RFC: Linux And Windows Multi-Boot PC

I wish to migrate from an early 2009 MacBook Pro (17" Display), running OS X (primary partition) and Window 7 Ultimate (Boot Camp partition) to a PC running Linux, Windows, and other Unix like OS. I have been looking at the Slade series but when I try to confirm Linux support for the individual hardware I 'm coming up with mixed results.

01. Budget: $4,000.00 USD more or less (I can stretch a bit for the hardware that supports all of my goals, but I am very ambivalent about spending even $2,000.00 USD for a Windows only machine.)

02. Expectations: A quiet, multi-boot, dual monitor, entertainment system, suitable for high end MMORPGs as well as older games. Able to play music, TV shows, and movies from sources like iTunes, CDs, DVD, but not anything from Blue-Ray. Suitable for some basic audio and video recording and editing but not at a professional level. Must support Linux (primary), Windows (entertainment), and Steam OS (experimental). May run some other Unix like OS in a virtual machine.

03. Usage: The Linux partition will be home for generic office, educational, and possibly some software development.

The Windows partition will be for high end MMORPGs such as The Secret World and the Elder Scrolls Online. Older MMORPGs such as EVE Online, The Lord of the Rings Online, and World of Warcraft. Variety of stand alone games ranging from older games to new releases: 7th Guest, Myst, BioShock series, Elder Scrolls series, Fallout series, Portal, Sid Myers Civilization V.

Recording and editing podcasts. Recording game play and creating video tutorials. Minor photo editing.

Playing music, TV shows, and movies from iTunes, CDs, and DVDs.

The Steam OS partition will be for testing the OS and Linux ports of games targeted for Steam OS

Other partitions will be ad hoc testing of other Unix like OS and their applications.

04. Special Needs: (1) Solid Linux hardware support. (2) Quiet, very, very quiet. (3) Support for large internal and external HDDs. (4) Hardware VM support for software VM systems such as Virtual Box. (5) One SSD to support all of the OS and a larger SSD to support all of the larger high end MMORPG game clients.

* I am not committed to any particular Linux release so I am fairly flexible on Linux distributions supported.

** I understand that Steam OS is still experimental, and I hope to help with testing the OS and any games intended to run under Steam OS.

*** I already have a retail version of Windows 7 Ultimate, which allows me to move it to a new machine so I'd prefer to avoid buying an OEM version of Windows.

Here is one attempt at building a machine that meets most of the above. It needs a second display but most everything else is configured. More than a bit over budget and not certain about full hardware Linux support.

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/compload550d.asp?id=932392

Edited 2014-03-06
I tweaked the configuration a bit.

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/compload550d.asp?id=932855


Edited by Theokritos - 06 Mar 2014 at 8:06am

AMD maybe your best bet for Video. I hate saying that, but I believe they have worked with the open source community for a while on open source drivers. Nvidia has only recently started working with the open source community in support of open source drivers. Though, project Nouveau for drivers, that Nvidia has recently announced they will be supporting.

I would check to make sure that linux drivers are available for all motherboard devices (i.e. audio, network, ...) from the motherboard manufacturer. If not, checking with the community for the linux flavor you are interested in having installed.

Or, contact DS directly with either chat, email or telephone to ask if they can get the system you want working on the Linux flavor you want.

Edited by danjw1 - 05 Mar 2014 at 5:24pm

Can anyone offer a suitable replacement for the ASUS Sabertooth X79 mother board in this build?

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/compload550d.asp?id=932855

Based on the more current posts that I can find on the internet, ASUS appears to be rather wishy-washy on Linux support. If Linux works great, if not, too bad.  vOv

Everything else on the build appears to be fine in a Linux environment so if there is a suitable mother board replacement, I'm ready to go.

P.S. My question to the DS Sales department has already been answered. I have yet to hear back from DS Technical Support on my Linux questions. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will have good news.

Can't speak of the Linux support, but the Asrock Ext9 is an ATX size mobo , the same as the Sabertooth.   Should fit just fine.   The Asrock actually has more features, like more sata 6, I believe,   but the Sabertooth does have the longer warranty.  5 years for Sabertooth vs 3 years for Asrock. 




Edited by bprat22 - 10 Mar 2014 at 7:24am

Yeah, you probably searched the same areas i did, Google, etc., and I did find no official support with Asus mobos but plenty have done it with no problem.  

Probably good to go where you know you'll get support, just in case. 

I wish to thank everyone who has taken their time to share their knowledge and expertise in helping me reach my configuration goals. Here is the configuration that I am basing my order upon.

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/compload550d.asp?id=934189

I am replacing the ASUS Sabertooth X79 motherboard with an ASRock X79 Extreme9. The second SSD is going to be 240GB and will house the games while the 120GB SSD will house the various OSes and swap files. Finally, I am going for two ASUS VG248QE Displays for the dual monitors.

Now I just have to wait for the processing of the order.

Thanks again.  *\o/*

2014-03-17 - I found a nice video, Newegg TV: ASRock X79 Extreme9 LGA 2011 Intel X79 ATX Intel Motherboard Overview, for those who are interested in this special order item.


Edited by Theokritos - 17 Mar 2014 at 2:34pm