I'm new to Linux and I'm searching for a cost-effective machine to dive deeper into it. I've been using WSL and a couple of virtual machines, but I want something dedicated to my Linux journey. I found a Dell OptiPlex 7050 Micro for just $50, with 16GB of RAM and a 250GB SSD, but it currently has Windows 11 Pro installed. My goal is to properly learn Linux—installing distros, using the terminal, and experimenting with different desktop environments. I'm also excited about customizing my setup and learning either Emacs or Vim. Considering the older hardware and integrated graphics, I'm wondering if it's worth it. I initially aimed for a Thinkpad T450 or something similar but couldn't find a good deal. What do you think?
5 Answers
That sounds like a sweet deal! Linux usually runs well even on lower specs, so I think you’ll be fine with it. Go for it!
That's hilarious! I just snagged an Optiplex 5060 for $50, too! I'm using it for Windows stuff while I mainly run Ubuntu on my laptop. For learning Linux, pretty much any computer should work, so you should be good to go.
I have a Dell OptiPlex 7050, and honestly, it’s been my main computer for a while now. I partitioned the SSD and run a couple of different versions of Ubuntu on it without any problems. Trust me, it’s a fantastic little machine for what you’re trying to do!
Just a heads up, you might need to disable UEFI when you install Linux. It’s good practice to let the installer wipe the existing partitions and create new ones. If you’re planning to tinker a lot, consider getting a dual-SSD setup; it makes things easier when you want to keep your experiments separate.
I started with an ancient machine before upgrading to a decent setup, and it taught me a lot. You'll likely learn a ton regardless of the hardware.
Totally get what you mean! I picked up a similar Optiplex for the same price online. It had upgraded RAM and a bigger SSD but was still a solid investment.