Brandon Writes...

I've been using Linux (and been a JB listener) for about 10 years now, and throughout that time I've been using various laptops and self built desktops. This has usually turned out fine for me, aside from a AMD Ryzen build I did a couple of years back. Turns out the SuperIO chip on the motherboard does not have a mainline Linux driver, preventing thermals from working and pegging the fans at 100%. There is an out of tree driver build by a community member, who later got burnt out and quit, and a replacement driver does not do everything the previous one did. Sadly, this machine is now a Windows-only gaming rig and I had to go back to my previous machine for day to day use.

This experience was a bit of a shock for me, as the Linux community tends to say that all motherboards should work without issue and this has made me very shy about new hardware builds. Rather than take future risks, I've been looking at the options for a well supported desktop Linux workstation that I know I can rely on. Unfortunately, options for Linux desktops are already slim, and the System76 does not ship the Thelio outside the USA. Dell and Lenovo don't seem to offer anything Linux workstation in Australia and we don't really have any homegrown options.

Am I just out of luck and have to take a chance on building my own hardware again? How can I be more sure of my purchases in the future?

Cheers,
Brandon