Best/energy efficient CPU/Chipset/Motherboard for 64bit Fedora?

[Robin Laing]

dondi_2006 wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> thanks to all who quickly answered my question about 64 bit Fedora.
> If, as you explained, the only thing missing now is Flash support and
> there are no kernel/drivers issues of any kind, I guess it's OK for me.
> I had initially thought to Pentium M for the case below, but looks like
> some AMD 64 bit chip with the right chipset would be equally good or
> better (just tell me if I'm wrong).
> 
> As said in previous message, I will need this box for heavy openoffice stuff, web browsing, email plus lots of software compiling and video editing (no gaming). And it's very important to have it always silent,
> and using as little energy as possible when not in interactive use.
> 
> Now I'd appreciate your help to figure out the best CPU/Chipset/
> motherboard mix for the scenario below. Yes, most of the theoretical
> info could be found online, but I would really feel better having
> feedback from expert Fedora users. Datasheets and reviews tell you
> only so much, especially when actual compatibility and real usage
> with a given distro are concerned. So, here are the specs:
> 
> * MicroAtx (bigger cases would simply not fit in my current space :-( )
> * 100% Fedora Linux/FOSS compatible (BIOS included?)
> * lowest possible power consumption
> * balanced system, that is compensate for not using the fastest possible
>   CPU with faster chipset, ram, drives 
> * possibility to lower clock frequency and/or suspend (SATA) drives when 
>   nothing heavy is going on, or for regulating fan speed according to
>   temperature
> * on board audio and video (DVI output would be nice, but not necessary)
> * at least 2 GB of RAM (which type is best?)
> * PCI express slot(s) in case of future expansions
> 
> Thank you so much for your help,
> 
> Webber
> 
> 
> 

Dual core AMD for video.

There was a review of different processors being tested that put the 
dualcore AMD's on top for both processing power and energy efficiency.

I only look at ASUS boards myself.

IEEE ports and sata.

If you are going to be doing video editting, I would be looking at a 
bigger case to allow for additional HD;s in the future.  This will be 
important.

I would also get nVidia for video card.

I have seen some water cooling but a leak occured and toasted the MB.

Search for ultra quiet info on Google to select your fans and case. 
Also location can make a big difference.  I found that my home 
computer has a frequency that it produces that resonated on the desk 
which made it louder.  A piece of foam fixed that problem. :)