoo. It's very customizeable (perhaps TOO customizeable ), and probably one of the best source-based distros out there, and you can tune it to your hardware and such (though I'd don't know a lot about running it on an nForce 2 - I've been meaning to put it on some of the nForces at work . . .) However, if you're trying to get this up fast you may want to stick with debian, as debian is a bit easier to install.

 

[jose]

Try RedHat 9.0 is supports the 845e chipsets, haven't tried a Canterwood mobo yet, but will soon in the next couple of days.

I'd go with either a Asus P4B533e w/ a 2.8(533fsb) or the newer P4C800 w/ a 2.6(800fsb) combo.

I have several servers w/ the 845 chipset & use a GF4400 video w/ a 19" Viewsonic VG191 lcd.

I'd also get 1 gig of ram. Under linux it does make a difference. My server (1.7) w/ 1 gig seems faster than my workstations (2.4ghz).

Also get your distro. patched from the initial install. ie kernel & rpm's

Regards,
Jose

 

[HumbleFish]

Hi, I'd vote for Mandrake (especially if your new to Linux) for it is very easy to deal with (very easy to install) and very nice in appearance... Also, I would choose a Nvida Video card for they have drivers and support for Linux.

 

[SnailBoy]

Mmmmm . . . Mandrake. Forgot about Mandrake.

 

[jose]

Didn't mandrake almost go out of business ?

I recommended RH9.0 because it has the largest commercial support of any distro in the US.

Regards,
Jose

 

[Brian48]

I actually like the new Mandrake 9.1. They've come a long way and the installation routine is even better than Red Hat in my opinion. Anyway, I've used both and it's essentially a toss-up between the two.

A good link you might want to check out. Especially if you have the bandwidth to download all the various distributions.

http://linuxiso.org/

 

[dexvx]

The latest versions of Mandrake and RedHat are so bloated it makes Windows XP system look like a lean mean operating machine. However, they are probably the easiest to install and configure.

 

[FictionPimp]

Thanks for the input guys. I think i'm gonna go with a intel board with 865 chipset, a soundblaster live, geforce 4 ti 4600, 1 gig ram, and a p4 2.4ghz.

I tend to stay away from mandrake and redhat in the past because of their bloated feeling, but I might give them a shot again.

 

[jfall]

Good idea on selecting an Nvidia card, they have great support for linux. Everything else looks good too, Linux will love the 1gb of ram. I would try out Redhat 9 with the new bluecurve window manager.

 

[vash]

If you plan on this machine being a desktop, make sure to use a distrobution somewhat geared for desktop use (namely Preempt and low latency patches). RedHat, Mandrake and Gentoo all use these patches as the default, so you'd be set there. Going with Debian, you can obtain the patch for your machine easily, but it just one extra step. Stick with Nvidia's card for Linux, their drivers are very good and quite mature.

vash

 

[Macro2]

Lycoris. You'll think you're still running XP.

Mac

PS...try Knoppix. It runs from a boot CD. Gives you a nice taste of Linux without having to install. Supposedly it looks like Gentoo...but I've never seen Gentoo...

 

[jose]

FictionPimp:

check my post on chipsets. It looks like you'd have to build your own 2.4.21 custom kernel to work w/ the 865/867 chipsets.

Basically the 845 & the E7505 are supported in the 2.4.20 kernels , but their are issues w/ canterwood/springdale right now.

If you wait for the 2.5.xx kernels , it will probably be supported then . ie RH10

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=34&threadid=1115176

Regards,
Jose

 

[fow99]

Slackware.

 

[FictionPimp]

Thanks for the info, I didnt' see that above. I havn't ordered yet because i'm still putting together some last minute reseach ( I like to plan everything out.) I'll go with a 845. Its not like I really need a huge PC for linux

Originally posted by: jose
FictionPimp:

check my post on chipsets. It looks like you'd have to build your own 2.4.21 custom kernel to work w/ the 865/867 chipsets.

Basically the 845 & the E7505 are supported in the 2.4.20 kernels , but their are issues w/ canterwood/springdale right now.

If you wait for the 2.5.xx kernels , it will probably be supported then . ie RH10

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=34&threadid=1115176

Regards,
Jose