[ale] Computer build requirements list

[David Jackson]

Hey Leam,

I think Dev workstations like you describe don't require a whole lot.  You
just want fairly recent hardware so you're not wasting a lot of compile
time.  You can take a look at some of my old build lists here:
https://pcpartpicker.com/user/deepbsd/saved/

While many of these are dated builds, the AMD $600 list at the top is
pretty recent.  It's using a placeholder graphics card, and you can change
out the case for one of your preference.  If you upgrade to a gaming
graphics card, I would upgrade the power supply to about 600 watts or so.
You could also upgrade the CPU to a Ryzen 7 3700(X) if you like.  A couple
more cores for VMs or whatever.  If your budget allows you could try a
fancier motherboard, like a B550 or X570, although they're still pretty
pricey.  You might be able to use some of the features they offer.
Personally, I really like an NVMe main drive.  I like the speed.

Since we're talking about compile times or how long it takes to pass tests,
sometimes my tests require some number crunching.  In those cases, my Intel
builds tend to zip through a little faster.  I think Intel overclocks a
little easier than Ryzen currently.  Actually, I'm not sure it's worth it
to overclock a Ryzen CPU these days, because they boost quite well.  Still,
Intel single core speeds will probably save you some time on compiling
larger trees or heavy numeric crunches.  Just in my humble experience.

I envy you, Leam!  I always look forward to a computer build!  Exciting!
(I'm kind of like an addict ready to go on a binge!)



On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 8:03 AM Leam Hall via Ale <ale at ale.org> wrote:

> On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 7:20 AM Jerald Sheets <questy at gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Aug 26, 2020, at 7:48 PM, Leam Hall via Ale <ale at ale.org> wrote:
> >
> > >  My plan is to do Coursera courses on
> > > C and OS stuff, and run containers locally in Dev mode before putting
> > > them up on AWS. Though the container mission might get put onto
> > > another machine. I'd like this one to be lower impact.
> >
> > DockerHub?
>
> While there are several good container alternatives (Digital Ocean,
> Google App Engine, Hashicorp, Heroku), AWS has the market share in my
> work domain. So doing a container locally and then putting it in AWS
> is part of the learning plan.
>
> Realistically, I'd probably do application stuff instead of OS/Kernel
> stuff. Still, it's nice to be able to build and tune my own kernel.
>
> > > CPU/Cores/RAM: It would be nice to have multiple CPUs and multiple
> > > cores per CPU, mostly in case I head to that sort of programming. With
> > > 2 CPUs and 4 cores, the old machine had 8GB or RAM and was fast
> > > enough. Since I do TDD, being able to run tests quickly is nice.
> > > Prefer AMD to Intel.
> >
> > Honestly, man… Digital Ocean’s $5/mo droplet looks like your choice for
> a dev workstation.  Pre-pay the whole year and have it out of your hair.
>
> I prefer in-house dev environments; it let's me build my Ansible
> skills setting them up, and I already have to have some hardware
> anyway.
>
> > Second, add Udemy and Linux Academy if you can afford it.  I just passed
> CSA Assoc and Practitioner in the last 3 weeks.  I prepared for
> Practitioner for a week and tested then assoc. for like 2 weeks and sat for
> the test.
> >
> > Test scores running mid-80%.  Linux Academy for the training lectures
> and example quizzes. Udemy for test batteries (usually a grouping of 5) and
> the company has LI learning if I want a different kind of lecture in case I
> wasn’t “getting” what was being said.
>
> Had not known about Linux Academy, nice! Udemy has several AWS courses,
> too.
>
> > > Economy: Not sure what the cost level will be. Recommendations on
> "best bang for buck" appreciated.
> >
> > With the above in place, you can truly have a “commodity” machine at
> home like a Chromebook or small-ish off-the-shelf computer from Wal-Mart
> even.
>
> Part of the process is building the "rebuilding" skills. I'm currently
> using Ansible to set up the developer workstation, and mostly forcing
> myself to use it for the rebuild I'm currently in.  :)
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