How to set up a PC build for browsing, watching movies, and playing retro games on Linux?
How to set up a PC build for browsing, watching movies, and playing retro games on Linux?
Hello,
I’m looking to assemble a budget-friendly PC for casual browsing, movies, and retro gaming. I plan to run Linux on it. I already own a gaming PC, so this is purely for experimentation and to repurpose parts I’d rather keep instead of selling.
Current components: CPU (with stock cooler), GPU, RAM, and SSD are ready. Still missing a case, power supply, and mATX motherboard, with a total budget not exceeding €150 (allowing a few euros). I’m aiming for the thinnest possible case to place next to my main PC. Since the GPU is fairly bulky, it might not fit in most slim cases. I’m flexible on suggestions that fit my budget and existing hardware. Any ideas for a slim case with a vertical mount for the GPU would be great. I’m based in the EU and will purchase from Amazon.de.
Additional notes:
- I intend to connect both my current PC and the new build to the same monitor. My main PC uses DisplayPort, while the new one will use HDMI. Will this setup cause any compatibility issues, or will I need extra equipment?
- Mostly I’ll use the new PC for light tasks and switch to my gaming PC for modern games or demanding applications.
Any advice on making this work would be really helpful.
I’ve shared the parts I have:
CPU
: Ryzen 3 2200G
GPU: Palit GTX KalmX 1650
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 2 x 4 GB DDR4 3000MHz
SSD: Western Digital Blue 500 GB
Link to the parts I have
I’m located in the EU and plan to purchase from Amazon.de. That means Germany, right?
The components I already own are:
CPU: Ryzen 3 2200G
GPU: Palit GTX KalmX 1650
I’ll mainly use the new PC for browsing and light tasks, and switch to my gaming PC when I need to play modern games or run more demanding programs.
If you’re using an APU, the dedicated GPU won’t be useful—it limits you to slim form factor cases, but you could consider these options:
https://www.caseking.de/raijintek-ophion...T-066.html
or
https://www.caseking.de/silverstone-sst-...V-305.html
and pair them with:
https://www.caseking.de/silverstone-sst-...T-200.html
Then combine with:
https://de.pcpartpicker.com/product/KcyH...450mac-r20
However, you’d still need an ITX motherboard for the Silverstone case.
You might want to check Ebay for slim form factor cases, such as this one:
https://de.pcpartpicker.com/product/H7Tr...se-pc-05sx
Please verify the URL you’re using.
In short, I’d skip a slim case and likely end up spending more on new parts than saving by buying more efficient ones.
My two opinions.
I’ve been looking at Case King and noticed both options. The Silverstone isn’t suitable for me—it’s too wide and ITX, which would require a more expensive motherboard. If it were slightly thinner, an ITX setup might be worth considering.
Selling my components doesn’t seem right—I’m not after upgraded parts. This build is just a side project using spare parts. As I mentioned earlier, I already have a gaming PC; this one will handle browsing, movies, and light retro gaming. My current components are sufficient for that.
I’ve seen slim cases with vertical GPU mounts, but they’re either hard to find or too expensive. If I manage to locate a budget-friendly vertical mount bracket, it could fit into a slimmer 12–14 cm case. I’m aware that such a design would be too thin, so I’m not targeting that.
If a slimmer solution isn’t available, I’ll opt for a thicker case—I’ve already located parts for that. Ideally, though, I’d prefer something thinner to keep it close to my main PC.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I don't believe your budget will cover everything.
You'll also need a power supply.
Choosing a cheap PSU is not cost-effective.
Using a low-quality unit can cause damage to other components.
For testing, you might skip the case and place parts on a table.
This isn't ideal if you have curious cats or children nearby.
If you decide on a case, consider using the built-in graphics instead of the larger discrete 1650.
The main issue is selecting the appropriate case for my build. If I can’t locate one that’s narrower than most available options, I already have components ready for a “bulkier” configuration that I can opt for if my initial plan fails.
Yes, I realize I could simply use the APU, and I expect others to point that out. Still, I prefer the GPU because it’s a bit of a novelty for me—I specifically looked for a fanless model when I purchased it years ago.
All the components are quite affordable, so is it really necessary to spend over 40 euros on a PSU?
In any case, the PC will be assembled – though it may not be as compact as I had hoped. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve already identified parts for a larger build that still fit my budget if I decide to pursue that path.