www.erictaylor.me/content/blog/Sun-Ultra-98-Build.md

---
title: Sun Ultra 98 Build
subtitle: Building my linux workstation
author: Eric Taylor
lang: en
toc: true
enable-response: true
---
## Specs

- MB: Gigabyte Vision D-P Motherboard B550
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X 8 Core 16 Thread
- RAM: 64GB System Memory 2x32GB DDR4-3200 PC4-25600 2Rx8 ECC
- GPU: Radeon Pro WX 9100 (Vega 64) 16 GB HBM2 Memory
- STORAGE: 1TB SK Hynix Gold NVMe M.2
- PS: EVGA P6 850 watt 80+ Platinum
- CASE: Sun Microsystems Ultra 27
- [Kingwin USB ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K0RPTN0?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)Other: Kingwin USB hub/media reader on the front panel
- 4 port Intel NIC
- OS: Fedora Workstation

> Inspiration for this build came from [Sun Ultra 24 - Reborn](http://mroach.com/2020/08/sun-ultra-24-reborn/)

## Exterior

[![Case Exterior](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_10_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_10.jpg)

[![Front IO](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_09_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_09.jpg)

[![Rear IO](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_07_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_07.jpg)

Got the case real cheap it is a little scuffed up but  otherwise in good shape. I may try and touch up the scratched paint  someday if I can get a good color match.


## Desktop

[![Desktop](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_06_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_06.png)

[![Visual Studio Workspace](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_05_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_05.png)


## Interior

[![Case Interior](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_04_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_04.jpg)

[![Heatsink and RAM](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_08_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_08.jpg)

[![Wire Harness](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_03_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_03.jpg)

The case was really easy to build in however I did run into a few sags:

1. Most of the cables for the front panel didn’t reach their location on the motherboard necessitating the use of extensions.
2. Front panel power connector required a custom pinout adapter.
3. No place to hide cables.

[![CPU Heatsink and Powersupply](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_02_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_02.jpg)

[![Front Fan](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_01_thumb.png)](./../files/img/sun_ultra98_01.jpg)

I didn't have the correct size fan for the front so I just zip tied it on.

For a workstation motherboard I am a little disappointed that there isn’t  more PCIE slots.  With a video card an and NIC I have only 1 slot left  at the bottom of the case.