I recently got a BEELink SER4 mini PC, and I'm looking to install a Linux distro that doesn't require a lot of computing power since I'm not using it for gaming. I want to reacquaint myself with Linux, as I have some background with different Unix versions, including MS Xenix back in the '80s and Ubuntu in the late 2000s. I'm aiming for something user-friendly that still allows for some tinkering later on. Here are the specs of my mini PC:
* AMD Ryzen5 3550H
* 8 GB DDR 4 RAM
* 2048 MB Radeon Vega Graphics
* 256 GB SATA SSD
Given these specs, would you recommend going with Linux Mint Cinnamon, Ubuntu, or something else?
2 Answers
With your specs, you can handle just about any Linux desktop environment. I’d say go with either Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop or Ubuntu with GNOME, depending on which interface you prefer. Since you’ve already had some experience with Ubuntu, that might feel familiar and comfortable for you!
I’d recommend trying Debian with the XFCE desktop. It doesn’t require as much RAM, and it’s pretty stable, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking down. Plus, XFCE has some cool retro themes that might be nostalgic! Just a heads up, avoid GNOME with your RAM; it can get a bit sluggish on that.
It's great to see someone with a passion for classic computing!
Great memories! I started with the original PET and the classic 8088 systems too. It's amazing how far we've come!
Totally agree! XFCE is solid, but I also like LXDE. Installing both to compare could be a fun way to find out what fits you best.