Linux Challenges Windows 11 for Gaming Dominance
Dedicated user details switch from Windows to CachyOS
The landscape of PC operating systems is shifting, with Linux distributions like CachyOS and Nobara Linux emerging as serious contenders to Windows 11, especially for gamers. Recent benchmarks have highlighted Linux’s growing viability, prompting some enthusiasts to make the switch.
A Windows Power User’s Linux Experiment
Long-time community member Jaffech embarked on a personal journey to transition his gaming PC from Windows to Linux. Driven by dissatisfaction with Windows 11 and the impending end of Windows 10 support, he documented his experience in a detailed reader article, outlining five key stages of his transition.
“Since I am absolutely not a friend of Windows 11 and my laptop with Windows 11 is already a pain for me and my main PC is still on Windows 10, a solution is needed.”
—Jaffech, PCGH-X-Community
His choice for this experiment was CachyOS, a German-developed gaming distribution that has garnered significant attention, even topping the Distrowatch rankings. This decision followed initial positive experiences with Linux via a Steam Deck.
The Transition to CachyOS
Jaffech‘s high-end, custom water-cooled system was prepared for a thorough evaluation of CachyOS. The diary covered the entire process, from initial setup and gaming performance to everyday usability, troubleshooting any issues, and a final conclusion on the distribution.
Early Impressions Show Promise
After two weeks with CachyOS, Jaffech shared initial thoughts, suggesting the adjustment period was less daunting than anticipated. He noted that many functionalities work smoothly, with readily available alternatives for Windows-specific features.
“It is actually not as much getting used to it as initially thought. A lot runs absolutely clean or there are equivalent alternatives. Of course, Linux is a little different from Windows, just like an iPhone is different from an Android phone. But with a bit of learning ability and the generous use of chatt you get along very well, even such ‘more complex’ stories like the NAS were no problem.”
—Jaffech, PCGH-X-Community
He further elaborated on the system’s cleanliness, highlighting the absence of bloatware and unwanted advertising common in Windows. The user expressed a strong inclination to fully switch to CachyOS, contingent on its continued stability.
“As soon as you have gathered and have set up everything you need, it runs clean. I would also say better and cleaner than Windows. And you have no unnecessary bloatware, advertising in the OS, ‘features’ that you don’t want and so on. As of today, I would completely switch to Cachyos today. But I look at this for a while whether it will continue to be as fluff as now and if so, Cachyos changes from the third SSD to my primary.”
—Jaffech, PCGH-X-Community
The PCGH editorial team has opted to direct all comments and feedback to Jaffech‘s original post in the PCGH-X-Forum to encourage direct community engagement.
The ongoing development and accessibility of Linux distributions are rapidly closing the gap with Windows for gaming. For instance, the introduction of technologies like AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 and Anti-Lag 2 are now readily integrated into various Linux gaming environments, enhancing performance and responsiveness. A recent report indicated that Linux gaming revenue is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2027, underscoring its growing market presence (Statista, 2023).
Readers are invited to share their own experiences and opinions on the transition to Linux for gaming in the PCGH-X-Forum.
