I've recently set up Linux Mint on an external drive and I'm really enjoying it! I use it primarily for programming but I've been trying to game on it too, which has had mixed results. I find myself returning to Windows to play games, and I want to avoid that hassle. I've encountered problems like screen tearing, what seems like increased mouse input lag, and Minecraft running choppily, even when my FPS is high. I've heard that Mint might not be the best for gaming, so I'm curious if there's another distro out there that still has the ease of use Mint offers. I'm not sure about switching just yet since I like Mint, but I'm open to suggestions!
5 Answers
Did you make sure to install the right drivers? You shouldn't face performance issues on Mint, as it's stable for gaming, but if you're experiencing stuttering and tearing, that might be the culprit. It could be worth double-checking everything is up to date!
For gaming, I've heard great things about CachyOS. It's smooth to run and has good performance, especially on laptops! Maybe give that a shot too.
Nobara has been a straightforward experience for me. It had a few initial hurdles, but generally, it's been smooth sailing for a beginner.
If you're focused on gaming, I'd suggest checking out Bazzite. It's specifically designed for gaming, though I'm not sure how well it works on an external drive. It could really enhance your gaming experience compared to Mint!
I'm mainly looking for something that's easy to use, but I appreciate that Bazzite could help with gaming.
You might also want to consider PikaOS. It's based on Debian with some gaming tweaks. It gets updates often, striking a balance between Mint and Arch-based systems, making it a solid choice for gamers.

Yeah, all my drivers are good and everything's updated. Minecraft runs at a high FPS, but it still feels choppy, which is frustrating!