system for linux desktop

[sierrakilo]

Hi all,

Its been quite a while since I built a system so I could do with some help ('some' may be an understatement).

I am looking for a system that can run Ubuntu desktop (with developer apps for PHP etc.) with the most intense requirement probably being BSG online

Not sure about a budget but what could I get for about £400?

Thanks

[chrestomanci]

£400 should be plenty, depending on your needs.

There is not much different from choosing a PC to run windows as one to run Linux. You spec out the processor speed, memory, monitor, HD etc to suit your needs.

The main difference to worry about is the graphics card. If you want high end graphics, then go for an nVidia card and install their closed source drivers. If the budget won't stretch to to high end graphics then go to eBay and spend a tenner on a low end ATI card and use the open source drivers. (Or buy a system with an AMD (ATI) chipset & integrated graphics. If in doubt take an Ubuntu live CD with you to a store and ask to boot from it to check the system works correctly.

The other thing of course is to look for smaller retailer such as scan or Novatech who charge extra for windows, so you can save the £90 by leaving it out.

[sierrakilo]

Thanks for that.

I forgot to say I want to run 2 monitors off it. I already have a 27" WS so possibly looking for a 21"+ as a second.