On 5/29/25 11:13, Russell L. Harris wrote:
Should I purchase a used computer with AMD RX550 video?
On 5/29/25 14:17, Russell L. Harris wrote:
<snip> Thanks, Dan & Andrew. I don't play games; I use the computer
for composition using emacs and latex.
Blair has a close-out sale on W10 machines, and it seemed a good
opportunity to pick up a replacement for this machine, which is
starting to give trouble. All of my machines are old hand-me-downs;
I install Debian on them, except for one Window$ machine which I
need to view the CHEWY website.
RLH
The only reliable method I have found for determining if a specific
version of a specific FOSS OS works on a specific computer with specific
hardware is to test. Perhaps you could take Debian Live media to Blair
and test before purchase?
Back in the day, I had problems with FOSS OS's on computers with
discreet graphics and/or non-Intel integrated graphics. My solution
since then has been to buy computers with Intel processors and Intel
integrated graphics. This strategy works, so long as the hardware has
been out long enough for the Intel open-source reference code to be
included in Debian Stable.
I suggest getting a PC with ECC memory. Memory has become so large now
that the bit error rate is something to worry about. I consider ECC
memory to be required for ZFS.
My daily driver for several months last year was a Dell Precision 3630
with a Xeon E-2174G processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics P630, 2 @
16 GB ECC memory modules, and 2.5" SATA SSD. The computer was very
responsive and had more than enough power for my needs.
However, the small tower cases used by Dell for their entry-level
workstations and servers have marginal cooling if you populate the
expansion slots and/or internal 3.5" drive bays. When I installed HDD's
in the two bottom drive bays of the Precision 3630, I also added a Dell
front fan and bracket. I do not see an obvious way to add cooling for
the one remaining drive bay (front).
If the computer is going to have graphic cards, sound cards, network
cards, PCIe drive cards, disk drives, etc., it would be better to start
with a full tower case, vibration isolated internal drive bays, sound
absorbing liner, big power supply, large fans, and suitable motherboard/
CPU/ memory. This is how I built my SOHO servers.
David
