I’m running both a 2600 and a 3600 under Linux. I’ve used Ubuntu, Mint and Debian at various times and run Boinc with each combination with no problems whatsoever.

How nice! And how wonderful of you to think of WCG for a use for your new machine!

As someone running multiple variations of ryzen and epyc architectures on linux, I can mirror the message of the others: AMD is great on linux right now. Actually, many types of workunits are more efficient on linux than on windows, and AMD's greater amounts of L3 cache are a significant benefit for MIP workunits. So, it may be more efficient than running on Windows.

I run linux mint and am pretty happy with it. I've heard that there might be some advantages to clear linux, but I haven't seen an apples-to-apples comparison for WCG use, so I don't know if it's actually any better. I've also heard that the scientific linux distro may offer some advantages, but again, haven't seen an apples-to-apples comparison. Honestly, I think any major linux distro will work pretty well, whether it's ubuntu, mint, clear, or something else.

Hi Bearcat,
I have a long history with AMD CPUs and Boinc for supporting WCG, from Athlon II x4 replaced during Spring 2019 with 2 Ryzen 7 2700 (65W) over 2 Phenom II x6 still working well until now after 10+ years 24/7 operation.
All of them (still) operated with Linux: from Ubuntu 10.04 until 18.04 and several versions of Linux Mint.
Since I do not really appreciate the desktop environment proposed by Ubuntu, I will surely recommend you to use Linux Mint.
Be aware that the newest Linux Mint build - 20.1 Ulyssa - will be released very soon. Maybe, waiting a couple of days will allow you to directly install the most recent version.
As soon as the availability of the Ryzen 9 5900 will improve, I will replace the two Phenom II x6 with this new CPU.
Enjoy your Ryzen with Linux, and happy crunching in 2021,
Yves
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PS: The most important recommendation for smoothly operating crunching machines during years to decade is to secure a very good and efficient cooling: i.e. <65°C CPU temp during Summer months with a low noise ventilation.

Hi Bryn,
I agree with you regarding installing the gnome-panel; however, in the mean time I learn to really enjoy Linux Mint (Cinnamon) and I do prefer the Mint Update Installer with the kernel version view.
I am currently waiting for the final release of Linux Mint 20.1 for my moving my business laptop from Win7 Pro to LM 20.1.
Cheers,
Yves
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PS: I am still keeping one of my (less interactively used) machines with the original Ubuntu for "follow-up" purpose.