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Overview

Amaterasu is Isabel’s primary desktop workstation, configured for high-performance computing with dual-boot support for Windows 11. This system features NVIDIA graphics acceleration, secure boot capabilities, and a dual-monitor setup optimized for productivity and content creation.
Named after the Japanese sun goddess, Amaterasu serves as the main powerhouse for development, media creation, and streaming workflows.

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System specifications

CPU

Intel processor with kernel tweaks enabled

GPU

NVIDIA graphics card with proprietary drivers

Storage

Btrfs root filesystem with separate boot partition

Security

TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and YubiKey support

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Hardware configuration

The system uses a Btrfs root filesystem for advanced features like snapshots and compression, along with a dedicated swap partition: 
fileSystems = {
  "/" = {
    device = "/dev/disk/by-uuid/3a898325-08a7-4f9f-ab19-380765bcaf92";
    fsType = "btrfs";
  };

  "/boot" = {
    device = "/dev/disk/by-uuid/36A9-4288";
    fsType = "vfat";
    options = [
      "fmask=0022"
      "dmask=0022"
    ];
  };
};
Reference: systems/amaterasu/hardware.nix:2-16

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Display configuration

Amaterasu supports a dual-monitor setup with high refresh rate support: 
device = {
  cpu = "intel";
  gpu = "nvidia";
  monitors = {
    DP-1.refresh-rate = 144;
    DP-2 = { };
  };
  capabilities = {
    tpm = true;
    bluetooth = true;
    yubikey = true;
  };
  keyboard = "us";
};
Reference: systems/amaterasu/default.nix:13-26
The primary display (DP-1) runs at 144Hz for smooth gaming and content creation workflows.

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Enabled profiles

Amaterasu uses a combination of profiles to create a full-featured workstation:
  • Graphical: Full desktop environment with window manager support
  • Workstation: Development tools and productivity applications
profiles = {
  graphical.enable = true;
  workstation.enable = true;
};
Reference: systems/amaterasu/default.nix:8-11

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Boot configuration

The system uses systemd-boot with secure boot and multiple optimizations: 
boot = {
  loader = "systemd-boot";
  secureBoot = true;
  enableKernelTweaks = true;
  loadRecommendedModules = true;

  initrd = {
    enableTweaks = true;
    optimizeCompressor = true;
  };
};
Reference: systems/amaterasu/default.nix:31-41

Security features

Secure Boot is enabled with TPM 2.0 support, providing hardware-backed security and measured boot capabilities.

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User configuration

Isabel’s user environment on Amaterasu includes comprehensive media creation and streaming tools: 
home-manager.users.isabel = {
  programs = {
    discord.enable = true;
    ghostty.enable = true;
    chromium.enable = true;
    obs-studio.enable = true;
    fish.enable = true;
    hyprland.enable = true;
    quickshell.enable = true;
  };

  garden.profiles.media = {
    creation.enable = true;
    streaming.enable = true;
  };
};
Reference: systems/amaterasu/users.nix:2-17

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Enabled services

Bluetooth

Wireless device connectivity

Emulation

Virtual machine and emulation support
Printing is explicitly disabled on this system to reduce attack surface and unnecessary services.

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What makes it unique

Amaterasu maintains a dual-boot setup with Windows 11, allowing you to switch between NixOS and Windows for specific workflows or gaming that requires Windows.
As one of the few systems with NVIDIA graphics, this configuration includes proprietary driver support and GPU-accelerated workflows for rendering and streaming.
The 144Hz primary monitor configuration provides a smooth experience for both development and content creation.
With OBS Studio, Hyprland, and streaming profiles enabled, this system is optimized for live streaming and video production.

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