Hi!
Just got some new hardware and I'm finally ready to move over to Linux but i need some help. First off here is the components:
CPU: 2x Intel Xeon E5 2670 (8 Cores 16 Threads)
GPU: AMD 480 8GB
RAM: 128GB DDR3
MOBO: Intel S2600CP
Still haven't bought the PSU and case but will most likely pick up a EVGA Supernova G2 850W and a Phanteks Enthoo Pro.
Now comes the tricky part, I want to move over to Linux however i still need Windows for some games and some productivity. Therefore i'm planning on doing like Wendell showed us with the PCIe passthru. but i got a few questions:
1.
a)
Is there anyway to avoid a second GPU? Got and old HD 6950 2GB but i'm not thrilled about the extra noise and heat it will produce. Optimally i would like to just "unmount" the GPU from the host Linux system and change it over to Windows and then have a shortcut on the keyboard to change back. However from what I've read this isn't possible?
b)
If i need two GPUs do i need one cable from each GPU to the screens? or can the weaker GPU dedicated to Linux grab the output and display it like a regular window?
Considering the motherboard is designed for a server there isn't many USB ports so i will most likely buy one or more PCIe to USB 3.0 cards and pass them thru to the VM. Can i buy a cheap one on Ebay from china or will the drivers be terrible and stop working if the chip isn't genuine? (Got stung by the "FTDIgate" on a USB to serial adapter before).
The peripherals, thinking about using Synergy but i'm a bit worried about input lagg. I am by no means a CSGO pro but will it work good enough for FPS games? if it never actually go thru the network and only thru the Vswitch the delay should be minimal? Or do i need to buy a "USB hub switch" so i can select witch OS gets access the keyboard and mouse?
Audio, Right now my audio setup consist of a Blue Snowball mic, the O2 AMP and ODAC paired with the HD650. But if i game can i still use discord/Teamspeak/mumble in Linux and then pipe the audio from the game thru a virtual playback device in Windows. And then combined all audio streams in Linux before it gets sent out to the ODAC?
Furthermore will i be able to use the mic for push to talk in Windows if i need too communicate with people outside of other VOIP programs used in Linux?
Before people question the components I'm well aware of the drawback of the CPUs in gaming but the computer will be used for a lot of CAD and renders as well as the occasional video and RAW photos that will be edited and converted to suitable formats. But too be honest this is my hobby and all of the above is just an excuses to buy something fun :)
P.S. I'm a dyslectic non native speaker so please be kind if you find grammatical errors but don't be afraid to point them out so i learn by my mistakes.