Building a Compact AMD-Powered FreeBSD Desktop with XLibre X11

A technology enthusiast recently completed a new compact desktop build based on AMD hardware running FreeBSD. The system replaces an older AMD Ryzen 7 1700 setup, which has been repurposed for family use. The new build centers on an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE CPU, an 8-core, 16-thread processor with a 35W TDP, chosen for its balance of performance and efficiency on the AM4 platform. The chassis selected is the Silverstone SG13, a Mini-ITX case slightly larger than the previous SG05 model but still compact, offering a modest 5% increase in volume to accommodate modern components. The build also includes an ASRock B550M-ITX/ac motherboard, a Thermaltake Toughpower Grand 750W power supply with detachable cables, and an ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT 12GB Challenger GPU. The GPU required custom modifications to fit the small case, including trimming the plastic fan shroud and the expansion slot bracket. Storage consists of a 512GB ADATA SU650 SATA SSD and a 512GB Phison NVMe drive, while memory is provided by 32GB of DDR4 3600MHz RAM. The total cost of components was approximately 995 EUR. The system runs FreeBSD 15.1 with the XLibre X11 display server, an alternative to the traditional Xorg implementation. The AMD GPU is supported using the xlibre-xf86-video-amdgpu driver, ensuring proper hardware acceleration without needing to switch to Xorg. Firmware management was handled via FreeBSD's fwget utility, with additional Intel wireless Bluetooth firmware installed to resolve boot-time errors. Performance improvements over the previous system include roughly 25% faster CPU performance and 40-60% better GPU performance, depending on workload. Power consumption measurements show idle power around 39-47W and peak CPU load up to 80W. The builder also upgraded peripherals, including a new HP E271i FullHD monitor with a soundbar. The build process was a collaborative experience with the builder's son, who has shown early interest in programming and AI-assisted development. This project highlights the viability of using FreeBSD with modern AMD hardware in compact desktop configurations, leveraging open-source drivers and alternative X11 implementations for a tailored user experience.