building a new comp

[pstj]

Hello,

This may be in the wrong forum, so I apologize if that's the case. So, here's the thing: I want to build a new computer. However, I want this to be a Linux machine. I've decided to switch to Ubuntu Linux, and I was wondering if there was hardware that would be better to get for a Linux machine (this might seem like a simple question, but I'm curious).

Secondly, I don't have much of a budget. I already have a case, a dvd-drive, two video cards (for dual display), a soundcard and a good power supply (350w enermax) I can use with the new mobo. They're all fairly old components, but functional nonetheless. All I really need, then, is a mobo, a processor, some ram, and a new hdd. Afterall, I can always upgrade the rest later on.

So I guess my question is this... what's a good, reliable, ultimately good for future upgrades although affordable, motherboard? My video cards being ATIs, are there mobos better suited to that brand of card? Any suggestions? I've looked around in the forums already, but did not find anything...

thanks in advance

pstj

[Kareeser]

You may be better off having this topic moved to "Build your own PC", but this forum is just as good as any.

What kind of graphics cards do you have? Some cards support dual displays right out of the box...

[pstj]

Well, right now I'm using simply two separate video cards, both ATIs, and both basically Radeon 7200. But right now, I'm not looking to upgrade the cards - not enough cash at the moment. Eventually, I'll definitely need to, though.

[glc]

Are both video cards PCI, or are they one AGP and one PCI? Do you want to go with Intel or AMD? What is your budget?

You are kind of between a rock and a hard spot right now - AGP boards are going away, being replaced by PCI Express. PCI Express uses a new power supply spec - it now has a 24 pin main power connector instead of 20 pin. To keep in budget, you will probably have to do an AGP build, and your upgrade path for the future is going to be somewhat limited that way. However, if both of your video cards are legacy PCI, you can find PCI Express boards that do have 2 legacy slots.

[pstj]

One of the video card is PCI and the other is AGP. Because I want to keep the build as upgradable as I can, I guess would not necessaily mind getting a mobo without an AGP slot, and not have dual display for a bit.

As far as brands go, I prefer Intel (just because that's what I've always had, and never had any problems with it). Although, if necessary, I wouldn't be adverse to using AMD. I have about 400 dollars (canadian) to put on a mobo, a processor, and some ram. Limited budget, I know.

Thanks for all the replies

pstj

EDIT: I forgot to mention the system would be used as a music centre, too. Therefore, onboard sound is not a necessity, as I'm going to add my own soundcard.

[jayb1234]

Take a look at these boards and see which one has the features you need.

About $75-80 for a 2x512 Mb pair of corsair value select will leave about $200 give or take for the processor, which will get either a Dual Core of a pretty fast 5xx or 6xx.

[glc]

You need to add a power supply to your list if you get a PCI-E board.

Jay, you need to look at Canadian vendors, not Newegg, for your recommendations.

[jayb1234]

Oops: Sorry about that.

Rereading the original post a little more closely, I see that i missed the reference to Canada.