Difference between revisions of "Hardware Recommendations"

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This page aims to make buying recommendations for problematic hardware.  
Hardware compatibility with Linux is sometimes tricky. You can not buy just anything and expect it to work. Some manufacturers don't support Linux at all, and sometimes the support is not good.  


'''PLEASE NOTE:''' Old or unavailable hardware is to be removed, and the list should be short. Best case would be one device that is good, cheap, and available in all countries. If this doesn't exist, there may be different recommendations for different countries and/or different price categories. Every price is to be provided with a date in the form YYYY-MM-DD. Mentioned devices should have great out-of-the-box experience. If there are no devices with great out-of-the-box experience available, there might also be devices mentioned that require as little tweaking as possible. Tweaking steps are to be mentioned in these cases. Feel free to add categories to further distinguish between different features.
However, if you already own a desktop or laptop, it is probably going to work. Just try it with a live USB.
 
This page aims to make buying recommendations for problematic hardware categories.
 
'''PLEASE NOTE:''' Regarding specific recommendations. Old or unavailable hardware is to be removed, and the list should be short. Best case would be one device that is good, cheap, and available in all countries. If this doesn't exist, there may be different recommendations for different countries and/or different price categories. Every price is to be provided with a timestamp in the form YYYY-MM. Mentioned devices should have great out-of-the-box experience. If there are no devices with great out-of-the-box experience available, there might also be devices mentioned that require as little tweaking as possible. Tweaking steps are to be mentioned in these cases. Feel free to add categories to further distinguish between different features.


You may find a more extensive list of hardware that is known to work [[Working Hardware|here]].
You may find a more extensive list of hardware that is known to work [[Working Hardware|here]].


== Problematic Hardware ==
== Problematic Hardware ==
Your should be wary not to buy the wrong stuff.
You should be wary not to buy the wrong stuff. If you buy wrong, you might end up with completely incompatible hardware.


=== WiFi Sticks ===
=== WiFi Sticks ===
Many models provide no drivers, and will probably never work.
Many models provide no drivers, and will not work.


==== 2.4Ghz ====
The important thing in the sticks is the chip. Manufacturers sometimes have the same model with different chips. Chips that often work, are Qualcomm Atheros, and [https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005511/wireless.html Intel].


==== 5Ghz ====
=== Bluetooth Sticks ===
Many models provide no drivers, and will not work.


=== Bluetooth Sticks ===
Recommendations: To be done.
Many models provide no drivers, and will probably never work.


=== Printer/Scanner ===
=== Printer/Scanner ===
Many models provide no drivers, and will probably never work.
Many models provide no drivers, and will not work.
 
Recommendations: To be done.
 
== Less problematic Hardware ==
{{Needs work|Problem=What about Intel graphics (especially Arc)?}}
Your chance of picking a device that straight up doesn't work, is much lower. However, you might face some jank, some features might not work, and stuff might not be flawless.


=== GPUs ===
=== GPUs ===
 
This topic is subject of discussion. If you want to read more about it, you might find something in [https://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/tdmup7/unpopular_opinion_i_feel_like_the_whole_nvidia/ this reddit post]. AMD and Nvidia both work, and you'll ''probably'' be fine with either. However:
* Just buy AMD, and you will be fine. Nvidia provides drivers, but they don't work out of the box, and are known to make problems. However, Nvidia is not overly problematic, you're probably fine if you already have one, or can get a very cheap one. Just don't blame Linux if you get problems. You are warned.
* If you want as little problems as possible, buy an AMD GPU that is at least a couple months old. The drivers typically take a bit of time to mature.
**If you want FOSS drivers, AMD is your only option. Nouveau is no option for gaming.
** If you want FOSS drivers, AMD is your only option. There are FOSS drivers for Nvidia (Nouveau), and Nvidia even released their kernel module, but they are no option for gaming (at least yet).
* If you want no problems, don't buy the newest GPU right after it launched (that's also a good idea if you want to save money). But you're probably fine, if you wait a couple months, there is absolutely no need to buy old garbage. Drivers just need a little bit of time to get good.
**If you want long support, AMD is the way to go, as support is essentially never dropped.
* If you buy very old GPUs, look for Vulkan support.  
* Nvidia provides proprietary day one drivers with full functionality, however they are not well integrated, due to not being FOSS. There might be some delayed features, or some bugs. But as said, you're ''probably'' going to be fine. If you're not, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MShbP3OpASA&t=2894s blame Nvidia].
** If you want DLSS, Nvidia is your only option. However, AMD (and Nvidia) support [[FSR - FidelityFX Super Resolution|FSR]] and FSR 2, which works in a similar way. There are mods that translate DLSS 2 to FSR 2 for many games.
**Don't fear to switch to Linux if you own an Nvidia GPU. Even though AMD might be the better option, many people are very happy with their Nvidia GPU.  
* If you buy a very old GPU, make sure that it has Vulkan support.


=== Gaming Laptops ===
=== Gaming Laptops ===
If you don't want to do gaming on your laptop, many devices should be ok, the problem is basically just WiFi and Bluetooth. But it gets messy if they have two GPUs, or other special components.
If you don't want to do gaming on your laptop, many devices should be ok, the problem is basically just WiFi and Bluetooth, and even those often work. You might face problems if you have a device with two GPUs (should be solvable), or other special components (fingerprint reader, etc - might not be solvable).
* Manufacturers with good support. You can't do anything wrong if you buy one of those (as long as the performance is good enough for you):  
* Manufacturers with good support. You can't do anything wrong if you buy one of those (as long as the performance is good enough for you):  
** System 76
** System 76
** Tuxedo
** Tuxedo
**Slimbook
* Specific recommendations for a gaming laptop:
* Specific recommendations for a gaming laptop:
** Premium:
**Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6 | EU | around 800-1 000 € (multiple similar models available) | Available without OS | Out of the box full compatibility (WiFi since kernel 5.16, on older manual installation of driver<ref>https://github.com/lwfinger/rtw89</ref> needed)
** Good value:
** Cheap:
 
== Less problematic Hardware ==
You're probably good with just buying anything, and your chance of picking a device that straight up doesn't work, is low. But you might want to have a look at our recommendations, just to be sure, especially if you want special features, like RGB, or a mainboard with WiFi, etc.
 
=== Bluetooth Headphones ===
Most Bluetooth headphones ''should'' be fine. But there are incompatible models.
 
==== Noise Cancelling ====
 
* Over Ear
** Premium: Sony WH-1000XM4 | EU | 250€ | 2022-03-10
** Good value:
** Cheap:
 
* In-Ear
* Headsets
 
==== Non Noise Cancelling ====


* Over-Ear
=== Mainboards ===
* In-Ear
Mainboards should do their job for the core functionality. However, features like fan control, Bluetooth, WiFi, or RGB may not be supported out of the box. If you don't need any of this, just buy whatever you want.
* Headsets
** Premium:
** Good value: [https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/products/gaming-audio/g933-7-1-surround-sound-gaming-headset.html Logitech G933] | US | 29$ | 2022-03-10
** Cheap:
 
=== Mainboard ===
Mainboards usually ''just work'' for most features. Sometimes, features like fan control, Bluetooth, WiFi, or RGB are not supported out of the box. All devices in this category should have ''full'' support. Please mention all features that you tested, and that are working.  


==== AMD ====
==== AMD ====


* AM3
* AM4
* AM4
** [https://it.msi.com/Motherboard/B350-TOMAHAWK-ARCTIC/Specification MSI Tomahawk Arctic B350]
** [https://it.msi.com/Motherboard/B350-TOMAHAWK-ARCTIC/Specification MSI Tomahawk Arctic B350]


==== Intel ====
=== Mice/Keyboards ===
Generally all of them work, as long as you don't expect the specific configuration software to work. This can mean that you can't control RGB, DPI, or makro buttons.


* Sandy Bridge
A workaround for unsupported models can be to boot Windows once to change the settings (if you don't need to change them all the time). You can also start a VM, pass through the device, and change settings there.


=== USB audio converter ===
==== Models with native support ====
*Cheap: Sharkoon Gaming DAC Pro S V2 | EU | 30€ | 2022-03-10 | Problems: Slight hissing when playing no audio
{{Needs work|Problem=It is not clear how good these tools are, and if they are actually a good recommendation. Maybe it would be possible to rate them for usability}}
However, some models have native support:


=== USB microphones ===
* Logitech: [https://pwr-solaar.github.io/Solaar/devices Solaar]
* Good value: Samson Meteor Mic | EU | 45€ | 2022-03-10
* Razer: [https://github.com/openrazer/openrazer OpenRazer].
* Roccat: [https://github.com/X3n0m0rph59/eruption Eruption], [https://sourceforge.net/projects/roccat/files/roccat-tools/ roccat-tools]([https://aur.archlinux.org/pkgbase/roccat-tools aur], [https://launchpad.net/~berfenger/+archive/ubuntu/roccat ppa])
*ASUS: [https://github.com/kyokenn/rogdrv rogdrv]
*Various models: [https://github.com/libratbag/piper Piper]


=== Mice ===
=== Headphones ===
If you just want something that works, buy whatever you want. Everything will work. Problematic features are just stuff like changing DPI, lift-off distance, or RGB. Mice in this category should have a flawless sensor, and a pleasant way to change settings. ''From my personal experience'', settings are usually stored in the mouse, so it is sufficient to boot Windows, and change stuff there, or boot a VM and pass through the mouse. After that, the settings are kept in Linux. RGB support is desirable.  
Headphones with audio jack will work without problems, and the core functionality of Bluetooth/Wireless headphones should be no problem, either. However if the manufacturer ships special software for controlling certain features like noise cancelling, these configuration options might not be available.


* Steel Series Rival 300: Flawless Sensor | Settings are stored on the mouse. | I did not test RGB.
==Hardware with RGB support==
 
=== Keyboards ===
If you just want a standard keyboard, buy whatever you want. Everything will work. Problematic features are just stuff like special makro buttons, or RGB.
 
== Hardware with RGB support ==
Hardware in this category is unproblematic, other than for RGB support. If you don't care for that, just buy whatever you want.
Hardware in this category is unproblematic, other than for RGB support. If you don't care for that, just buy whatever you want.


RAM:
Recommendations:  


* DDR3:
*To be done
*DDR4:
*DDR5:


Fan:
==Generally unproblematic hardware categories==
Everything that doesn't require special software, and/or works via a standardized interface will work well. There might be exceptions, but the vast majority of the devices in the following categories should be unproblematic:
*Monitors
*Headphones/Speaker with audio jack
*CPUs
*USB microphones


== Generally unproblematic hardware categories ==
==References==
 
*
* Monitors
* Headphones/Speaker with audio jack
*CPUs
*  


*
*
<references />

Latest revision as of 15:59, 10 February 2024

Hardware compatibility with Linux is sometimes tricky. You can not buy just anything and expect it to work. Some manufacturers don't support Linux at all, and sometimes the support is not good.

However, if you already own a desktop or laptop, it is probably going to work. Just try it with a live USB.

This page aims to make buying recommendations for problematic hardware categories.

PLEASE NOTE: Regarding specific recommendations. Old or unavailable hardware is to be removed, and the list should be short. Best case would be one device that is good, cheap, and available in all countries. If this doesn't exist, there may be different recommendations for different countries and/or different price categories. Every price is to be provided with a timestamp in the form YYYY-MM. Mentioned devices should have great out-of-the-box experience. If there are no devices with great out-of-the-box experience available, there might also be devices mentioned that require as little tweaking as possible. Tweaking steps are to be mentioned in these cases. Feel free to add categories to further distinguish between different features.

You may find a more extensive list of hardware that is known to work here.

Problematic Hardware

You should be wary not to buy the wrong stuff. If you buy wrong, you might end up with completely incompatible hardware.

WiFi Sticks

Many models provide no drivers, and will not work.

The important thing in the sticks is the chip. Manufacturers sometimes have the same model with different chips. Chips that often work, are Qualcomm Atheros, and Intel.

Bluetooth Sticks

Many models provide no drivers, and will not work.

Recommendations: To be done.

Printer/Scanner

Many models provide no drivers, and will not work.

Recommendations: To be done.

Less problematic Hardware

This page needs work, for the following reason(s): What about Intel graphics (especially Arc)?.

Your chance of picking a device that straight up doesn't work, is much lower. However, you might face some jank, some features might not work, and stuff might not be flawless.

GPUs

This topic is subject of discussion. If you want to read more about it, you might find something in this reddit post. AMD and Nvidia both work, and you'll probably be fine with either. However:

  • If you want as little problems as possible, buy an AMD GPU that is at least a couple months old. The drivers typically take a bit of time to mature.
    • If you want FOSS drivers, AMD is your only option. There are FOSS drivers for Nvidia (Nouveau), and Nvidia even released their kernel module, but they are no option for gaming (at least yet).
    • If you want long support, AMD is the way to go, as support is essentially never dropped.
  • Nvidia provides proprietary day one drivers with full functionality, however they are not well integrated, due to not being FOSS. There might be some delayed features, or some bugs. But as said, you're probably going to be fine. If you're not, blame Nvidia.
    • If you want DLSS, Nvidia is your only option. However, AMD (and Nvidia) support FSR and FSR 2, which works in a similar way. There are mods that translate DLSS 2 to FSR 2 for many games.
    • Don't fear to switch to Linux if you own an Nvidia GPU. Even though AMD might be the better option, many people are very happy with their Nvidia GPU.
  • If you buy a very old GPU, make sure that it has Vulkan support.

Gaming Laptops

If you don't want to do gaming on your laptop, many devices should be ok, the problem is basically just WiFi and Bluetooth, and even those often work. You might face problems if you have a device with two GPUs (should be solvable), or other special components (fingerprint reader, etc - might not be solvable).

  • Manufacturers with good support. You can't do anything wrong if you buy one of those (as long as the performance is good enough for you):
    • System 76
    • Tuxedo
    • Slimbook
  • Specific recommendations for a gaming laptop:
    • Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6 | EU | around 800-1 000 € (multiple similar models available) | Available without OS | Out of the box full compatibility (WiFi since kernel 5.16, on older manual installation of driver[1] needed)

Mainboards

Mainboards should do their job for the core functionality. However, features like fan control, Bluetooth, WiFi, or RGB may not be supported out of the box. If you don't need any of this, just buy whatever you want.

AMD

Mice/Keyboards

Generally all of them work, as long as you don't expect the specific configuration software to work. This can mean that you can't control RGB, DPI, or makro buttons.

A workaround for unsupported models can be to boot Windows once to change the settings (if you don't need to change them all the time). You can also start a VM, pass through the device, and change settings there.

Models with native support

This page needs work, for the following reason(s): It is not clear how good these tools are, and if they are actually a good recommendation. Maybe it would be possible to rate them for usability.

However, some models have native support:

Headphones

Headphones with audio jack will work without problems, and the core functionality of Bluetooth/Wireless headphones should be no problem, either. However if the manufacturer ships special software for controlling certain features like noise cancelling, these configuration options might not be available.

Hardware with RGB support

Hardware in this category is unproblematic, other than for RGB support. If you don't care for that, just buy whatever you want.

Recommendations:

  • To be done

Generally unproblematic hardware categories

Everything that doesn't require special software, and/or works via a standardized interface will work well. There might be exceptions, but the vast majority of the devices in the following categories should be unproblematic:

  • Monitors
  • Headphones/Speaker with audio jack
  • CPUs
  • USB microphones

References

  1. ↑ https://github.com/lwfinger/rtw89
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