dual boot spec?

[allend66]

Hi all,
I'm a bit of a noob, but have evolved from budget £300 laptops from pcworld.. I want a half decent machine for low-to-mid level gaming - nothing online or streaming, local gameplay only, and photo editing, mainly JPG, occasional RAW with occasional (rare) video editing.

I'm also getting fed up with Windows, thus I want to install Win 10 on one M.2 drive and dual boot Ubuntu on the other M.2. Can you comment on my Specs please? Advice greatly appreciated:


Chassis & Display
Optimus Series: 17.3" Matte Full HD 144Hz 72% NTSC LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i7 Six Core Processor 10750H (2.6GHz, 5GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
8GB Corsair 2400MHz SODIMM DDR4 (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 Ti - 4.0GB GDDR5 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st Storage Drive
2TB PCS 2.5" SSD, SATA 6 Gb (520MB/R, 470MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
128GB ADATA SX6000 LITE M.2 2280 (1800 MB/R, 1200 MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
128GB ADATA SX6000 LITE M.2 2280 (1800 MB/R, 1200 MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated 3 in 1 Card Reader (Full Size SD / SDHC / SDXC)
AC Adaptor
1 x 150W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Battery
Optimus Series Integrated 46WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless/Wired Networking
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x USB 3.1 PORT (Type C) + 2 x USB 3.1 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT
Keyboard Language
OPTIMUS SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
BullGuard™ Internet Security - Free 90 Day License inc. Gamer Mode
Browser
Firefox™
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
TongFang GK7MRFR (4GB GTX-1650 Ti, i7-10750H, 144Hz, Blank KB)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days
Price: £1,129.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/optimusXI-pro-17/YtNUHxDSNs/

 

[steaky360]

@allend66 What is your budget?

Any reason why you've opted for an Intel build?

 

[allend66]

@allend66 What is your budget?

Any reason why you've opted for an Intel build?

thanks Steaky360, budget around £1000 but a little flexible if it will 'future-proof' the rig a little..
no preference on intel or ryzen, it was just the top option! I'm a bit clueless tbh..

 

[allend66]

Anybody?..

 

[SpyderTracks]

Sorry we missed this... this has adjusted the spec to get it where it needs to be based on what you'd configured, I realise It's over budget, but to show you what really needs to be configured:

Chassis & Display
Optimus Series: 17.3" Matte Full HD 144Hz 72% NTSC LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen™ 7 Eight Core Processor 4800H (2.9GHz, 4.2GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair 2666MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2060 - 6.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated 3 in 1 Card Reader (Full Size SD / SDHC / SDXC)
AC Adaptor
1 x 180W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Battery
Optimus Series Integrated 46WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless/Wired Networking
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x USB 3.1 PORT (Type C) + 2 x USB 3.1 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT
Keyboard Language
OPTIMUS SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
TongFang GK7NR0R (6GB RTX-2060, R7-4800H, 144Hz, Blank KB)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days
Price: £1,315.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/optimusXI-pro-17/SgHS6GWNqx/

 

[allend66]

Sorry we missed this... this has adjusted the spec to get it where it needs to be based on what you'd configured, I realise It's over budget, but to show you what really needs to be configured:

Chassis & Display
Optimus Series: 17.3" Matte Full HD 144Hz 72% NTSC LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen™ 7 Eight Core Processor 4800H (2.9GHz, 4.2GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair 2666MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2060 - 6.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated 3 in 1 Card Reader (Full Size SD / SDHC / SDXC)
AC Adaptor
1 x 180W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Battery
Optimus Series Integrated 46WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless/Wired Networking
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x USB 3.1 PORT (Type C) + 2 x USB 3.1 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT
Keyboard Language
OPTIMUS SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
TongFang GK7NR0R (6GB RTX-2060, R7-4800H, 144Hz, Blank KB)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days
Price: £1,315.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/optimusXI-pro-17/SgHS6GWNqx/

@spidertacks - thank you Sir..

I have a question though:

Originally I had 2 * M.2 drives, one for windows10 the other for ubuntu, and then a data drive for personal files. With your suggestion i have 2 drives not 3. My personal setup at the moment is to have all my personal files on a truecrypt/veracrypt volume, and I would like to keep this setup. If I don't have a dedicated data drive (where my 500Gb veracrypt container is stored), I guess I could just partition the 2 * 1Tb SSDs, - that would also give me the option to backup if I RAID1 "my documents", but would I have problems if the 2 drives are on different file systems, Win=NTFS, ubuntu=ext4?

Thanks for your time..
D

 

[SpyderTracks]

@spidertacks - thank you Sir..

I have a question though:

Originally I had 2 * M.2 drives, one for windows10 the other for ubuntu, and then a data drive for personal files. With your suggestion i have 2 drives not 3. My personal setup at the moment is to have all my personal files on a truecrypt/veracrypt volume, and I would like to keep this setup. If I don't have a dedicated data drive (where my 500Gb veracrypt container is stored), I guess I could just partition the 2 * 1Tb SSDs, - that would also give me the option to backup if I RAID1 "my documents", but would I have problems if the 2 drives are on different file systems, Win=NTFS, ubuntu=ext4?

Thanks for your time..
D

Yes, you wouldn't be able to raid them under differing file structures I don't think. We wouldn't really suggest RAID these days anyway as it causes more problems than it solves really.

A third drive for data would be optimum if you can add one.

 

[allend66]

Yes, you wouldn't be able to raid them under differing file structures I don't think. We wouldn't really suggest RAID these days anyway as it causes more problems than it solves really.

A third drive for data would be optimum if you can add one.

ok, thanks @Spidertracks, another drive is only £80 or so. THanks for the help, I'll go and order that spec. Cheers!

 

[allend66]

Yes, you wouldn't be able to raid them under differing file structures I don't think. We wouldn't really suggest RAID these days anyway as it causes more problems than it solves really.

A third drive for data would be optimum if you can add one.

Damn it, I tried to add a 2.5" 1Tb SSD but..

So what would be my best option for having access to "My Documents" from both Win10 & Ubuntu on the 2 M.2 drives?
Thank you for your input

D

 

[SpyderTracks]

Damn it, I tried to add a 2.5" 1Tb SSD but.. View attachment 19374

So what would be my best option for having access to "My Documents" from both Win10 & Ubuntu on the 2 M.2 drives?
Thank you for your input

D

As you’ll be running the OS separately I would partition the primary drive into 2x 500gb and have one for each OS, then the secondary M2 for data.

 

[allend66]

As you’ll be running the OS separately I would partition the primary drive into 2x 500gb and have one for each OS, then the secondary M2 for data.

Brill, thanks for your help. I'll go and order my new toy..

 

[allend66]

Thanks all, for assistance: I ordered Sunday night, it's coming tomorrow, super fast turn around, I'm dead excited.

However.... I have a small problem. In preparation, I'm downloading all drivers and Win10.iso from the tech support page, but all the large downloads keep failing. I've tried Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and freedownloadmanager, but all the downloads are non resumeable, so I can't get Win10.iso nor the 900Mb nvidea drivers. Can someone help with this pleaser? @steaky360 @SpyderTracks ?

Cheers lads!

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks all, for assistance: I ordered Sunday night, it's coming tomorrow, super fast turn around, I'm dead excited.

However.... I have a small problem. In preparation, I'm downloading all drivers and Win10.iso from the tech support page, but all the large downloads keep failing. I've tried Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and freedownloadmanager, but all the downloads are non resumeable, so I can't get Win10.iso nor the 900Mb nvidea drivers. Can someone help with this pleaser? @steaky360 @SpyderTracks ?

Cheers lads!

You won’t need anything from your PCS account, they’ll be outdated anyway.

Windows and drivers will be fully installed already.

If you’ve ordered without windows, you download windows direct from Microsoft and allow windows update to install all drivers.

Download Windows 10

 

[Scott]

I would advise you not to use the Win10.iso from PCS. Get it from Microsoft. That way you can be sure that you have the latest iteration.

I'm guessing you are just preparing for the installs when the PC arrives?

With regards to partitioning. If you're comfortable with the dual boot then all is well. Otherwise it may be problematic having 2 OS's on the one drive. Just giving you a heads up. If you have done it before then I'm sure you'll know the potholes to avoid

 

[allend66]

Hey guys,

just as a follow up and a thank you really, my new rig is ace, I´m super happy with it.
It cold boots in under 30seconds, (my old laptop, HP pavilion 15-ac151sa took over 4mins), and after a little faffing I managed to install ubuntu on the second drive. I had planned on win10 and ubuntu sharing the 2tb (1tb/1tb) and having data on the 2nd 1tb drive but that didn't work out, instead I have win10 + data on the 1st, ubuntu and spare data parttion on 2nd drive, so dual booting just needs me to press F7 at power on and select drive to boot from.

If I had a "not ecstatic" moment it would be the speakers don't seem to be very loud. apart from that, all good, thanks for your help!

D