### **Background** I'm planning on building a secondary server that can process more intense tasks than my current basic home server. Tasks such as light gaming (think "remote Steam Deck"), and later allowed to be upgraded with a Nvidia graphics card to handle AI tasks, such as LLM and SD. ### **The problem** While I have no problem picking parts to build this as a "desktop computer", **I'm completely lost when trying to make it power efficient for idle load (if it's even possible with a power-hungry Nvidia card).** I'd appreciate some guidance even if it's not a full parts list suggestion! Watching [Wolfgang's videos](https://piped.kavin.rocks/channel/UCsnGwSIHyoYN0kiINAGUKxg) has unfortunately not translated knowledge into practice for me yet. At least I know TDP isn't an absolute determining factor anymore. --- ### **Planning the build** Due to a limited budget, the idea is split the build in 2 phases. #### Phase 1 (gaming): - Budget: $1000 (ideally below ~$800): - Use for local headless gaming (with [bazzite](https://github.com/ublue-os/bazzite)?) - At least as powerful as a Steam Deck - Parts: - APU: - Perhaps: "AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D ($400)" - or "AMD Ryzen 5 7600X ($300)"? - Motherboard: - No specific requirement, will mainly just use the PCIe x16 slot for a single GPU when upgrading in "phase 2". - Okay with gigabit ethernet and basic I/O. - Power supply: - Power efficient power supply that can handle a class 4080/4090 card. - Cooling: - Air-cooled preferred - Storage: - Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD 1TB (~$100) - RAM: - Corsair Vengeance LPX Black DDR4 3200MHz 2x16GB (~$70) - Case: - As long as it fits a large graphics card #### Phase 2 (AI: LLM/SD): - Budget: ~$2000 - After 1-2 years, upgrade with Nvidia graphics card. - Ideally something with 24GB VRAM, like the 4090. - Prefer Nvidia due to compatibility with SD. - Open for suggestion, since wanting a low power draw with a 4090 might sound contradictory. --- In case I missed any crucial information, let me know!