Oxide RFD 284: Loading the Host Operating System

I really think a desktop Oxide machine, with the minimum meaningful hardware to demonstrate why it’s different from a generic amd64 server, would be an interesting idea. At this point I don’t know the exact value proposition of the software side, which is what seems to be very different from what the average system integrator offers.

Maybe just a motherboard if it would be compatible with standard drives, power supply, etc?

The easiest would probably be the smallest plausible set of actual server components in a 5u/tower case, but a custom eATX could go a little further with the cost cutting.

Take a look at [RFD 363](https://rfd.shared.oxide.computer/rfd/0363) which describes our test setup in manufacturing for an individual compute sled. Note that a minibar is a low-volume relatively expensive fixture that does not require UL, CSA, CE Mark, or other certification for use in manufacturing and would not be suitable for general release.

I'd love for Oxide to release something for people to test on PC hardware. Just something you could run on a small installation so you can get familiar with it, a demo so to speak.