I'm considering switching from Windows to Cachy OS for gaming since I've enjoyed using Linux in the past. I currently have an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, and I've heard mixed opinions about how well NVIDIA cards perform on Linux. My main concerns are whether I'll experience significant performance drops, if DLSS and frame generation will function properly, and the impact of ray tracing on performance. I usually play with max settings, including ray tracing, and drop to DLSS or frame generation if my FPS dips below 45-50. The only anti-cheat game I plan to play is Counter Strike, which I understand runs well on Linux. From my experience with dual booting, I find Linux quite enjoyable. Considering my gaming style, will switching to Linux affect my performance much?
5 Answers
I suggest you check out ProtonDB for game compatibility issues on Linux. It really helps in understanding how different titles perform. My RTX 4070 generally works well, but I did face some hiccups initially, especially with emulators. So just make sure to optimize your settings!
Honestly, I've used Linux for gaming, and I’ve experienced mixed results. While some games run great, others can be problematic. It might be best to test it on a separate drive or dual boot first. That way, if you run into major issues, switching back to Windows is easy.
I play on Manjaro with an RTX 4070 and haven't noticed any performance drops! It's been smooth sailing for me. If you're worried about DLSS or ray tracing, you should still be able to enjoy those features without losing too much performance—at least that's been my experience.
That's good to hear! What about specific settings for DLSS and ray tracing? Do those run well for you?
I’m on Xubuntu with an RTX 3060, and my games run smoothly, especially native Linux titles. If you think you're comfortable losing a few FPS, going with Ubuntu or a Debian-based distro might offer a good balance between performance and stability.
You'll likely be okay! The main issue with NVIDIA on Linux is that their drivers are closed source, which means only NVIDIA can address problems, and they can be slow about updates. Open-source developers typically avoid proprietary code. That said, many users report smooth experiences, so it's not all bad news! Just keep in mind that performance can vary based on your specific setup.
True, the community can't modify the NVIDIA drivers, but that doesn't mean we can't contribute in other areas, and some users have actually improved parts of the driver experience!
That's a great tip! I'm curious, does DLSS and ray tracing still perform well under load?