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Review of Custom Build For Linux

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  • Custom Build
  • Ubuntu
  • Linux
Last response: in Linux/Free BSD
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July 25, 2014 10:34:44 PM

I am considering assembling a Linux (Ubuntu 14.04) system to replace my aging Sun Workstation/Server. For purposes of comparison I have assembled two different configurations: a single processor i7 and a dual processor Xeon system. As this is my first attempt at a self-built system, I thought I would toss both out here for comments. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has used these components regarding compatibility or incompatibility with Ubuntu, as well as more general comments should you believe that there are better alternatives or issues of which I need to be made aware.

I plan to set up virtualization (probably with Xen or KVM) and run Ubuntu and Windows 7. The system will act as a mail and web server for a small LAN and will be used for CAD, photo editing and software development. Thanks for any insights you can offer.

Single Processor i7 System:
  • CoolerMaster CM Storm Trooper Case
  • Corsair HX750 Watt Power Supply
  • Asus Z97-WS Motherboard (ATX Form Factor)
  • Intel i7-4790K CPU
  • CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler
  • Nvidia Quadro K4000 GPU
  • 32 GB Corsair Vengeance RAM (CMY32GX3M4A1600C9)
  • (2) Sandisk Extreme PRO 960 GB SSD (SDSSDXPS-960G) (Mirrored)
  • (2) Seagate 3TB SATA-III NAS Drives (ST3000VN000) (Mirrored)
  • ICY FlexCage MB973SP-2B Hot-Swap HDD Drive Cage
  • Pioneer 16x BDR-209DBK Blu-Ray/CD/DVD Burner
  • Rosewill RDCR-11003 3.5" USB3 Flash Card Reader/Writer

    Dual Processor Xeon System:
  • Fractal Design DEFINE XL R2 Black Pearl Case
  • Corsair HX850 Watt Power Supply
  • Asus Z9PE-D8 WS Motherboard (EEB Form Factor)
  • (2) Xeon E5-2630 v2 CPUs
  • (2) Dynatron R17 Fan Cooler
  • Nvidia Quadro K4000 GPU
  • 32 GB Crucial PC3-12800 EEC Registered RAM (CT2K16G3ERSLD4160B)
  • (2) Sandisk Extreme PRO 960 GB SSD (SDSSDXPS-960G) (Mirrored)
  • (2) Seagate 3TB SATA-III NAS Drives (ST3000VN000) (Mirrored)
  • ICY FlexCage MB973SP-2B Hot-Swap HDD Drive Cage
  • Pioneer 16x BDR-209DBK Blu-Ray/CD/DVD Burner
  • Rosewill RDCR-11003 3.5" USB3 Flash Card Reader/Writer
  • More about : review custom build linux

    July 25, 2014 10:55:16 PM

    Single cpu system... unless you are going to OC it, get the non-K cpu... save a buck

    Consider CENTOS 7 (7 just got dropped) Good looking deployment and can do everything you want it to. I have CENTO 6.5 in a VirtualBox VM only using 2 cores of my i7 and it is a workhorse... A full deployment with those spec's... Nirvana. You could be doing all the stuff you want without missing a beat.

    Screenshot of the CENTOS Desktop... http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150x100q90/742/uvNTdh....
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    a b 5 Linux
    July 26, 2014 12:20:00 AM

    Generally if you want maximum compatibility do not use hardware that is <6 months old. Especially true for distribution like Ubuntu that doesn't get major kernel updates. Older hardware just works better. Also AMD has much better open source graphics drivers than nvidia...
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    a b 5 Linux
    July 26, 2014 8:34:29 AM

    Hmm, I'd probably go with the Nvidia just because AutoCAD.

    Mmm.

    ECC RAM isn't particularly useful on a CAD system.

    I would go with the 4790K system. Install Windows 7 Pro 64bit and run Ubuntu via VM on it.
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