Linux gaming PC build

Gaming
1

With my 2017 laptop starting to struggle with even indie titles and Windows 10 reaching EoL, it’s time to upgrade.

For the first time since 2001 I have decided to build a tower instead of opting for a laptop, I will have to set up a desk and use some space for it.

My three main focuses are; mid range built for long-levity and upgradability, Linux support and one external 5.25" bay.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
Storage: Kingston NV2 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card: Sapphire NITRO+ Radeon RX 7700 XT 12 GB Video Card
Case: Nanoxia Deep Silence 8 Pro
Power Supply: Corsair RM750x (2024) 750 W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Monitor: LG UltraGear 27GS85Q 27
Optical: Asus DRW-24D5MT
Keyboard: Keychron C3 Pro
OS: Manjaro

Main issue have been to find a tower with 5.25 support. Also components have been selected based on local prises and availability. Depending on when I actually decide to start ordering.

I will also at some later point add another storage drive for redundancy and long term storage, I don’t know whether SSD or HDD is better, but it’s specced for both and can even handle a faster SSD.

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2

Most arguments support using HDD vs SDD for longer term storage backups. Also, don’t leave SSDs un-powered more than 3 years, and store them within their suggested temperature range.

https://www.xda-developers.com/reasons-you-should-shouldnt-use-ssd-for-backups/

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3

That’s good to know. I will wait with a HDD until later, so I can do some reading first. But I can use both 2.5 and 3.5, don’t know what will give most dampening in the tower, probably 2.5.

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4

My previous case was a Phanteks Enthoo Pro, and it had room for several optical bays, if you need to consider an alternative case for availability reasons.

My current build (https://pcpartpicker.com/b/pmhtt6) is my first without an optical bay, and I have never once missed it. Case airflow is just so much better when the entire front can be devoted to fans, and all my games are on Steam anyway.

My honest recommendation is to forget about the drive bay. If you absolutely need one, there are USB optical drives that are quite affordable which could sit next to the case. Then, you can really open up your case selection (I really really like my Fractal Torrent, FWIW. Easiest case I’ve ever built in and superb airflow).

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