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* Where to buy
Some untested resources to buy laptops or desktops:
- https://starlabs.systems
- https://www.tuxedocomputers.com
FSF's [[https://h-node.org/][h-node]] rates hardware according to its compatibility with free
software.
* LDLC PC Zenifier-SSD
** assembly woes
Lots of impedance mismatches between "documentation" and actual
hardware:
- CPU cooler (fan) has spring screws; diagrams show retention clips.
Had to dig into the [[https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/cpu-7][AMD knowledge base]] to find that some
motherboards come with "speculative" clips, which must be unscrewed
and removed in order to install the spring-screw cooler.
- Diagrams say to add thermal paste, but the fan already comes with a
pre-applied layer.
- Documentation shows RAM clips for both ends of the sticks; the
motherboard seems to only have clips for one end.
- =SYS_FAN1= header has 4 pins; front fan plug has 3 holes. The
Internet[[https://old.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/4139k8/3_pin_sys_fan2_vs_4_pin_sys_fan1/][[1]]][[https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/sys_fan1-and-sys_fan2.3195778/][[2]]] says it's fine.
- Motherboard has [[https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B550M-A-PRO/Specification]["8 mounting holes"]] but covers only 6 of the case's
standoffs; none of the diagrams in the case's manual match the
format of the motherboard.
- The diagram for inserting the power supply unit leaves a lot to the
imagination.
- The [[https://www.snia.org/forums/cmsi/knowledge/formfactors#U2][SSD dimension nomenclature]] is weird as hell. The SSD's user
manual seems to imply that I have a 2.5″ model, but my measuring
tape says the drive is 2.75″×3.875″ (diagonal 4.625″).
- The link to the LDLC guide for mounting the SSD is dead; the page is
[[https://web.archive.org/web/20170901191800/http://www.ldlc.com/guides/AL00000817/comment-installer-un-ssd-dans-un-pc/][archived]], and merely contains a link to a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1dHVb6VuWU][video]]. No matter though,
since it does not describe how to mount the drive on a 2.5″ bay.
- The case user manual says to use specific screws for the SSD drive;
the SSD comes with its own set of screws. Are they meant for the
3.5″ adapter? 🤷
For novices, some steps range from "not very reassuring" to "downright
hostile":
- The amount of force needed to connect the CPU fan's first two
diagonal screws is terrifying.
- The fan's case is asymmetric: one side has a small bump featuring
the maker's brand. If one does not attention when mounting the fan,
there is a 50% chance that this bump will get in the way of a RAM
stick.
- No instruction on [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAWNzd-gc3Q&t=74s][how to force that I/O shield in]].
- No instruction on how to snap the motherboard into the I/O shield.
- Holy =$DEITY= that power supply unit has a *lot* of cables. And of
course I enthusiastically passed most of the small-headed ones
through the designated case hole, and had to pass them back out
because there was no room left to pass the 20-pin ATX connector.
- Power supply user manual was taped to the bubble wrap, so part of
the "warnings" section got torn off.
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