64bit Motherboards are a minefield of config problems

[Jesse Steele]

*Shopping for a 64 bit motherboard for Ubuntu feels like a trip to the 
casino... It affects development and users.
*

*Over**view:*
With the move toward 64 bit -only support, 64 bit motherboards, native 
BIOS settings, BIOS config for Linux, and motherboard manufacturers are 
an important topic.

The questions include: a. what BIOS settings are relevant and b. 
specific issues LISTED BY MANUFACTURER.

*Problem:*
Generally, installing Ubuntu on 32 bit machines has been no problem. 
However, different 64 bit motherboard manufacturers have different 
native BIOS settings, many of which create problems for installing and 
booting to Ubuntu. Every situation can be different.

Searching for solutions on forums is hit and miss. There is no 
semi-comprehensive place/hashtag to search.

Also, there is no central place to verify which motherboards "play well" 
with Ubuntu when installing or making purchasing decisions for which 
motherboards are good. "Recommended for Ubuntu" is not enough, the 
public needs to know information on BIOS and motherboards for THEIR 
SPECIFIC user needs.

*Proposed Solution:*
There needs to be 1. community awareness and 2. a "centralized" database 
for necessary BIOS "settings" and "problems".

The "centralized database" could simply be the hashtag #mb64 ANYWHERE in 
the forums, stack overflow, askubuntu, etc. It does not require work on 
Ubuntu's part, no new Wiki, a hashtag is a first step for now.

*De**velopment:*
Linux installers (the software that installs Ubuntu) also run into 
problems with motherboard/BIOS settings. Good job guys, but I see you 
have your work cut out for you. "Installability" on many different 64 
bit motherboard manufacturers could be lot of work for developers. This 
"centralized" databse will also help streamline development roadmaps for 
Ubuntu installer software on 64bit systems.

Thanks all and love!

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