How to Find FreeBSD-compatible Hardware?

[sackadoo]

Hi all,
After struggling to get GhostBSD/FreeBSD to work with my laptop, I've decided to, instead, research parts with 100% compatibility in mind and build a desktop system from scratch.

I was reading through the Hardware Notes for 14.3 and frankly, I'm baffled. How can I tell if (for instance) a motherboard is going to work well with FreeBSD? Or do they all work well with FreeBSD? Or is it a matter of looking up each built-in device (Bluetooth, Wifi, etc.) to make sure those things are all supported?

My memory isn't the best, but I could have sworn there was a document called (something like) The FreeBSD Hardware Compatibility Guide and now I can't seem to find it. Have the Hardware Notes taken their place?

 

[cracauer@]

Problem is that the technical specs, especially on laptops, do not contain useful information for this.

In most laptops the wifi chip is on a M.2 exchangeable card. But it might be bound in the BIOS, e.g. on Lenovo.

Wifi sucks in FreeBSD anyway, so if at all possible you should go cabled ethernet. Generally mainboards will work fine. If you want to use CPU-integrated graphics watch that the drivers available support that newness of the hardware.

 

[kpedersen]

You best bet is to read the mailing lists and get a feel for which hardware people tend to be using (and which yield the most issues).

For laptops, I don't think I have ever owned a ~1 year old ThinkPad that has had issues. Possibly the largest issue was the p-state wedging bug (that could be worked around). For workstations, pretty much anything works these days, and anything that doesn't can be ripped out and replaced.

Basically, don't buy gamer crap and you should be fine (it will also look less tacky as a bonus ).

Another option is to look at the Solaris laptop compatibility lists. You can almost be guaranteed that if Solaris supports a laptop, then FreeBSD certainly can! Not because they are similar operating systems, but because Solaris these days sadly represents the lowest common denominator of hardware support.

 

[Beastie7]

You can't go wrong with Lenovo Thinkpads. A maxed out T480 should do you well for the next several years. If you have the cash, an X1 Extreme from the same year is good too. Good luck configuring firmware on that thing though..

Basically, don't buy gamer crap and you should be fine (it will also look less tacky as a bonus ).

The Lenovo Legion laptops are pretty slick looking for gaming laptops IMO.

 

[Phishfry]

Basically, don't buy gamer crap and you should be fine

For a FreeBSD mobile desktop I agree and think you should look at Intel GPU models unless you need a fancy GPU.
They (nvidia) suck so much battery power I think it should be noted. Plus it adds an extra fan in many models.
Then you get to Optimus or how-ever they handle two GPU's. Discreet or whatever the wording. Painful experiences.

Nothing wrong with a gaming rig if you need the juice. Expect extra noise.

 

[Phishfry]

How can I tell if (for instance) a motherboard is going to work well with FreeBSD? Or do they all work well with FreeBSD? Or is it a matter of looking up each built-in device (Bluetooth, Wifi, etc.) to make sure those things are all supported?

Well yes and no.

research parts with 100% compatibility

I don't think a FreeBSD laptop will ever reach 100%.
We have a smaller developer base and struggle with some with things like Bluetooth and Wireless.
So if you are willing to conceed a few options it works wonderful.
Wireless is not so much an issue with Atheros and Intel Modules working well along with many more.
Not 100% speed but working.
You might have to adapt your mindset for FreeBSD desktop.
We are third in line at pickings.
Most laptops developed for Windows. Some for Ubuntu and Linux but few for FreeBSD.
For FreeBSD Intel DRM is glitchy and Suspend States can work badly. Where do ACPI settings even come from?
Some laptops have add on modules like IBM ACPI that detect exotic things like special keyboard items like volume buttons.
It really depends on your expectations.

 

[Phishfry]

How can I tell if (for instance) a motherboard is going to work well with FreeBSD? Or do they all work well with FreeBSD?

This has a search function and offers good insight:

NYC*BUG dmesgd

New York City BSD User Group dmesgd

dmesgd.nycbug.org

So plug your favorite motherboard brand into search and see what shows up.
It will not give you a report of 100% working but does give you a starting point.