Fake Linus builds the perfect Linux machine with the ‘real’ Linus and it becomes unexpectedly cozy
Imagine: Two of the best-known names in the tech world meet, and both are called Linus. One of them created Linux and revolutionized the computer world. The other has 16 million YouTube followers and has been telling us how to assemble PCs for more than 10 years. What happens if the two start a joint project? An almost one-hour video full of hardware, stories and surprisingly much humor.
However, I will start with the debriefing, the video that it is about comes down below.
"From real Linus to fake Linus"
Right at the beginning of the video, the first point is: Linus Torvalds signs a book about himself with the words ‘To fake Linus from the real one’. This sets the tone, these two understand each other. And while Linus Sebastian (the YouTuber) is visibly nervous about meeting his hero, Linus Torvalds (the Linux creator) remains wonderfully relaxed and down-to-earth.
The hardware selection: Surprises included
What would the father of Linux incorporate into his perfect PC? The answer is surprising:
The specs:
- CPU: AMD Threadripper 9960X – Power is needed for kernel compilation
- Motherboard: TRX50 AERO with ECC support
- RAM: 64 GB ECC memory (Kingston, 4800 MT/s)
- GPU: Intel Arc B580 - and here's what's interesting
- Cooling: Noctua NH-U14S – it must be quiet
- Housing: Fractal Design Torrent E-ATX
- Power supply: 1600W Titanium
- Monitor: 6K ProArt Display
The Intel Arc Surprise
Wait a minute, Intel? Not AMD? Torvalds is known for not being a fan of NVIDIA.He once showed the company the middle finger, you may know the video). But AMD would be the ‘classic Linux choice’, as Linus Sebastian notes in the video.
The resolution came later in the comments, as it is not resolved in the video itself: Torvalds needs something for its two 6K displays, but no loud, power-eating gaming GPU. Actually, he wanted an Intel Arc Pro B50 (a workstation card with 24GB VRAM), but that was apparently not available at the shooting date. However, the B580 does’s for the first time and Torvalds was more than satisfied with it.
ECC RAM: You learn from mistakes
A detail that is particularly important to Torvalds: ECC memory. In his last build, he had renounced it and regretted it. After a few years, the kernel ops (Linux crashes) started, presumably due to memory errors. So this time: ECC. Point. For a developer who works on the Linux kernel on a daily basis, reliability is more important than a few frames more in games.
More than just hardware: An Interview for the Heart
The friendly on the video: The PC build is actually just the hanger. Between screwdriver and cable management, the two chat about everything:
How much code does Torvalds write? Virtually none. Of the original 10,000 lines of code of the first Linux version, its share today is less than 2% More than 40 million lines. His main work? Read emails, hundreds a day, and coordinate development.
What is he prouder of: Linux or Git? A difficult question for the man who created both.
What does he think of AI? His opinion is refreshingly pragmatic and realistic; Typically Finnish, as some comment in the video.
Desktop environments? He doesn't care about the bean. The first thing he does after a new installation? Change the wallpaper to its usual image. That’s it.
Social media? No, thank you. Torvalds has zero interest in online presence and prefers to spend time with his family.
The Embarrassing Fanboy Moments
What makes the video particularly charming: Linus Sebastian is visibly nervous and always becomes a total fanboy. The moments when he becomes overly nerdy or his 'Oh my God, I meet my hero' mode breaks through are comedy gold. Torvalds takes’s calmly and you can tell that he is uncomfortable, but he remains polite and humorous.
What we can learn
Linus Torvalds is surprisingly normal despite its mythical status in the open source world. No big gestures, no heroism, no spotlight. He simply wants to develop his ‘hobby’ (the Linux kernel) and otherwise be left alone. And it is precisely this down-to-earthness that makes him sympathetic.
Its hardware philosophy is simple: Reliability before performance, ECC before gaming RGB, quiet before loud. It's not about benchmark records, it's about a computer that runs stable for years and allows it to be productive.
P.S.: By the way, the Arch Linux references in the video were subtly placed. Torvald’s reaction to that? Difficult to interpret. Was it a joke or is there more to it? I don't think we'll ever know. At least he has now clearly confirmed that his favorite distro Fedora is still.
Oh, and he doesn't need any comprehensive UI modifications or gimmicks like the cartoon screen background, Linu's favorite BG looks like this:
The conclusion
This video is more than just a PC build. It is a rare glimpse into the world of thought of one of the most important tech minds of our time. And it shows: Even legends are at the end of the day simply people who like to screw, have good humor and maybe just like their wallpaper.
So, if you have almost an hour and are interested in Linux, PC hardware or just good conversations, watch the video. It's worth it. And who knows, maybe it will inspire you to build your own.
Oh, and if you want to have a little more insight into what kind of person Linus is, then I can also recommend this TED Talk to you.
TL:DR
Linus [Torvalds] Tech tips: Don't forget the ECC RAM in your build, otherwise the ‘real’ Linus will scold you! This is because: Memory errors that cause crashes are not a matter of whether they will occur, but only when.
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