I know this is a hardware related question but I plan on using slack 10, so I thought I'd post here.

I'm in the process of setting up a new system (new motherboard/ram/cpu). I just can't decide if I should go with Asus or Gigabyte.

One package I am looking at (eagerly) is this one: http://images10.newegg.com/UploadFil...igabyte/2.html

The other would be the same processor (AMD athlon 64 2800+) with an Asus K8N.

Which would you take for compatibility and performance? I will be using this computer as a simple home studio (recording music) and for regular desktop use (It will be running 24/7).

I read a story about ASUS being anti Linux.
http://www.mozillaquest.com/Linux04/..._Story-01.html

update: it looks like they do support Linux at the moment. This article was published almost half a year ago. Thanks kodon for pointing that out.

hmm...hadn't heard that before (re: Asus)
i have been using the older A7V model without problems.

anyways, i went and checked the Asus website after reading the article...
and they have linux drivers available for download.

Ah, okay. I didn't know that. Then my advice is outdated. Sorry for that.

maybe it was articles like that that changed their position on linux


if so, other companies need to feel some pressure from the linux community as well

I've used both with equal success with Linux. Good boards. I'd go with the Gigagyte.

Did you find drivers for the Gigabyte board(s) you used under linux, or did you simply use other peripherals, (i.e. not onboard).

I've never really had much of a problem with drivers, it's just a matter of knowing your hardware, and compiling your kernel correctly Both boards normally use VIA chipsets. Make sure that you compile that driver into your kernel and you'll have a nice zippy system.

And yes, if the components are onboard, I will use them.

I'm pretty sure both motherboards I am looking at (asus k8n-e, and gigabyte k8ns) have the nforce chipset.

And I don't think I am ready to go about compiling my kernel ... (fairly new to linux).

Do you think that would create any problems for me?

nforce will work fine as well. The only chip maker that I've ever had problems with is ATI. Stay away from ATI.

Compiling a kernel is actually quite easy the the 2.6 version. It's essentially checking a series of boxes of stuff you want, and running like 10 commands.

If you have an existing linux install and you upgrade your hardware, you might be facing a kernel recompile as it is. (using the default slackware kernel may work though )

I think I will go with the gigabyte motherboard then. I plan on doing a clean install of slack 10. I will use the default kernel from the slack 10 disc.

It doesn't seem like I'd run into any major problems that would prevent me from being able to use my computer ... am I right?

I would say that you're safe with a clean install. Make sure to have a listing of your board chipset, sound devices, network chipset, video card chipset, etc. It will ease any problems.

So long as you are using IDE harddrives, all should be smooth sailing.

Thanks a lot! This is a lot of relief (long story ... ending in me needing almost an entire new system).

Yes, I am using all IDE harddrives. And who knows ... maybe by the time Ill need more out of the mobo I'll be able to comfortably recompile my kernel

again, thanks a lot for your input.

no problem. Don't be afraid to break your system; it's the best way to learn!

go ahead and learn how to compile a kernel now on your fresh install.

less to worry about...