Hey there! I'm new to Linux and looking for a distribution that works seamlessly with my gaming setup. I had a try with Pop!_OS, but it didn't meet my expectations, so I'm searching for some better options. Here's what I have:
- CPU: Ryzen 7 9700X
- GPU: Gigabyte RX 9060 XT 16GB
- RAM: 48GB DDR5
- Motherboard: Asus B650E
- Storage: 1TB WD Black NVMe
I really need a distro that:
1. Properly supports my 1440p 32" 165Hz monitor
2. Allows for smooth use of Discord with screen sharing and my Elgato mic
3. Has good support for Steam and my controller
4. Provides a smooth performance for both everyday tasks and gaming
With Pop!_OS, I faced several issues like being stuck at 60Hz, problems with 1080p scaling, fan noise from the GPU, and the screen going black unexpectedly. Any recommendations on what to try (or what to avoid) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 😊
3 Answers
For your setup, I strongly recommend trying out Fedora Workstation with the GNOME environment. I'm currently using it with a similar graphics card and it handles 1440p 165Hz beautifully. Many users also like the KDE version, so that could work well too, but I just prefer GNOME myself.
Just a quick question, are you using DisplayPort or HDMI for your monitor connection? It could make a difference in support for higher refresh rates.
You might want to switch your display server to Wayland instead of X11. My issues with refresh rates were fixed after making that change, and it allowed me to use higher refresh rates properly on my installation. It's definitely worth a shot!

Thanks! I'll check that out. Switching to Wayland could really help with the issues I've been having.