Hey, thanks for all the advice so far, I think I've narrowed down what I want a little bit more, but the CPU cooler and GPU sizes are confusing me.

Wondering if anyone has any example builds or tips they can share with this broad criteria...

• Case = Fractal Terra
• GPU = rx 7800 xt (but open to suggestions)
• CPU = Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• CPU Cooler = Noctua L12Sx77

Essentially I am wanting a good mid-range build for games like Civ 6/7 and Anno. I don't want the CPU fan right next to the case because I've heard it adds noise, so I was looking at the L12Sx77. But I'm struggling to understand what size GPU I can use with this type of configuration.

Hey! You might have seen my last post here

Looking to build a living room Linux gaming desktop and I'm looking for some additional advice and suggestions.

I’m planning a Mini-ITX build centered around a Ryzen 5 7600X and RX 6700 XT. My main focus is smooth performance in late-game Civilization 7 and Anno 1800, but I’d like to keep my options open for newer, more graphics-intensive games as well. List of games are in my old post, they aren't super graphics intensive, but I might want to switch that up in the future.

Sticking with AMD for now and probably going to run Bazzite as the disto.

I don’t have a strict budget right now, I’m trying to get a solid understanding of what to look out for in terms of available space, component sizes, and cooling in a small form factor. I also want a motherboard that’s ready for future upgrades (ideally something that can handle next-gen AM5 CPUs and higher-end GPUs). I might look for a mix of Used and New components depending on the state of prices in the US.

Questions:

• What should I consider for case size and layout, especially with a 7600X and a GPU like the 6700 XT? Any specific Mini-ITX cases you’d recommend for airflow and GPU clearance? I might move it from the living room to my desk on occasion.

• What are the best practices for CPU cooling in Mini-ITX builds? Is air cooling enough? I don't think I want to go down the path of water cooling right now.

• Which Mini-ITX AM5 motherboards offer the best upgrade paths for future CPUs (like the 9700X/9800X3D or even 9950X3D)?

• Any tips for fitting in enough fans or maximizing airflow in these compact cases?

• Anything else I should know about cable management, PSU size (SFX vs ATX), or other common Mini-ITX pitfalls?

Thanks for any advice, part recommendations, or build examples! I want to make sure I get the right balance of performance, cooling, and upgradability before I start ordering parts.

cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/63423629

Background

I use Mac as my daily driver for my work and personal machines, but for gaming I use my Playstation 5 for online or supposedly AAA games (think Call of Duty or Helldivers 2) and I use my Steam Deck for more indie titles. I've got some Linux experience, primarily via my old Mac Mini running Proxmox with mostly Debian VMs and messing around briefly with NixOS.

I love our Steam Deck, but it does feel a little underpowered, the battery isn't as strong as it once was and I don't love the docking experience with the official dock.

My wife is really into Civilization and similar games and I'd love to setup a desktop connected to our TV to use with a keyboard and mouse on our LG CX. Although I'm tech savvy, I'm not great with knowing what hardware/software to get. It's especially more complicated with the looming tariffs and trying to make sure I don't overspend on something I don't need.

Question

Looking for some guidance on hardware and software to setup for this living room gaming desktop. It's only purpose is to play games, primarily from Steam and it should have hardware which would benefit speed and performance for the type of games I'm going to list. Obviously we want the graphics to be good, but I don't need a beast RTX 5090.

What are some hardware and software recommendations in today's financial climate for playing these games on Linux?

What other accessories would you recommend for couch based keyboard and mouse gaming?

Honestly the game I'm most eager to get into is Dwarf Fortress, but for my wife it's having a smooth experience with Civ6 (she was playing the Switch version for far too long!)

Games

• Civilization games
  • My wife loves 6 and I'm a fan of 5, but we do want to eventually try 7, hoping it'll improve with DLC updates
• Dwarf Fortress
• Rimworld
• Battletech
• Into the Breach
• Brotato
• Vampire Survivors
• Balatro
• FTL
• Caves of Qud
• Persona 5 Royal (although I'm struggling to get into it, pushing through)
• Blue Prince
• ANIMAL WELL
• Factorio
• Return of the Obra Dinn
• Anno 1800
• Project Zomboid

This is a partial list of some of our libraries and wishlists. As you can see, some of them are more graphically, memory and processor intensive, but a lot of them are low performance indies.

Background

I use Mac as my daily driver for my work and personal machines, but for gaming I use my Playstation 5 for online or supposedly AAA games (think Call of Duty or Helldivers 2) and I use my Steam Deck for more indie titles. I've got some Linux experience, primarily via my old Mac Mini running Proxmox with mostly Debian VMs and messing around briefly with NixOS.

I love our Steam Deck, but it does feel a little underpowered, the battery isn't as strong as it once was and I don't love the docking experience with the official dock.

My wife is really into Civilization and similar games and I'd love to setup a desktop connected to our TV to use with a keyboard and mouse on our LG CX. Although I'm tech savvy, I'm not great with knowing what hardware/software to get. It's especially more complicated with the looming tariffs and trying to make sure I don't overspend on something I don't need.

Question

Looking for some guidance on hardware and software to setup for this living room gaming desktop. It's only purpose is to play games, primarily from Steam and it should have hardware which would benefit speed and performance for the type of games I'm going to list. Obviously we want the graphics to be good, but I don't need a beast RTX 5090.

What are some hardware and software recommendations in today's financial climate for playing these games on Linux?

What other accessories would you recommend for couch based keyboard and mouse gaming?

Honestly the game I'm most eager to get into is Dwarf Fortress, but for my wife it's having a smooth experience with Civ6 (she was playing the Switch version for far too long!)

Games

• Civilization games
  • My wife loves 6 and I'm a fan of 5, but we do want to eventually try 7, hoping it'll improve with DLC updates
• Dwarf Fortress
• Rimworld
• Battletech
• Into the Breach
• Brotato
• Vampire Survivors
• Balatro
• FTL
• Caves of Qud
• Persona 5 Royal (although I'm struggling to get into it, pushing through)
• Blue Prince
• ANIMAL WELL
• Factorio
• Return of the Obra Dinn
• Anno 1800
• Project Zomboid

This is a partial list of some of our libraries and wishlists. As you can see, some of them are more graphically, memory and processor intensive, but a lot of them are low performance indies.

Just got back from seeing GQuuuuuuX Beginning and wanted to start a thread for people to share thoughts and feelings. I’m gonna write a proper post tomorrow once I’ve had some time to digest (FYI I loved it). Please use the spoiler formatting for any key plot points to protect our fellow Gundam fans who have to wait until April for the full release. But I thought a discussion post would be fun for this community!

I’ve been dealing with constant issues with the Pulse Elite headset since I bought them last year. I’m going to send them for repair, but I’m going to buy something new and looking for suggestions.

What headsets are you using?

Hey everyone!

Just finished 08th MS Team… holy shit I loved it! Especially the last 3 episodes, I was weeping at the end.

I spotted these GM’s and loved the colors, I assumed they were 03rd MS team based on the decals, but my searching is coming up with Red Giant 03rd MS Team and obviously there are so many GM’s out there!

Is there a specific name for this GM or other examples of the same colors? I want to customize a HG GM to look similar, but the show cuts to them pretty quickly and wonder if any other images exist.

Thanks as always!

Hhhhmmmmmmm, I don’t know how I feel about this. The writer director hasn’t done much and I feel like Legendary has had some hits and misses. You’ve got Dune and then you’ve got Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire 😬 do we really need US made live action Gundam?

I’m 8 episodes away from finishing MSG79, it’s taken me far too long (probably a few years of intermittent watching).

What would you recommend I check out next?

I know 08th MS team is highly recommended. I loved Witch from Mercury, admittedly I watched most of it on my honeymoon traveling Japan, so I might be biased. Also open to non-Gundam Mecha suggestions, I started The 86 and enjoyed the premise.

[SOLVED] I failed and didn’t read the rules fully… 4 weeks before upload is available!

Can't seem to add a profile picture or add an image to this post as an example.

Is this a known thing because I have a new account?

Tried under 100kb, changing the name and a different image entirely!