@asklemmy@lemmy.world @asklemmy@lemmy.ml @ask l wish to build up a workstation right from scratch, where l can do basic animation, graphics and games. I wish to build it up purely on floss products as l wish to work entirely with Foss.
Can anybody suggest what are the likely hardware components that would go into building up such a workstation ?? I would also be modifying the machine later on according to my requirements, so I need to build it up accordingly.
Most any laptop made in the last 6 years likely supports Vulkan. I’m making a 2D Godot app rn on an Acer spin 720. If you really want to splash some cash, you can build a PC in a case. Intel Arc or AMD card, whatever for other parts. Prices are so crazy rn, I would just buy a mini PC with 3D graphics. Save your money to pay an artist. 😸Install your favorite Linux distro. That’s the real question.
The entry requirements for those specifics are incredibly low.
There are programs like Blender, which could run on a potato, but that will also benefit from having GTX or RTX Nvidia card or any AMD card after like the RX 570 or something.
Outside of that, your largest handicap is going to be RAM. You’re gonna want probably a minimum of 16 gigs, and you’ll hate having only 16 gigs. 32 would be better, 64 is ideal.
My current suggestion for anyone looking for a computer would be to go to eBay and look for used DDR4 systems.
Few people want DDR4 systems because AI benefits from the faster transfer speed of DDR5.
If you’re looking for inexpensive, but up to the task, something like this would probably be ideal as a starter system.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/147674109296
Since it’s AM4 you could probably upgrade the processor to like the 5850, but it might require a bios update first.
As far as your FOSS requirements, wipe the drive, install a Linux on it, (i’m personally rather fond of CachyOS) and slap on whatever software you want, and you should be good to go.
And if you find yourself needing something like an Adobe software, look into the vibe-coded art craft stuff. It does almost everything that the Adobe things do, and it’s free.
And they are spending credits like Mad Men working out all the bugs with it. So even though they are not ready for prime time, they’re still close enough right now that you can at least get your feet wet.
