[ale] Building computers

David Jackson deepbsd.ale at gmail.com
Mon Aug 10 17:03:52 EDT 2020


>>>My local Goodwill permanently closed their refurb computer section. I
tried to order a replacement power supply from Amazon, but the claimed
compatibility list was wrong. Not sure which vendors to publish "right"
info. So I will likely need to build something in the near future.
<<<

As far as PSU compatibility, size is the most frequent problem (ie, it's
got to fit inside the case).  Next I would say "power quality" can be
problematic, but try to stick with 80+ bronze level or better as a
baseline.  Next, non-modular cables can be too big to fit in small cases,
so you might need a modular PSU.  Otherwise, the only major problem at the
present time is low supply of quality PSUs, and that's largely
COVID-related as I understand it.  As far as "right info" the only solution
I know is to become knowledgeable yourself, and asking questions like these
is a good place to start.  Also start watching YouTubes about PC Building.
Tons of info out there nowadays.

>>>I can see an opportunity for
ALE. You could publish a "Build Your Own Box" guide that would save
folks a lot of time, money, and frustration.
<<<

I guess my thought here is that if you want to build a desktop box, Linux
compatibility is no longer a large problem.  If you need some oddball
device, like say a video capture card or some unknown brand of a device,
you might have to do some research, but Linux supports a surprising number
of oddball devices currently.  As far as motherboards, CPUs, memory and
drives, I think you're mostly good unless you buy too much of an off brand
name.  And even then, it will probably work if it's older than, say, 6
months or a year.

There are lots of BYOBox guides currently.  Even the YouTube channels that
discuss Windows builds would probably work about as well for Linux.  I
mentioned one YouTuber I follow named Pauls Hardware.   Here's a link to
his list of saved parts lists on pcpartpicker.com:

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/paulshardware/saved

Pauls Hardware provides one or two parts lists every month.  He'll usually
also do a sponsored build every month as well.

Here's a little older (May 2017) build guide from Bitwit (he starts with an
ad, so begin at about 1:00 into the video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhX0fOUYd8Q

There are tons of YouTube content providers who cover PC building, Linux
and related topics.  Let me know if you need more references on these.

I would definitely recommend pcpartpicker.com for testing out your build
list for compatibility.  Get used to using the filters.

YouTubers instructional videos on building PCs provide tons of information
going back many years.  You can find the recent builds using recent
hardware and see how they put it together and handle everything from cable
management to DIMM conflicts with CPU fans.  My favorite builders are Pauls
Hardware, Bitwit, JayzTwoCents, LinusTechTips to name only a few.  There
are also boutique builders who build heavily modded and custom PCs.  Look
for JPModified and MadMods.  Or just search YouTube for PC modding.  There
are too many to name.

Check out pcpartpicker.com, build a parts list, then share a link with ALE
before you buy, and I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback!  :-D


On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 3:51 PM Leam Hall via Ale <ale at ale.org> wrote:

> My local Goodwill permanently closed their refurb computer section. I
> tried to order a replacement power supply from Amazon, but the claimed
> compatibility list was wrong. Not sure which vendors to publish "right"
> info. So I will likely need to build something in the near future.
>
> In reading the comments you all have made, I can see an opportunity for
> ALE. You could publish a "Build Your Own Box" guide that would save
> folks a lot of time, money, and frustration.
>
> The Wiki seems like it could be updated, is this something that would work?
>
> Leam
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> https://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>
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