Gut Check -- Buying New Computer for Qubes OS

So I am not very much a hardware guy. I want to build a machine to dual-boot Ubuntu (for development, rider IDE, etc. etc.) and also Qubes. Perhaps Windows as well at some point in the future.

I would like dual monitor support on the MB, and the ability to support 2 PCIE SSDs

My current Plan is:

  • Gigabyte Z890M GAMING X Intel LGA 1851 microATX Motherboard
  • Intel® Core™ i9-14900KF
  • 128GB Memory

I didn’t see these specifically listed on the HCL page. But I made sure to check that the MB does have intel graphics, like the docs say.

I am having a hard time confirming if this MB supports the VT-X that Qubes needs
The CPU is pretty new so I assume it should support the VTX/EPD & VT-D support the system requirements page refers to.

Can anyone tell me if I’m going wrong here, maybe suggest a better setup?

MB:
https://www.microcenter.com/product/687169/gigabyte-z890m-gaming-x-intel-lga-1851-microatx-motherboard?storeid=131

CPU:
https://www.amazon.com/Intel®-i5-14600KF-Desktop-Processor-P-cores/dp/B0CGJDBCTK

Thanks in advance for any help!

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The CPU is not compatible with the mainboard Z890M GAMING X Support | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

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Thanks very much, you saved me a hassle there :slight_smile: I see now that the motherboard requires LGA 251 type CPU So how about this one?

Intel Core Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285K - 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHz
https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-Ultra-Processor-285K/dp/B0DFKC99VL

That one has the LGA 1851 socket type. Does it otherwise look good to go?

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Well … I am looking in the manual and I find a setting for the VT-D (for directed I/O) … but I do not specifically see a setting for VTX

I mean … does it make sense to have VT-D without the VT-X?

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It has it.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/241060/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-285k-36m-cache-up-to-5-70-ghz/specifications.html

I wouldn’t dual boot for security reasons.

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Appreciate advice re: dual boot, will keep in mind. When I get schooled and truly serious I will build out another dedicated machine, but for now I can do both and have a killer development machine.

OK, final verdict:

MB
Gigabyte Z890M GAMING X Intel LGA 1851 microATX Motherboard
Mfr Part#: Z890MGAMINGX
https://www.microcenter.com/product/687169/gigabyte-z890m-gaming-x-intel-lga-1851-microatx-motherboard?storeid=131

CPU
Intel Core Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285K - 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHz
Mfr Part#: BX80768285K
https://www.microcenter.com/product/685300/intel-core-ultra-9-285k-arrow-lake-twenty-four-core-lga-1851-boxed-processor-heatsink-not-included

128GB RAM (fastest stuff they got)
2x PCIE 1TB SSDs
500W power supply

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Sure, good luck with your Qubes OS build.

Seemed relevant. Renehoj posts have illuminated me on recent issues with Intel CPUs as well as what kind of qubes performance is possible with a well configured modern desktop. Generally Intel has easier compatibility than AMD

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LOL, thanks … being my first time, I’ll need it! :rofl:

If all goes well I will post back and create an HCL entry if possible

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