I'm looking to switch to Linux because my PC isn't the strongest but I do game on it a lot. I want a distribution that can help improve my performance as someone who's just starting out with Linux. My specs are an Intel i3 3240 CPU, 12 GB of RAM, and I don't have a dedicated video card. What would be a good Linux distribution for me to try?
4 Answers
If you’re up for a challenge, you could consider Arch Linux. Going through the setup might be tough, but it can be rewarding once you get the hang of it. Just remember, it might not be the easiest option out there!
Great question! Arch can be lightweight if you tailor the installation yourself, but Mint is generally more straightforward out of the box.
I recommend trying out Linux Mint, especially the XFCE edition. It’s user-friendly and should run smoothly on your hardware without issues. I’ve been using it for light editing, web browsing, and basic gaming, and it’s been great.
Fedora could also be a solid choice, especially for gaming, but Mint tends to get highlighted for new users. Try it out and see if it fits your needs!
Avoid Arch if you’re new to Linux. It can be quite complex. Stick with something like Mint to get familiar with Linux and the terminal without the steep learning curve.

Is Arch as lightweight as Mint, though? I'm curious about how they compare in performance.