Set up the operating system on the new device without showing the screen.
Set up the operating system on the new device without showing the screen.
Hey everyone, my setup is a bit unusual, but please don’t doubt it. I recently got an MSI B550 tomahawk with a Ryzen 5950X processor (no built-in graphics) and no dedicated GPU. My goal is to install Ubuntu on it. Since SSH isn’t possible, I’m unsure how to get the OS in without a running system. The motherboard lacks a serial port, and I’m not sure that would help either. Changing the boot drive seems tricky if it’s not set correctly. I’m trying to create an autoinstall USB, which is currently working but needs an install wizard and a GUI. I’ve found some headless examples online, but they all require a GUI—usually via serial connection. Only after installing through a GUI can I SSH in. I’m experimenting with using a GPU from another system, wondering if it’s possible to do this without one or just swap it out during installation.
Do you own another machine? Set up the operating system on that device and check if it starts and links to the network on the new setup. Choosing a GPU appears to be the simplest solution.
Consider checking out that article for more details. You might want to see how many machines you plan to use. Replacing the GPU on each machine could be a practical approach. It seems a 'headless' setup often needs a network console or similar tools.
Thanks for your feedback. I'm working on another PC and attempting to create an auto-installer USB. I'll test the linked article first. If I had to install these myself, I'd likely just use a GPU, but the goal is for anyone to be able to do it too—whether via USB, SSH, or whatever method works.
Consider adding a device, configure initial temporary login details, and then capture the disk image. A new unit requires writing data onto the storage before installation, using the temporary credentials, and completing the configuration process.
Use a PC equipped with a video output, connect the installer drive and SSD from the displayless PC, install them onto your system, and then insert the drive. Alternatively, you can run a Linux live USB via Rufus for installation.