Hello Comrades,
Thanks for all your advice about setting up Linux. It was a success. The problem is that I’m now I’m intrigued and I’d like to play around a bit more.
I’m thinking of building a cheap-ish computer but I have a few questions. I’ll split them into separate posts to make things easier. Note: I won’t be installing anything that I can’t get to work on Linux.
Do I need a dedicated graphics card? I’d like to run an HD display as a minimum. (I don’t have a 4k monitor at but I wouldn’t mind upgrading later if I can save up for one.) Mostly, I’ll be streaming or playing videos.
I wouldn’t mind playing some games but is a dedicated GPU needed?
If I should look into a GPU (I can always add it in later), what should I look for? (I’m not really interested in the latest AAA games). I wouldn’t mind playing HOI4 or Victoria 3 as I hear so much about them.
What are your thoughts on second-hand GPUs? This will obviously cut costs but is there anything to watch out for?
If you only do regular desktop stuff or just some light gaming, you will probably be fine with integrated GPU. But beware, your CPU does need to have one (not all ones do). Also, when you are using an integrated GPU you are dedicating part of your RAM for that GPU so in the end you will have less RAM available, usually it is something like 2 GB, but it is something to keep in mind.
To be honest, I would probably avoid latest GPU stuff, most of them are not worth it in my opinion. Too expensive and too power hungry. But it depends on your options and what you want to play.
Second hand is usually fine. Even if it was used for crypto, if it was properly cooled and taken care for (although that is usually hard to know for sure).
You will have the easiest time with AMD GPUs, they are basically plug and play. The only reason for going with nvidia would be their proprietary stuff like DLSS and better ray tracing. Or if you do some work that could benefit from CUDA (machine learning, 3d modeling).
Thanks for this advice. I think that just about sums me up:
I’ll price up some different options, then, one with an integrated GPU and one with a dedicated card.