Hello Comrades,

Thanks for all your advice about setting up Linux. It was a success. The problem is that I’m now I’m intrigued and I’d like to play around a bit more.

I’m thinking of building a cheap-ish computer but I have a few questions. I’ll split them into separate posts to make things easier. Note: I won’t be installing anything that I can’t get to work on Linux.

Do I need a dedicated graphics card? I’d like to run an HD display as a minimum. (I don’t have a 4k monitor at but I wouldn’t mind upgrading later if I can save up for one.) Mostly, I’ll be streaming or playing videos.

I wouldn’t mind playing some games but is a dedicated GPU needed?

If I should look into a GPU (I can always add it in later), what should I look for? (I’m not really interested in the latest AAA games). I wouldn’t mind playing HOI4 or Victoria 3 as I hear so much about them.

What are your thoughts on second-hand GPUs? This will obviously cut costs but is there anything to watch out for?

  • 小莱卡
    3•10 months ago

    If you’re not playing AAA games, i’d recommend you getting an AMD APU. It’s a processor with integrated graphics, i use Ryzen 7 5700G (it’s under $200). Works perfectly on Linux and should be able to run the grand strategy games easily, for reference i can play honkai star rail at decent framerates (in some zones) 1080p.

    I started my budget computer with a Ryzen 3 3200G which i bought used from Aliexpress, upgraded to 5700G last summer and maybe this summer i get an intel arc gpu but honestly i don’t need it it would be just a quality of life increase. Currently i have no use for the 3200G but i plan to repurpose it into a home server with a mini atx motherboard.

    • @redteaOP
      1•10 months ago

      That looks great. I think for ease of use this might be perfect. It’s good to hear that someone else has had some luck with this setup.

      How much RAM do you have installed with that? And did you go for a special fan for this APU or just a standard fan with maybe an exhaust on the case?

      • 小莱卡
        2•10 months ago

        I have 2 8gb 3600mhz sticks (16gb), i’ve never used 100% of ram so going for more is overkill in my use case. My case does have 2 front fans and i do have a dedicated cpu fan but i’m sure the stock amd wraith fan would’ve been enough, still a dedicated fan is a good investment imo.