I've thought about having a desktop computer for a while, but I don't have much space and I tend to have to move pretty often. A tower would be a nuisance. I found this guide:

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to...a-mini-itx-pc/

Overall this stuff looks like it should be mostly compatible with Linux, but are there any pitfalls I should be aware of? Any replacements?

In particular, I'm not so keen on an SSD. I'd rather have more space. I assume a 2 TB 2.5" HDD could be substituted in pretty easily?

Other suggestions would also be appreciated.

It depends on how you use your computer and what apps you usually run. For basic use I have a Gigabyte Brix. They can come as a bare bones system i.e. no memory or hard drive. I've not tried wifi but Mint runs well.

Nothing about that hardware raises any alarms for me, but I have no way of testing that. You might try doing a web search for "[device make/model] linux"; that could well turn up more definitive information.

I have a Zareason computer with an ASRock motherboard and it works quite nicely, though I don't know whether the motherboard is the same model as the one at the link and I'm too lazy to open up the machine and look.

Regarding switching the HDD, I can see no problem as long as the physical dimensions of the devices are the same, and, in my experience, those are pretty standardized these days, but that would be something else to check.

Just my two cents.

Afterthought:

Many native Linux computer vendors, such as Zareason, ThinkPenguin, and System76 offer mini computers that are guaranteed to work with Linux. Unless you really really want to build your own, you might consider looking into them.

Mini ITX computers can be fitted into smaller cases, which usually cost more than regular cases.

If you just want a desktop computer, doing normal tasks, (i.e. no heavy use of processor or ram), maybe consider an SBC (Single Board Computer) instead.

I'm using a Raspberry Pi3B+ at this very moment responding to your post.
(It is approx 4" x 3" x 1")

P.S. It is also silent, no fan.

irkkaaja,

You say space is a problem and you move frequently.

Just remember that your desktop PC also requires a monitor.

In your position, I think you would be better off with something easily portable like a Lenovo 2TB laptop such as this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenovo-Th...oAAOSwvLtem5FT

The usual pitfalls of a build may be sound and wifi and secondly video.

I'd assume that any modern board would support a 2Tb drive.

A lot of the new boards have M.2 slots that may be of some use. System on M.2 and data on mechanical drive?


I see some mini desktops for sale online and even refurbished. They tend to not have OS on them which makes it maybe less expensive.