This doesn’t have a lot to do specifically with 2d6 gaming, but it is my new gaming computer, so I thought I’d post about it.

I’ve always been a Mac user. As my old MacBook Pro has become obsolete it has also become clear that for my needs I really don’t need a state of the art, powerful computer. I need a computer that I can do some writing and that will serve as the hub for my RPG hobby online. It must simply be able to run the Roll20.net virtual tabletop, run a good audio stream via Discord app, and easily run three monitors.

I’ve been wanting to streamline the physical setup. I wanted more space on my actual desktop. I wanted fewer wires all over the place during gaming. I wanted room to have my notes and a couple of rulebooks on the desk. I’m like that. I like having all my stuff neat and organized. That’s just how I am.

I considered buying a Mac Mini. I certainly could have. However, I had a PC tower that hasn’t been used for several years. Last time I booted it up, well, let’s just say it didn’t work well. I talked to my friend David, who build computers all the time. He took the machine home, put a new processor in it, and a new video card, and installed Fedora Linux. After some trial and error and settling on an AMD video card the whole thing is now snappy.

So here be the guts…

System: Fedora Linux 44
KDE Plasma Version: 6.7.5
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.30.0
Qt Version: 6.11.2
Kernel Version: 7.2.4-200.fc44.x86_64 (64-bit)
Graphics Platform: Wayland
Processors: 8 × AMD FX(tm)-8350 Eight-Core Processor (2012)
Memory: 32 GiB of RAM (31.3 GiB usable)
Graphics Processor: AMD Radeon RX Vega (2017)
Two 1-TB solid skate hard drives
Left monitor - HP Pavilion 2K 32" Midle monitor - just old non-HD HP monitor
Right monitor - HP Pavilion 27" HD - from my wife’s PhD work days

Since David and our fellow player Randy are both builders of computers and professional IT people, the processor and the graphics card are just spare parts they happened to have. Both were kind enough to help their Traveller referee out for no charge, even though I never expect it and would certainly pay them. It’s worth it.

Besides the fact that this machine does what I need it to do very well, I love that it’s made of spare parts. The processor and the video card are all old, but they are getting the job done like champs! I am the kind of person who, while I may not go buy a Mac Studio for 18 grand, would normally just buy a new machine like a Mac Mini. And of course, in a few years it would be as obsolete as my MacBook Pro has become. This is insane because I ask so very little of my computers. I write on them. I use the browser. I edit a podcast. That’s it really. I simply hate “upgrading” because I can no longer use an updated version of a browser.

The other changes…

• I go a larger desk. Deeper. Wider. It has built-in headphone hangers on either side.
• I switched to a wireless headset - a Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset. Last year’s model, so cheaper. I’m using a USB dongle to connect. Randy uses one of these and I was impressed (for a headset) by the audio quality for its mic. Getting the headphone and mic wires off the desk has made the whole gaming experience a lot less aggravating, which is good!
• I’m using a fairly typical USB-connected Logitech low profile mouse.
• and my cool keyboard is this.

So, my computer environment for online RPGs is really nice now. As soon as I sit down at the nice, neat desk I feel good.

My next project, which is ongoing, is to standardize the tools I use for game prep, which range from little notebooks to Google Docs to Apple Notes. I’m tired of having my notes and materials so scattered.