I recently made the switch to Linux primarily due to privacy concerns, but I'm facing some issues with game lag. I realized that my graphics driver is outdated (it was released in 2014). When I consulted my dad about upgrading my GPU, he suggested that the problem lies with Linux rather than the hardware and that I should revert back to Windows. He's mentioned having similar issues with Linux in the past. However, I'm leaning towards sticking with Linux for customization and privacy reasons. What should I do in this situation?
5 Answers
Before you ditch Linux altogether, consider checking the compatibility of your games with Linux. Sometimes, certain games might just not play well with Linux. You can use ProtonDB to see how well your games run on Linux and if there are any tweaks you can make.
Make sure to post your system specs next time! It helps a lot in diagnosing issues. If you haven't already, try updating your GPU drivers, as newer ones can sometimes fix these lag issues. And don't be afraid to experiment with different Linux distributions that might work better with your hardware.
Honestly, your dad might not be entirely right. Linux has come a long way since 2014, and the drivers are usually better now. Your GPU is quite old, and trying to run modern games on it is a tall order. What games are you trying to play?
I've been trying to run "Don't Starve Together" and an open-source HSR launcher, but they both lag a lot.
It really depends on the games and your setup. I've had a smooth experience gaming on Linux with some titles. It might just be a matter of figuring out your specific setup. Have you installed proprietary drivers for your GPU? That might help a lot!
I'm currently using the open-source nouveau driver. Should I switch to a proprietary one?
Your GPU is pretty old for modern gaming. Upgrading to a newer card would definitely improve your experience. Don't just blame Linux; sometimes hardware limits can be the real problem.
Gotcha! I'll make sure to check the drivers and maybe try some other distros.