I am thinking of buying a relatively cheap laptop that is reasonably powerful. I am at loss when it comes to new CPU naming and its compatibility with Linux (from both Intel/AMD). I prefer Ryzen 5 or Core 5 above with atleast 16GB RAM.

Framework laptops are not available where I live.

I saw some Reddit posts claiming AMD being not optimized for Linux particularly for arch related distros (I use EndeavourOS). I am thinking of buying a Thinkbook from Lenovo, but confused b/w team blue & red.

Which of these CPUs are better for running Linux long-term with respect to optimizations, power management, thermals, track pad support etc. If anyone has a laptop recommendation, please feel free to comment down below.

Also, should I go for a high end Laptop like Asus Zenbook S14? A lot of reviews are picking it as the best compact laptop to buy this year. Its expensive. But if it keeps working for a long time, like 6+ years, then I don’t mind investing.

Edit: I use Gnome as my DE with EndeavourOS, but can also try Debian 12 with Gnome.

  • GolfNovemberUniform@infosec.pubEnglish
    1·
    20 days ago

    I saw some Reddit posts claiming AMD being not optimized for Linux particularly for arch related distros (I use EndeavourOS)

    This is literally the other way around.

    But in general it depends on the budget. Both Intel and AMD work perfectly on Linux. It’s more about the CPUs themselves. AMD is better in the budget category because of much more capable iGPUs and performance/price ratio but Intel is better in high end because of simply better technological advancement (as long as you can keep the chip cooler than 90°C).

    But if it keeps working for a long time, like 6+ years, then I don’t mind investing.

    I wouldn’t be so optimistic about modern laptops, especially ones with dedicated GPUs. They don’t live for more than 2-3 years without repairs.

    • msage@programming.devEnglish
      1·
      20 days ago

      Are Intel cpus really better in the laptop department? Since in desktop they fell very far behind.

  • unexposedhazard@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    1·
    20 days ago

    Ryzen and AMD in general is perfect under linux, no configuration, just working out of the box on any debian/ubuntu derivatives. They are performant yet energy efficient in my experience so i really cant say anything bad about them.

  • Daze@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    20 days ago

    I just went through this search for attending Uni, and unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get a reasonably-to-decently spec’d out laptop running AMD at the 14” size right now. The purpose was to avoid any 13th/14th gen intels for their recent issues, and increase it’s longevity.

    What it boiled down to (for me) was: • Asus Zephyrus G14 (32GB Ram), or • Thinkpad P14s Gen 5

    Ultimately went with the Zephyrus, and holy shit I’m glad I did, even with Win11.

    Edit:

    To clarify, Framework is available to me, but I couldn’t take a chance on class requirements. This video was very helpful in making the final decision.

    • overgrown@lemmings.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      10 days ago

      Are you running linux on that G14? I am also looking at that P14s Thinkpad. Since it is tested on Arch linux (should work on EndeavourOS). What processor is on that Asus G14?

      • Daze@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        1·
        10 days ago

        Transparently, not yet. I haven’t had the spare time for any tinkering (too busy with a move & holidays) though as soon as I’m able, I plan to swap out the m.2 with a 4tb and split that into a dual-boot. Sorry I can’t give any advice on that right now! 😓

        The processor is an: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS w/ Radeon 780M Graphics