AMD Build for development

cjcdev

Hello,

I'm a software engineer looking to build a PC. I'll be running Linux (Mint) as the OS. I do not do gaming. The biggest load the PC will experience is embedded Linux builds. These will usually utilize all available cores to parallelize the compile. These can last 1-2 hours (depends). I have some specs I know I need, but less sure about motherboard, case and cooling. I'm not sure about budget, but I just want to get what I require, with possible room to grow in some areas. With all that in mind..

• CPU: I would like 16 core (32 threads). I was thinking Ryzen 9 9950X. (no overclocking)
• Memory: 2x32 GB DDR5.
• Storage
  • NVMe: Samsung 2GB (disk speed is important in this application)
  • Extra free NVMe for future
  • RAID 1 for 2 SATA drives would be nice, but not a deal breaker
• GPU: I think I could be OK with integrated graphics to start with. It would be nice to run 2 monitors. Will the integrated graphics be enough? (mostly editing code, maybe watching youtube). If I started with integrated, what would I need to make sure the system has to support a little bit better GPU in the future?
• WiFi not support important, will be Wired all the time. Bluetooth would be nice.
• Power supply: Not sure, but I see that modular PS would be cleaner.
• Motherboard: Not sure here, open to advice. Expandable DDR5 to 128GB+. 2 NVMEe slots, I think a PCIe 5.0 is good to future proof?
• Cooling: I think air cooling would be sufficient, although I'm curious how much quieter AIO cooler would be. Would the fans only fire up during those large compiles, or will they be blasting even when system is idle? And price trade off. (would need guidance on the actual part to choose).
• Case: Like cooling and motherboard, I don't know what I don't know here. So guidance on features as well as particular part would be appreciated. I've seen that a case with magnetic mesh grill is nice to make it easier to clean - that sounds good. So mostly form over function for me - I don't care about the aesthetics as much.

I saw this pre-built system, seems like the specs are similar to what I need. But maybe you can convince me that I could build a better system or why it would not meet some of my specs?

https://www.microcenter.com/product/687863/powerspec-b945-desktop-computer

I appreciate any help you all give in advance. Thanks!

Chris