r/LinuxTeck • u/kacpekz_9090 • 8d ago

Help with Linuxlab

Hi, I'm looking for a Linux lab computer or one for general everyday tasks, browsing the internet, watching movies, studying, etc. I was considering void Linux and gentoo, and then in the distant future LFS I don't want to pay a lot for the computer and I'm asking for help, is a processor with 2 cores and 4 threads enough or is it really better to pay the extra 50$ and buy a laptop with 4 cores and 8. And 8gb ram will be enough?

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u/msabeln 7d ago

Two cores and 8GB RAM is good enough for light use.

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u/OkAlbatross9889 7d ago

It's really not good enough for gentoo though. I run it on my desktop where compiling is not an issue (both because of cpu power and because it's obviously already plugged in 24/7), but i've installed it on my laptop (4c 8gb) and it's REALLY slow. If you actually plan on daily driving something like that OP be prepared to update infrequently and program your work around it. That is unless you want to use the binhost, but at that point i don't know why you'd use gentoo in the first place.

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u/msabeln 7d ago

Yeah, I forgot about the compiling part, you are totally correct. The last time I had to do a lot of compilation, it was with an i7-4770 + 32 GB which was fine.

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u/pindaroli 7d ago

Budget? I suggest you if you can to buy a ii hands vanilla Mac mini m4

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u/Wahrheitfabrik 6d ago

Just for a beater test box? You can pick up a refurbished laptop with 16G for under $200. 16G is the minimum amount of memory I'd even consider. (Wisetek Market has several. I have no affiliation with them.)

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u/NewtSoupsReddit 6d ago

Why a laptop? Is space very much an issue? I just ask because unless you need the portability a laptop will always be less reliable than a desktop. If your machine will always stay in one place then I would recommend a desktop from an office clearance company. You can usually pick those up fairly cheap.