Is Linux a Good Choice for Low RAM 3D Work?

Debian is solid but can be a bit challenging for beginners. I'd suggest trying a Debian-based distro that's more user-friendly, like ZorinOS or Linux Mint. Both are pretty stable and cater well to newcomers. Just make sure to verify that the 3D software you need is available on those platforms—Blender is included, but check for Maya and Houdini too.

Linux Mint with the XFCE edition is perfect for what you're looking for. It's easy to use and fits well within the Debian/Ubuntu family. If you're comparing environments, though, I'd recommend Cinnamon over XFCE, as it offers a nicer UI experience. But either way, you'll manage just fine with 16GB of RAM!

With 16GB of RAM, the desktop environment won't be a significant issue. Linux Mint Cinnamon is a great entry point if you're used to Windows. If you're open to exploring, Fedora is another option for newer packages, but I'd stick with an LTS distribution for more stability.

I run MX Linux on a 12GB machine and honestly, switching from Windows to MX has done wonders for performance. Try using Ventoy or Etcher to test your hardware before committing to an install. You might find Linux handles your applications better than Windows.

If RAM usage is a big concern, consider using LXQT with Debian. I run it on a machine with only 4GB of RAM and it's fantastic! Also, Linux Mint Debian Edition is worth a look if you want something based on Debian.