https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LhM9gJ


Above is a build I figured out though I wondered if using the Ryzen3 3200G 3.6 GHz or the Ryzen5 3400G 3.7 GHz how much of a difference in speed?


Than, should I use a MSI motherboard

MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard

Or

Gigabyte X570 UD ATX AM4 Motherboard <---this one is cheaper but is it better?

This is my undecided nature.

Thanks

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LhM9gJ

i don't know about faster or better, but compatibility is also a factor you might consider. a few links where you might be able to find some info on that: ubuntuforums, linux-hardware.org and askubuntu.

i mention that because my new (to me) thinkpad W540 is objectively both faster and "better" than my older T430s, but the nvidia gpu and clickpad gave me way more problems to troubleshoot in the setup phase

Advantage of the 3400G is SMT. The 3200G is quad core quad thread, 3400G is quad core, octo thread. If you're doing stuff that supports multi-threading (video editing, photo editing, 3d design, databases, VM's, etc) then it can provide a 20-30% advantage over the 3200G in perfromance. In lightly threaded tasks (spreadsheets, games, etc) the 3200G & 3400G are very nearly identical.

That said, why are you pairing a low-end APU with an extremely expensive X570 motherboard? For a couple dollars more (ok, ~$100), I'd pick up a 3300x (zen2, going to be MUCH better performance than either of the APU's for a few more dollars) and a really inexpensive GPU like a RX550. While it won't be night and day, it'll be a fair amount faster in every aspect (cpu and gpu).

I been reading articles for finding motherboards that are compatible with Linux Mint or Ubuntu. If I use the distribution forums they always say you can use almost any motherboard. The sites that have lists of hardware are in some cases out of dated like ubuntu's HCL.

I am tried to keep the cost down with using the 3200G. The motherboard and CPU was in a AMD Linux desktop build I read. I would be using shotwell and avidemux playing music videos and mp3 wed surfing. I could go with gigabyte mo which could save me around a 100.00 more. I have a Nvidia 1050 currently in the current Linux box which is a second gen i3.

Gigabyte X570 UD

Though now I am wondering if this system would run LM19 or LM20.




As for laptops I use Thinkpad t520 which has not issues if you chance to the Intel GPU. My next one would be Thinkpad T440p due to it having the back-lighted keyboard.

dave67,

You may find the info here useful:
https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...og.php?b=38257

I would definitely use the Ryzen 5 3400G for the reasons stated in my blog.

In addition there is no real need to be buying the more expensive MSI X570 board.

PCI-E Gen 4 should not be a consideration in this instance, in my opinion:
https://www.onlogic.com/company/io-h...ding-pcie-4-0/

In addition those X570 chipsets run hot! Use Google to confirm.

The MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX board is a superb piece of kit, will do the job you require and it is cheaper:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MSI-B450-TO...tronics&sr=1-2

You can run any Linux distro you wish.

Yes I have read article or two on PCI-E 4 and I think its too new and expensive. I did read about the X570 boards running hot was a red flag for me. The shocking part of this was we picked the same board chipset. I found this board that will fix it but now I am pondering ATX, mATX


Amazon does not seem to have the MSI B450 TOMAHAWK Max

ATX Motherboard (B450M PRO-M2 Max)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XH4SK17...osi&th=1&psc=1


Amazon does not seem to have the MSI B450 TOMAHAWK Max the link was broken but its over 200 and that is over the budget.


Most of the tomahawks are flagged shipping from china that could be an issue.

dave67,

There are other sellers.

Here is a seller with 100% feedback:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-B450-TO...Condition=1000

Personally I would go for ATX.

Another one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-B450-TO...Condition=1000

I got the tomahawk B450 max The system is built. I have a question The current Bios version is 7c02v36 There is a 7c02v37 bios update I have it downloaded. Should I update?

Thanks

dave67,

Yes, it is best to have the latest BIOS version.

Since it's MAX, yes, get the latest. Earlier B450 systems you might not want the latest BIOS unless you have a Zen2 based chip, but with the MAX initial bios being a Zen2 supported, keep it updated.

My LM20 desktop is built and running fantastically.

dave67,

I am pleased to hear your new machine is running well.

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