"Tchicaya" (in line with my naming scheme) is my current desktop computer.
Hardware
I've ended up buying a new motherboard and processor, and borrowing 2G of RAM from my brother. I have a micro ATX case, PSU and the other relevant bits already.
I opted for the Intel DG35EC motherboard: http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/DG35EC/index.htm. I considered the DG45ID: http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/DG45ID/index.htm, but there were a few drawbacks:
- no VGA output. I normally use DVI but I still have a few VGA monitors knocking around
- no PATA. Same rationale as the VGA port.
- no PS/2, again, same rationale
I also heard quoted that the G45 chipset in the DG45ID will be three times faster than the G35 in the DG35EC. That still puts it below the lowest-spec ATI card you can buy, so it wouldn't be much use for games, and the G35 is certainly adequate for X composition and video playback.
The DG35EC has the following features:
- G35 chipset
- GMA X3500 video
- DX10
- supported by the F/OSS driver
I opted for a quad core 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor to complement it.
Software
Debian installed "fine", although the machine hasn't booted into the HDD. I have the BIOS set to AHCI instead of ATA compatibility and I'm wondering if grub is complaining about that.
issues
VTs not working
If I switch from X to another VT, I don't get to go back.
suspend logs me out of the current session
As of this morning, at least.
default x configuration is cloned head
I have two monitors, and every time I log in I have to run a shell script that sets up my xrandr settings. Or I could hard-code them into xorg.conf, I suppose.
nautilus does not redraw desktop when monitor arrangement changes
When I run my magic shell script, the desktop wallpaper is still cloned onto both displays, rather than recalculated.